From idea to success: how female entrepreneurs create life-changing products

Women have always been inventors at heart - whether or not they get credit for it. Some of the most impactful innovations in our daily lives started because a woman saw a problem and decided to fix it.

I think about my grandmother and so many other resourceful, creative women I’ve known. Women who constantly find ways to make life easier - repurposing objects, coming up with brilliant solutions on the fly - often without even realizing they’re inventing. And now that I’m a mom myself, I see it even more clearly. Being a mom is a lot like being an inventor. Every day, I find myself making little adjustments, coming up with small fixes to make life smoother for my child. It’s what women do - we solve problems.

But here’s the reality: only 13% of patent holders are women. Not because we aren’t inventing, but because so many of us never get the chance to take our ideas further.

We juggle careers, families, and countless responsibilities, leaving little time to navigate the long, expensive, and overwhelming patent process. Then there’s the confidence gap - too many women wait until they feel 100% ready before taking action, when the truth is, no one ever feels fully ready.

So today, I want to celebrate the women who didn’t wait. The ones who pushed forward, despite the doubt. The ones who changed the way we move, dress, and live - without waiting for permission.

Jogbra - The Invention That Let Women Move Freely

It’s hard to believe, but before 1977, if a woman wanted to go for a run, she often had to wear multiple bras just to feel somewhat supported. That’s because sports bras didn’t exist - until Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller, and Polly Smith invented the Jogbra, the very first sports bra for women.

This invention blows my mind. Less than 50 years ago, generations of women couldn’t run, jump, or move comfortably. Imagine having to double (or triple) up on bras just to go for a jog! The Jogbra wasn’t just about comfort - it was about access. It gave women the freedom to move, the confidence to participate, and the ability to fully engage in sports without discomfort.

Its invention came at the perfect time - just a few years after Title IX was passed in 1972. Title IX is a U.S. law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education and sports, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to participate in athletics. The combination of Title IX and the Jogbra helped launch a new era where women weren’t just allowed to play sports - they had the proper gear to do it comfortably and confidently.

Hinda Miller (left) and Lisa Lindahl (right) represent their company and merchandise at a Jogbra Inc. exhibit in 1981. 

The Jogbra revolutionized women’s activewear and became an essential part of women’s workout essentials. It paved the way for the sports bras we wear today - supporting everything from high-impact training to everyday movement. Without it, modern women’s running gear or yoga wouldn’t be what it is today.

Patent: U.S. Patent No. 4,174,717 

https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/journeys-innovation/field-stories/establishing-new-fit?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

Spanx: Reinventing Shapewear and Redefining Confidence

Before Spanx, shapewear was something women endured rather than embraced - bulky, restrictive, and uncomfortable. It was a necessity, not a choice. Then came Sara Blakely, who looked at the industry and thought, There has to be a better way.

With no background in fashion or business, just a simple idea and a whole lot of determination, she created Spanx - comfortable, effective, and body-positive shapewear that actually made women feel good. She created an entirely new category and changed the way women think about support and confidence.

What I love most about Sara’s journey is that she figured it out as she went, proving that you don’t need years of industry experience - just a great idea and the courage to keep going. Her story reminds me that some of the best innovations come from people who simply refuse to accept things the way they are.

Today, Spanx is everywhere - from red carpets to everyday wardrobes. There’s even a joke that Spanx is the most worn designer at award shows, and honestly, it’s probably true! It’s a perfect example of how functional fashion can be both stylish and transformative.

Sara Blakely has been one of my biggest inspirations for years. If I ever get the chance to meet her, I’d love to hear her advice on navigating the startup journey. Over the years, several people have called Etalon “the Spanx of posture”, and honestly? I can’t think of a better compliment.

Spanx patents: https://patents.justia.com/assignee/spanx-inc 

THINX: Period Care Innovation

Periods are a fact of life, yet for so long, the products we’ve had to manage them felt…outdated, uncomfortable, and wasteful. Enter Miki Agrawal, who saw this gap and created THINX - period-proof underwear designed to be a sustainable, comfortable, and stylish alternative to pads and tampons.

I remember the first time I heard about THINX, and my immediate thought was: Where has this been all my life?! The idea of not having to rely solely on disposable products felt revolutionary. It’s one of those inventions that just makes sense, yet it took a woman innovator to actually bring it to life.

Now, as a new mom, I appreciate THINX even more - because it didn’t stop at periods. The brand expanded into postpartum care, offering leak-proof solutions that support women through the realities of motherhood. It’s such a perfect example of women-led innovation naturally evolving to meet real-life needs - because when women invent for women, the results are game-changing.

Patents: https://patents.justia.com/assignee/thinx-inc 

Bala Bangles: Making Movement Effortless

I’ve always loved movement - Pilates, yoga, long walks - but finding time for structured workouts as a busy mom and a founder sometimes can be tricky. That’s why I love Bala Bangles, created by Natalie Holloway in 2017.

Before Bala, fitness equipment was bulky, inconvenient, and uninspiring - something you had to carve out time for rather than something that naturally fit into daily life. But Bala changed that with wearable weights that make movement feel effortless.

It’s a perfect example that the best innovations fit seamlessly into how we already live. Fitness and taking care of your health shouldn’t feel like an all-or-nothing commitment. Bala makes it easy to weave movement into everyday moments - on a walk, during a stretch break, or even while doing daily errands. It’s a small, intentional shift that adds up over time - and that’s what real wellness is all about.

Patent: https://patents.justia.com/assignee/bala-bangles-inc  

Conclusion

Every invention on this list started as a simple idea, a frustration, or a problem that needed fixing. But the women behind them didn’t just stop at frustration - they took action. And that’s what we need more of. Women pushing through doubt, believing in their ideas, and knowing they don’t have to be 100% ready to start.

Whether you have an idea, are building something new, or simply want to support more women-led innovations, know this:

The world needs what you have to offer. Keep going. 

FAQs