Blakely persevered, and in 2012, she became a self-made billionaire.
And the 45-year-old’s latest project is a book calledThe Belly Art Project, available from October 11.
The proceeds from the book will benefitEvery Mother Counts, an organization dedicated to makingpregnancyandchildbirthsafe for all moms.
Paul Morigi / Getty Images
SELF: What are the three rules you live by?
I try not to take the rules or myself too seriously.
I also trust my gut.
Your inner voice is your most powerful tool.
Its a muscle that everyone has and has to be exercised to get stronger.
Recognize when people are telling you to do one thing but your inner voice is telling you something else.
Take a leap of faith and do what your gut tells youit wont steer you wrong.
What are the biggest mistakes you made in your 20s?
Big hair, big sweaters and stone-washed overalls.
And I loved my yellow tights.
What mistakes did you make in your 20s that you would make again?
I took the risk of quitting my day job and started a brand new career when I started Spanx!
What advice would you give to yourself when you were 25?
What are the healthiest/most consistent habits you do in the morning to help make the day a success?
Every morning I make asmoothieand the secret ingredient is prunes.
My husband thinks I am crazy!
I also start off the morning by making fresh squeezed orange juice for my kids.
What skills did you learn in your 20s that you still use today?
I learned how to sell.
I learned not to take no for an answer.
How did you come up with the idea forThe Belly Art Project?
The result inspired me to share this idea to call attention to supporting moms in safe childbirth.
What is it that you hope to achieve by creating this book?
A movement to support maternal health and a bunch of amazing, hilarious photos of painted bellies.
Can you explain the tie betweenEvery Mother CountsandThe Belly Art Project?
How did you select this charity to benefit from the books proceeds?
When my book launches, 100% of the proceeds will benefit Every Mother Counts.
I am a work in progress, but I aim to be present.
When I am at work I focus on work, when I am home I focus on family.
I prioritize and I delegate.
My husband makes a really good partnerwe divide and conquer.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
