JOURNAL ARTICLE

Billionaire Sara Blakely says she launched Spanx with just $5,000 from selling fax machines—and never took on a single investor: 'I bet on myself'.

  • Published In: Fortune.com, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Smith, Dave 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on Sara Blakely's entrepreneurial journey in founding Spanx, a company she built without outside investors. Blakely, who started with $5,000 saved from selling fax machines, created Spanx in 2000 after identifying a personal need for better undergarments. She maintained complete control over her company, which achieved significant sales milestones, including $4 million in its first year, aided by strategic marketing efforts and a feature on Oprah Winfrey's Favorite Things list. In 2021, Blakely sold a majority stake in Spanx to Blackstone at a $1.2 billion valuation, while retaining a significant equity position. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Fortune.com. 2025/09, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:188101581
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