Spanx Founder's Six "Unhinged" Hacks to $1.2 Billion Success

Spanx Founder Sara Blakely's Six "Unhinged" Strategies for Success Sara Blakely, the founder of the billion-dollar shapewear company Spanx, recently shared six unconventional strategies she used to build her empire. Starting with just $5,000 in savings, Blakely's journey is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take risks. One of her most memorable strategies was using a Spanx license plate as a form of advertising. "It was a low-cost way to get the brand's name out there," Blakely explained in a recent interview. This unconventional approach, along with her appearance on a reality TV show, helped to generate significant buzz around her product. Another key element of Blakely's success was her direct approach to securing endorsements. She famously mailed a prototype of her product along with a handwritten note to Oprah Winfrey. This bold move paid off when Oprah named Spanx her favorite product of the year in 2006, catapulting the brand into the public eye. Blakely also demonstrated her commitment to her company's success by taking proactive steps to ensure its survival in the early days. She paid friends to buy Spanx in Neiman Marcus stores, ensuring the product's visibility and preventing it from failing. She also shipped early orders in regular envelopes, a cost-saving measure that speaks to her resourcefulness. Finally, Blakely's success also stems from her attention to detail in retail placement. She would personally visit stores and reposition Spanx products to ensure maximum visibility near the cash registers. This hands-on approach shows her dedication to every aspect of her business. Blakely's story is a compelling example of how unconventional strategies and a relentless work ethic can lead to extraordinary success. Her willingness to take risks and think outside the box serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.