Sara Blakely: Thanks for Spanx

Caitlin Plotkin
Gamma Phi Beta

Our next Greek of the Week is actually a very successful, famous alumna.  I think every woman in the world will agree with me in saying that Sara Blakely is our best friend.  Some of you may be thinking, “Who in the world is she?” She is a goddess and the inventor of the most magical product ever created for the female body. What product do I mean: Spanx. For those of you who know what Spanx are, you understand why every woman in the world should be bowing down to her. As for those of you that do not know what they are, they are a brand of tights and undergarments that instantly give you a bangin’ bod! Even some of the Victoria Secret Angels benefit from the magical powers found by using Spanx.  

Every celebrity to ever walk the red carpet has probably created a secret shrine for Blakely.  And yes, even Jessica Alba wears them.  Who else wears this magical creation? Gwyneth Paltrow. Some of you are probably thinking, “her body is already perfect though.” Well, she has Spanx to thank for that.  Adding to the list of A-list celebrities who love this product are Kim Kardashian, Carrie Underwood, Julia Roberts and even ex- model Brooke Shields.  The list could continue on forever!

Without Spanx, and probably a ton of Photoshopping skills, more than half of the photos we see of celebrities in magazines would not look nearly as good! Sara Blakely is a Delta Delta Delta alumna from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.  I am giving her the title of the most amazing Greek woman ever.  Blakely started her business out of her lucky red backpack she used throughout her college years.  After selling her product to Neiman Marcus, Spanx was endorsed by Oprah Winfrey on her talk show.  Oprah has bragged about Spanx and Blakely’s amazing invention more times than Tom Cruise jumped up and down on her couch.  That should automatically make her Greek of the century! How many women can say that Oprah Winfrey has basically put Spanx on her “Favorite Things” list every year since its creation? Very, very few.

Her now multi-million-dollar company has allowed Blakely to start her own foundation to encourage women to get the education they deserve and follow through with their entrepreneurial dreams.  Successful business, incredible philanthropy, and a rocking mom to a baby boy… this woman does it all!

The fact that  Blakely was an active member of her sorority throughout her years at FSU just goes to show what amazing opportunities come out of the leadership and networking skills gained through a sorority.  If I can graduate college and become as successful as she is today, I will have no complaints! Blakely is able to be an active member of her sorority’s alumni, an inventor of a worldwide phenomenon, and an incredible mom. This woman is the ultimate role model for all girls in the Greek system.

Caitlin is a junior studying broadcast news and advertising.  You may contact her at caitlin.plotkin@gmail.com.