Silly Inventions That Made Their Creators Surprisingly Rich
Spanx Made $4 Million In First Year
It’s tough to single out the simplest idea on this list, but Spanx would certainly be a top contender. Sara Blakely took just $5,000 from her savings and a pair of pantyhose, transforming them into a $4 million business in its first year alone. Before her groundbreaking idea, Blakely worked as a door-to-door saleswoman selling fax machines—a far cry from the empire she would later build
By 2013, she had become a billionaire, an incredible feat considering she launched Spanx in 1998. Her company continues to thrive today, and she’s even earned a spot on Time’s list of the world’s most influential people. What’s even more impressive? She secured the iconic Spanx trademark for just $150. How’s that for a smart investment? Blakely’s story isn’t just about success—it’s a testament to innovation, determination, and thinking outside the box. Who would’ve guessed that reshaping pantyhose could lead to a global phenomenon?
