Sara Blakely

Blakely launched Spanx in 2000 after putting $5,000 of savings into developing a specific undergarment she wanted to wear herself. She kept selling fax machines while researching patents and seeking a manufacturer. Early department-store orders and Oprah Winfrey's exposure helped turn a narrow product into a lasting brand. Her sales experience and the manufacturers who solved production problems belong in the explanation alongside the small opening budget.