Mary is the author of the insightful literary gem, “The Chick iIn Charge: Life Lessons, Business Principles, & Inspirational Tools for Optimum Success.” This book is a necessary life tool that infuses the challenges, triumphs, and obstacles in her life to evoke the fire of purpose, vision, and perseverance in the lives of women and entrepreneurs. This book guarantees to change all areas and aspects of life for the better. With an accomplished, educated, and impressive resume of monumental successes that are notable and numerous
A national business mogul, history-making entrepreneur, and global model for womanhood, Mary is changing the world with a global mission of women entrepreneurship, empowerment. Her powerful leadership style, awe-inspiring business accomplishments, and humble background are seamlessly woven together to develop F.A.C.S. University, a holistic incubation program that carries female entrepreneurs from ideation to implementation and ultimately business success.
At age 27, while still working at Danka, Sara spent two years and $5,000 researching and developing her hosiery idea. Upon completing her product, Blakely managed to arrange a meeting with a representative of the Neiman Marcus Group, at which she changed into the product in the ladies-restroom in the presence of the Neiman Marcus buyer to prove the benefits of her innovation. Blakely’s product was sold in seven Neiman Marcus stores as a result of the meeting; Bloomingdales, Saks, and Bergdorf Goodman soon followed. At around this time, Blakely sent a basket of products to Oprah Winfrey’s television program, with a gift card that explained what she was attempting to develop.
In November 2000, Winfrey named Spanx a “Favorite Product”, leading to a significant rise in popularity and sales, as well as Blakely’s resignation from Danka. Spanx achieved US$4 million in sales in its first year and US$10 million in sales in its second year, in 2001, Blakely signed a contract with QVC, the home shopping channel and sold 8,000 pairs in the first six minutes of operation. Today Sara is celebrated as one of the most influential and successful female entrepreneurs in the world with a global impact and market presence.