Mogul Mondays Has Begun

EVERY MONDAY we're going to highlight a Fashion Mogul that is an inspiration to us all in some way. I mean they've made it so we all need to take note. The 1st mogul up is someone I personally adore for my own personal reasons and that is Sarah Blakely the founder of Spanx!!!  

         

Sarah Blakely is originally from Florida and originally planned to become an attorney but changed her mind after less than stellar scores on the LSAT's. she in turn worked various odd jobs including working at Disney World, stand up comedy and selling doors door to door. The selling door to door was the sole inspiration for creating Spanx alone. After making many self prototypes and shopping the idea around to manufactures who had no interest she moved to Atlanta, and while still working at Danka, spent the next two years and $5,000 she had set aside in her savings researching hosiery patents and visiting craft stores to find the right material for her product. Eventually coming upon a solution, she wrote her own patent from a Barnes & Noble textbook and incorporated her company under the name Spanx. She eventually found a hosiery factory in Asheboro, North Carolina, which was willing to make her product. She successfully pitched her idea to Neiman-Marcus by personally taking the buyer to the ladies restroom to show her the benefits of Spanx in person. Bloomingdales, Saks, and Bergdorf Goodman soon followed. She handled all aspects of the business from marketing, logistics, and product positioning (preferring that Spanx be sold alongside shoes rather than in hosiery). In November 2000, Oprah Winfrey named Spanx her favorite product of the year and sales took off; soon after Blakely resigned from Danka. Spanx had $4 million in sales in its first year and $10 million in sales in its second year.In 2001, she signed a contract with QVC, the home shopping channel, where she sold 8,000 pairs in the first six minutes.

SARAH DID IT!!! She worked hard and persevered; and at a young age came with something unique and made a way for herself. at 42 years old she is still a young designer and a billionaire to boot!! 

Sarah also has a philanthropic side since Spanx started she has been putting money aside and in 2006 she launched the Sara Blakely Foundation to help women through education and entrepreneurial training.

Sarah inspires me to continue to be different and motivated as well as reminds me that even if I become MAJOR 15 years from now I will still be young in fashion years so I will continue to strive for my dreams. I know I can make it!!! 

Fashionably Yours,

ImaniLia