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Writer's pictureSkyler Talley

10 Unbelievable Success Stories of Small Businesses That Made It Big

Updated: Nov 2


These 10 tales of small businesses making it big serve as both inspiration and valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here are ten detailed accounts of such incredible success stories:



dollar shave club

1. Dollar Shave Club

In 2011, Michael Dubin and Mark Levine were frustrated with the high cost and inconvenience of buying razor blades. They founded Dollar Shave Club with the idea of delivering high-quality razors directly to consumers at a fraction of the cost. Their breakthrough moment came in 2012 with a witty and humorous YouTube video titled "Our Blades Are F***ing Great." The video went viral, gaining over 12,000 orders within 48 hours and millions of views. The company’s subscription model, combined with clever marketing and a focus on customer satisfaction, led to rapid growth. By 2015, Dollar Shave Club had raised over $150 million in funding and was valued at $615 million. In 2016, Unilever acquired the company for $1 billion, marking one of the most successful startup exits of the decade.



spanx by sara blakely

2. Spanx

Sara Blakely’s journey to founding Spanx began with a personal need for a better undergarment. With $5,000 in savings, she spent two years developing a prototype and faced numerous rejections from manufacturers. Her big break came when she persuaded a Neiman Marcus buyer to try her product in the bathroom, which led to a significant order. Blakely's relentless efforts to get Spanx into stores, combined with a fortuitous mention by Oprah Winfrey, catapulted the brand to fame. Spanx’s success was driven by its innovative approach to women’s shapewear, focusing on comfort and confidence. By 2012, Blakely was named the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire by Forbes, and Spanx remains a leading brand in the fashion industry.



ben and jerrys

3. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, childhood friends with a passion for food, decided to start an ice cream business after taking a $5 correspondence course on ice cream making from Penn State. In 1978, they opened their first scoop shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and creating unique flavors quickly won them a loyal customer base. They embraced social causes and environmental responsibility, which resonated with consumers. By the 1980s, Ben & Jerry’s had expanded beyond Vermont, and their quirky flavors and social activism made them a household name. In 2000, Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s for $326 million, but the company maintained its commitment to social values, continuing to thrive and innovate.



airbnb

4. Airbnb

Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk launched Airbnb in 2008 out of necessity to pay rent by renting out air mattresses in their apartment during a design conference in San Francisco. They created a simple website, AirBed & Breakfast, which allowed them to rent out their space and provide breakfast. Despite initial skepticism and struggles to attract investors, they persevered. A turning point came when they received funding from Y Combinator, which helped them refine their business model and improve their platform. By focusing on building trust and safety through reviews and verifications, they slowly gained traction. Today, Airbnb is a global platform with millions of listings in over 220 countries, revolutionizing the travel industry and valued at over $100 billion.



warby parker eyewear

5. Warby Parker

In 2010, four friends, Neil Blumenthal, Andrew Hunt, David Gilboa, and Jeffrey Raider, identified a gap in the eyewear market: high-quality, stylish glasses at affordable prices. They founded Warby Parker with a direct-to-consumer model, selling glasses online and offering a home try-on program. Their innovative approach and commitment to social responsibility, including a “buy a pair, give a pair” program, resonated with consumers. Their success was fueled by strong word-of-mouth marketing and a focus on customer experience. By 2020, Warby Parker had grown into a billion-dollar company with over 120 retail locations, disrupting the eyewear industry and setting new standards for customer service and social impact.



patagonia built to endure

6. Patagonia

Founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia began as a small company selling climbing gear. Chouinard’s passion for the outdoors and commitment to environmental sustainability shaped the company’s ethos. Patagonia pioneered the use of recycled materials in outdoor clothing and adopted environmentally friendly practices long before they became mainstream. Their “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign in 2011 encouraged consumers to consider the environmental impact of their purchases, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability. Patagonia’s dedication to quality, durability, and environmental activism has earned them a loyal customer base and global recognition. Today, Patagonia is a billion-dollar company known for its innovative products and unwavering commitment to environmental and social responsibility.



mailchimp

7. Mailchimp

Ben Chestnut and Dan Kurzius started Mailchimp in 2001 as a side project while running a web design business. They aimed to provide an affordable email marketing solution for small businesses. Initially a paid service, they introduced a freemium model in 2009, which significantly boosted their user base. Mailchimp’s user-friendly interface and robust features made it popular among small businesses and startups. By reinvesting profits into the company and focusing on organic growth, Mailchimp grew rapidly without external funding. In 2021, Intuit acquired Mailchimp for $12 billion, solidifying its position as a leading email marketing platform.



innocent little tasty drinks

8. Innocent Drinks

In 1999, three university friends, Richard Reed, Adam Balon, and Jon Wright, started Innocent Drinks with a mission to make healthy smoothies using natural ingredients. They tested their product at a music festival, asking customers if they should quit their jobs to make smoothies full-time. The overwhelming positive response led them to pursue their business idea. They faced initial challenges, including securing funding and distribution, but their commitment to quality and ethical sourcing won over consumers. Innocent’s playful branding and transparent business practices contributed to their rapid growth. By 2013, The Coca-Cola Company acquired a majority stake, helping Innocent expand globally while maintaining its core values.



TOMS shoes

9. TOMS Shoes

Blake Mycoskie founded TOMS Shoes in 2006 after a trip to Argentina, where he witnessed the hardships faced by children without shoes. Inspired to make a difference, he created a company based on a “One for One” model: for every pair of shoes sold, TOMS would donate a pair to a child in need. This simple yet powerful concept resonated with consumers and quickly gained traction. TOMS expanded its product line and charitable efforts, impacting millions of lives worldwide. By staying true to its mission, TOMS became a successful and socially responsible brand, demonstrating that businesses can thrive while making a positive impact.



whatsapp

10. WhatsApp

Jan Koum and Brian Acton, former Yahoo employees, founded WhatsApp in 2009 to create a simple, secure messaging app. Initially designed as a status update application, it pivoted to a messaging platform after realizing the potential of real-time communication. WhatsApp’s commitment to user privacy and an ad-free experience set it apart from competitors. Despite facing technical challenges and limited resources, the app’s popularity grew rapidly through word-of-mouth. By 2014, WhatsApp had over 600 million users and was acquired by Facebook for $19 billion. Today, WhatsApp is one of the world’s leading messaging platforms, continuing to prioritize user experience and privacy.


These stories illustrate the power of innovation, perseverance, and a commitment to core values. Each of these businesses started with a simple idea and faced numerous challenges, but their founders' dedication and vision turned them into global successes. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy.

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