'Spanx' Founder Makes Bizarre Admission That Has Customers Stunned

If you’ve ever squeezed yourself into a pair of Spanx, you’ll probably understand their appeal. They’re a tight-fitting glove that promises to smooth your body into a svelte shape for the fancy garment of your choice. The person behind this billion-dollar business is Sara Blakely, and she’s been the outspoken, passionate leader of Spanx since its start. Recently, she reflected on her rise to the top — and her story is putting the company in a whole new light.

Self-made Woman

Joining the World’s Billionaires list at 41 makes Sara the youngest woman to be a part of the list without an inheritance or wealthy partner — and she owns 100% of Spanx, without any debt or investments from outsiders! She also refuses to advertise her shapewear. So how did she even get people interested?

One-Woman Show

Creating a company from scratch required Sara to put in work. She sold Spanx in the Neiman Marcus lobby alongside a before-and-after image of herself wearing the product. This tactic worked. Spanx’s growth was driven by Sara’s drive and innovation.

We’re Taking Over

Now the company is managed by hundreds of people, a majority of them being women. They offer more than 200 different styles of shapewear, bras, underwear, leggings, and even menswear that are sold at thousands of stores globally.

Keeping Up the Pace

Sara's ability to completely throw herself into her business helps Spanx continue to thrive. “I’m game for anything,” Sara said. “The company has to pull me back.” Yet, before developing her clothing line, Sara never thought of herself as an inventor.