Sara Blakely

Throughout history, inventors have found inspiration from the strangest places. For Spanx founder and owner Sara Blakely, the inspiration came from VPL (visible panty lines) and uncomfortable thongs. A frustrated consumer-turned- entrepreneur, Sara invented footless pantyhose, created a national brand and led a shapewear revolution. Obsessed with creating comfortable, slimming garments that minimize figure flaws, Sara has created more than 150 problem-solving products and recently entered the bra business with the ground-breaking Bra-llelujah! In 2006, Sara brought her shapewear know-how to more women with the national launch of ASSETS, a new collection of expertly- designed shapewear and legwear. Continuing to raise the bar with innovative products women want, in 2009 Sara launched Haute Contour by SPANX, a new line of sumptuous shapewear to be seen in. Chances are you've seen Sara flashing her Spanx on QVC, judging inventions on ABC's American Inventor (2006), or sharing tea with Richard Branson atop a hot air balloon at 10,000 feet on Fox's The Rebel Billionaire: Branson's Quest for the Best (2004). As the runner up on "Rebel Billionaire", Sara received a $750,000 check from Branson to pursue her dream to start a foundation to empower women. Since launching the Sara Blakely Foundation in late 2006, Sara has contributed well over one million dollars to causes that support women. As an entertaining and sought-after speaker, Sara shares her story to inspire people to follow their dreams. Sara's story has been featured on everything from The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986), Today (1952), 20/20 (1978), and most recently, CNBC. She has been named Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002 and Georgia's "Woman of the Year" in 2005. Sara recently married Jesse Itzler, and they reside in Atlanta and New York. She is a native of Clearwater, Florida, and a graduate of Florida State University.