""I wanted my clothes to fit better, and so my own butt was the inspiration," Blakely said during Fortune's 2013 Most Powerful Women Summit. "I might be the only woman in the world grateful to my cellulite.""
""They would always ask me the same three questions. They would say and you are? Sara Blakely. And you're with? Sara Blakely. And you're financially backed by? Sara Blakely," she said. "They'd show me the door and say no, thank you.""
Sara Blakely invented Spanx in 1998 by cutting the feet off control-top pantyhose to achieve a smooth look without panty lines or bulky girdles. Blakely had no formal business, fashion, or retail experience and began the venture with $5,000 in personal savings. Multiple hosiery manufacturers rejected the idea and questioned her identity and financial backing. Persistent self-assurance and instinct guided the early development. Direct outreach to major retailers, including Neiman Marcus, helped secure vital retail placement. Practical product design and authentic vision drove consumer adoption and substantial brand growth.
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