Summary
Emma Grede is the British entrepreneur behind some of the most successful brands in the world today. As the co-founder of the $5 billion company Skims, she has become a major figure in the fashion and business world. Her journey to the top began with a single, brave phone call to Kris Jenner to pitch a new idea. This bold move led to a partnership that changed her life and the clothing industry forever.
Main Impact
The main impact of Emma Grede’s work is seen in how she changed the way fashion brands think about size and inclusion. By partnering with the Kardashian family, she helped create businesses that cater to women of all shapes and sizes. Her success shows that having a great idea is only half the battle; the other half is having the courage to act on it. Today, she is not only a wealthy business owner but also a mentor for the next generation of creators.
Key Details
What Happened
In 2015, Emma Grede was running a talent agency that worked with stars in London and Los Angeles. She had a vision for a denim brand called Good American that would focus on being inclusive for all body types. She felt Khloé Kardashian was the perfect person to help lead this brand. Instead of waiting for someone to introduce them, Grede called Kris Jenner directly to pitch the idea.
During the call, Jenner asked when Grede would be in Los Angeles to talk in person. Even though she had no plans to travel, Grede told a small lie and said she would be there the following week. She quickly booked a flight and made the meeting happen. That meeting led to the launch of Good American, which became a massive success immediately.
Important Numbers and Facts
- $5 Billion: The current valuation of Skims, the shapewear company Grede runs with Kim Kardashian.
- $1 Million: The amount of money Good American made on its very first day of sales, making it the biggest denim launch ever.
- 12 Years Old: The age when Grede started her first job delivering newspapers.
- Firsts: Grede was the first Black female investor to appear on the popular TV show Shark Tank.
Background and Context
Emma Grede grew up in East London and did not come from a wealthy background. She credits her success to her "audacity," which means her willingness to take bold risks. From a young age, she was never afraid to ask for what she wanted. When she wanted to work in the theater as a teenager, she hand-delivered letters to offices when her mail was ignored. While working in clothing shops, she would talk to every customer to find out where they worked and if they needed an assistant.
She believes that many people have good ideas, but very few people actually take the steps to make those ideas real. For Grede, the fear of failing was never as strong as her desire to move forward. She spent years working in different roles, from event production to sponsorship, picking up new skills at every stop.
Public or Industry Reaction
The business world has taken notice of Grede’s unique ability to build brands that connect with modern shoppers. Industry experts often point to her work with Skims and Good American as the gold standard for celebrity-led businesses. Unlike many other brands that just use a famous name, Grede’s companies are known for high-quality products and a clear message. She has also gained respect for her work with the Obama Foundation and her efforts to help other minority business owners find success.
What This Means Going Forward
Grede is now using her platform to help young people who are struggling to find their way in the job market. She advises young workers to focus on "forward motion" rather than waiting for the perfect dream job. She suggests that skills learned in one industry, like retail or advertising, can easily be used in another. Her message is clear: stop talking about your plans and start doing them. As she continues to grow her empire, she remains focused on mentorship and helping others build their own paths to success.
Final Take
Emma Grede’s story proves that being bold is often the most important part of being a successful entrepreneur. By making a difficult phone call and showing up when it mattered, she turned a simple idea into a multi-billion dollar reality. Her life shows that you do not need a perfect background to reach the top; you just need the drive to keep moving forward and the courage to say "yes" to every opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Emma Grede start her partnership with the Kardashians?
She made a cold call to Kris Jenner in 2015 to pitch a denim brand. She even lied about being in Los Angeles the following week just to make sure she got a face-to-face meeting.
What is Emma Grede’s advice for young job seekers?
She tells them to focus on transferable skills and "forward motion." She believes it is better to take any job and learn from it than to wait around for a perfect role that might never come.
What companies does Emma Grede run?
She is the co-founder and CEO of Good American and the co-founder of Skims. she is also involved with other brands like Safely and Khy.
