How did Sara Blakely invent Spanx?

Sara Blakely invented Spanx through a combination of innovation, strategic thinking, and creative marketing. The idea for Spanx emerged when Blakely cut the feet off her pantyhose to wear under a pair of cream-colored pants, aiming for a smooth look without visible panty lines. This makeshift solution spotlighted the need for a new kind of undergarment that didn't exist in the market.

Blakely then spent two years developing the product and strategizing its launch. She faced challenges in naming the brand, eventually choosing "Spanx" which was memorable and slightly humorous. The 'k' sound played a significant role in the name, influenced by her observation that well-known brands like Kodak and Coca-Cola contained this sound, which is also favored in comedy for its punchiness.

Without funding for advertisement, she used the terms "invent" and "patent pending" as sales tactics to make her product sound more credible and innovative. Blakely’s unique approach to marketing, such as paying friends to buy Spanx to create buzz and the strategic placement of products in stores, was crucial for her brand's early success. The spontaneous and memorable brand name, Spanx, was also a risk at the time but ultimately played a key role in the product's market identity 1 2 3 4.