Summary
Emma Grede is a British business leader who helped build the $5 billion company Skims. Her journey to the top began with a single, bold phone call to Kris Jenner in 2015. By taking a chance and pitching a new idea directly to the Kardashian family, she turned a vision into a massive business empire. Her story highlights how being proactive and taking action can lead to life-changing opportunities.
Main Impact
The partnership between Emma Grede and the Kardashian family has completely changed the fashion and shapewear markets. Skims, the brand she co-founded and runs with Kim Kardashian, is now worth an estimated $5 billion. This success has made Grede one of the most successful self-made women in business today. Her work has also pushed the fashion industry to be more inclusive by offering more sizes and styles for different body types.
Key Details
What Happened
In 2015, Emma Grede was running a talent and entertainment agency. She had a strong idea for a denim brand that would fit women of all shapes and sizes. She felt that Khloé Kardashian was the perfect person to partner with because Khloé had often spoken about the difficulty of finding trendy clothes for curvy figures. Instead of waiting for a formal introduction, Grede decided to call Kris Jenner, the manager of the Kardashian family, to pitch the idea herself.
During the call, Jenner asked Grede when she would next be in Los Angeles to talk in person. Although Grede was living in London and had no plans to visit soon, she told a small lie and said she would be there the following week. She immediately booked a flight, attended the meeting, and secured the partnership. This led to the launch of Good American, which became a massive hit.
Important Numbers and Facts
The results of that first meeting were record-breaking. When Good American launched its denim line in 2016, it sold $1 million worth of products on the very first day. This was the biggest denim launch in the history of the clothing industry. Since then, Grede has expanded her reach. She is now a board member for the Obama Foundation and was the first Black female investor to appear on the television show Shark Tank. She also works with other brands like Safely and Khy, and recently started a mentorship program with tennis star Coco Gauff.
Background and Context
Emma Grede did not come from a wealthy background or have special connections when she started. She grew up in East London and began working when she was only 12 years old. Her first job was delivering newspapers, followed by shifts in a deli and several clothing stores. She spent years doing work experience in PR agencies and fashion production companies. She believes that every small job she had taught her something useful that she could use later in her career.
She describes herself as having "audacity," which means she is willing to take bold risks that others might avoid. For example, when she was a teenager, she would hand-deliver letters to theater offices when they didn't answer her mail. She also used her time working in retail to talk to every customer, asking them about their jobs and offering to help them with their projects. This habit of constantly looking for the next step helped her move from being an employee to owning her own company.
Public or Industry Reaction
The business world has taken notice of Grede’s unique approach to building brands. Many experts point to her ability to combine celebrity influence with high-quality products as the reason for her success. Unlike many celebrity brands that fail quickly, Grede’s companies focus on solving real problems for customers, such as finding the right fit. Her role on Shark Tank has also made her a role model for many young entrepreneurs who want to follow in her footsteps.
What This Means Going Forward
Grede is now using her platform to give advice to the next generation of workers, specifically Gen Z. Many young people are currently struggling to find jobs or feel stuck in their careers. Grede advises them to focus on "transferable skills." This means learning skills in one job—like talking to customers or organizing schedules—that can be used in a completely different industry later on.
She also tells young people to "kill their darlings." This is an old saying that means you should be willing to let go of your favorite ideas or your perfect plan if they are holding you back. She believes it is more important to keep moving forward than to wait for the perfect opportunity. By taking any job and working hard, a person can build the momentum they need to eventually reach their dream goal.
Final Take
Emma Grede’s rise to the top shows that a great idea is only the beginning. The real secret to her $5 billion success was her willingness to make a phone call and show up when it mattered. She proves that you do not need to wait for someone to give you a chance; sometimes, you have to create that chance yourself through hard work and a bit of bravery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Emma Grede start her business with the Kardashians?
She made a cold call to Kris Jenner to pitch an idea for a denim brand. She then flew from London to Los Angeles on short notice to meet with them and turn the idea into a reality.
What is Emma Grede’s net worth or company value?
While her personal net worth is in the millions, the company she runs, Skims, is valued at approximately $5 billion. Her first major brand, Good American, also made $1 million on its first day of sales.
What advice does Emma Grede have for job seekers?
She encourages people to be bold and proactive. She suggests focusing on learning skills that can work in many different jobs and emphasizes that moving forward is more important than finding a perfect role right away.
