Sara Blakely (1971–present)

Question 1

What company did Sara Blakely found in 2000?

Answer 1

Spanx

Question 2

How much savings did Sara Blakely use to start Spanx?

Answer 2

$5,000

Question 3

What product idea sparked the creation of Spanx?

Answer 3

Cutting the feet off pantyhose for a smoother look under white pants.

Question 4

What was Sara Blakely’s job before founding Spanx?

Answer 4

She sold fax machines door-to-door.

Question 5

In what year did Sara Blakely become the youngest self-made female billionaire?

Answer 5

2012

Question 6

What TV show helped boost Spanx’s popularity in its early years?

Answer 6

Oprah’s Favorite Things

Question 7

Which major philanthropic pledge did Sara Blakely join in 2012?

Answer 7

The Giving Pledge

Question 8

How did Sara Blakely handle marketing in the early years of Spanx?

Answer 8

She relied on word of mouth and product placement, without spending on traditional advertising.

Question 9

Before Spanx, what profession did Sara Blakely briefly pursue to help make ends meet?

Answer 9

Stand-up comedy

Question 10

What did Sara Blakely study at Florida State University?

Answer 10

Communications

Question 11

Why did Sara Blakely decide not to pursue a career in law?

Answer 11

She scored poorly on the LSAT.

Question 12

Which department store was the first to stock Spanx after Sara Blakely pitched her idea?

Answer 12

Neiman Marcus

Question 13

What challenges did Sara Blakely face while trying to develop her Spanx prototype?

Answer 13

Rejection from manufacturers and investors.

Question 14

How did Sara Blakely’s work revolutionize the shapewear industry?

Answer 14

She created a more comfortable and effective undergarment for women.

Question 15

During which time period did Sara Blakely launch Spanx?

Answer 15

Late 1990s to early 2000s

Question 16

Why is Sara Blakely considered a role model for women in business?

Answer 16

She became a self-made billionaire through creativity, perseverance, and empowering women in business.

Question 17

What did Sara Blakely pledge to do with half of her wealth?

Answer 17

Donate it to charity through the Giving Pledge.

Question 18

Which environment influenced Sara Blakely’s success with Spanx?

Answer 18

A time when female entrepreneurship and innovation were growing, and fashion norms were shifting.

Question 19

How is Sara Blakely’s legacy remembered today?

Answer 19

As a pioneer in women’s fashion and a role model for female entrepreneurs.

Question 20

What is one funny fact about Sara Blakely’s early career?

Answer 20

She worked as a stand-up comedian before founding Spanx.