Career & Net Worth Of Sara Blakey

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Career & Net Worth Of Sara Blakey

Sara Treleaven Blakely, commonly known as Sara Blakey, is a highly influential figure in the business world, known for her successful company Spanx and her philanthropic efforts.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Spanx has become a popular brand for its innovative and comfortable intimate apparel, including pants and leggings.

Blakely’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she was named in Time magazine’s “Time 100″ list of the most influential people in the world in 2012.

Early Life And Education

Sara Treleaven Blakely was born on February 27, 1971, in Clearwater, Florida, United States. She is the daughter of John and Ellen Blakely and has a younger brother, Ford Blakely.

Sara completed her high school education at Clearwater High School before earning a degree in communications from Florida State University. She is of White ethnicity and practices Judaism, having converted after her marriage.

Career

Sara Blakely’s career began with a vision to revolutionize the shapewear industry. In 2000, she launched Spanx with just $5,000 of her own savings, initially selling her products door-to-door.

With her sales experience gained from working at Danka, where she was a national sales trainer, Blakely’s persistence and entrepreneurial spirit led to her breakthrough when Oprah Winfrey featured Spanx as one of her “Favorite Things.”

This publicity rapidly elevated the brand, and within two years, Spanx achieved $10 million in sales, setting the foundation for its continued growth. As the CEO and driving force behind Spanx, Blakely expanded the brand beyond shapewear to include leggings, swimwear, and other innovative products.

Her leadership transformed Spanx into a billion-dollar company, and by 2012, Blakely was recognized by Forbes as the youngest self-made female billionaire. She attributes much of her success to a business philosophy rooted in humor, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to empowering women.

Blakely has remained deeply involved in every aspect of her business, from product design to marketing strategies, ensuring that Spanx reflects her vision for women’s confidence and comfort.

Alongside her business success, Blakely is a committed philanthropist.

She founded the Sara Blakely Foundation to support women’s education and entrepreneurship, and in 2013, she became the first female billionaire to join the “Giving Pledge,” vowing to donate at least half of her wealth to charitable causes.

Her philanthropic initiatives focus on supporting educational opportunities for women and helping female entrepreneurs, particularly during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her generosity and dedication to creating positive change, Blakely continues to inspire both business leaders and philanthropists alike.

Personal Life

Sara Blakely is married to Jesse Itzler, the co-founder of Marquis Jet, whom she met at a charity poker tournament in 2006. The couple tied the knot in 2008 and have four children, including Lazer Blakely Itzler.

Before their marriage, Blakely converted to Judaism. Together, they share a strong personal and professional partnership, co-owning the Atlanta Hawks basketball team.