It’s every woman’s secret weapon: Underwear that makes you look thinner. But while shaping underwear has slimmed and flattened women the world over, it’s also made its founder Sara Blakely a billionaire.
At 41, Sarah Blakely has just become the youngest, female, self-made billionaire in the world. Not bad for someone who failed law school admission tests twice and went on to work as a meeter-and-greeter for Disney. Her next role as a door-to-door salesperson for an office equipment supplier in Florida saw her rise through the ranks to national sales manager.
Like all the best inventions, Blakely’s epiphany came when she found she needed a product that didn’t yet exist. A side line in stand-up comedy saw her stuck with what to wear for a show one night. Her white trousers allowed her normal underwear to be seen – the dreaded VPL (visible panty line).
