Which entrepreneur founded Spanx after inventing footless control hosiery?

Sara Blakely founded Spanx after inventing footless control hosiery.

Blakely developed the idea in 1998 after cutting the feet from a pair of control-top pantyhose so they would work better under white trousers. She researched patents and fabrics herself, then invested $5,000 of personal savings to develop and launch the product.

Spanx was founded in 2000 and initially sold shaping undergarments directly to consumers and through retailers. Blakely’s sales approach included demonstrating the product and personally contacting buyers, helping the company gain early retail placement.

The idea was simple but addressed a practical clothing problem that existing hosiery did not solve neatly. Blakely retained ownership of Spanx for many years, and the company’s success made her one of the best-known self-made women entrepreneurs in the United States.