Emma Grede has been making waves in the media, with features in Forbes, Inc., CNBC, Glamour, People, and Elle. Her successful companies, including Good American ($155 million revenue in 2021), SKIMS ($154 million valuation), and Safely (launched in March 2021), have been the talk of the town.
What’s even more impressive is that Grede, a woman of color from East London raised by a single mom, has carved out this success without the typical Ivy League or Silicon Valley background. Her story is a testament to hard work and dedication to creating exceptional products and experiences for customers.
In our interview, Grede shared valuable advice for early-stage founders, emphasizing the importance of making decisions based on kindness and authenticity, and building strong relationships to support success.
The School of Life
Grede’s journey began at the age of 13 when she started delivering newspapers. Despite average grades in school, she earned a spot at the London College of Fashion, where her passion for the fashion industry blossomed. Working in various roles in the industry, including at Inca Productions, Grede found her strength in understanding the business side of fashion and forging partnerships between celebrities and high fashion labels.
After leading ITB as CEO and selling the company, Grede embarked on a new venture with Khloe Kardashian, launching Good American.
Kardashian Konnection
Grede’s idea for Good American stemmed from the lack of inclusivity in fashion for plus-sized women. She aimed to create a line that catered to all sizes and backgrounds authentically. Partnering with Kim Kardashian West for SKIMS and Kris Jenner for Safely, Grede’s ventures have focused on diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Listen to Emma Grede’s Interview:
Keep Learning and Adapting
Grede’s success lies in her ability to listen to customer feedback and incorporate it into her business decisions. By staying connected to her customer base, she ensures her products and experiences meet their needs.
Even when faced with challenges, such as the backlash over the name of Kim Kardashian West’s shapewear line, Grede remains adaptable and responsive to feedback, rebranding the company as SKIMS.
Diversity and Decisions
Grede’s commitment to diversity extends beyond her companies to her advocacy work with The Fifteen Percent Pledge. By encouraging corporations to dedicate shelf space to Black-owned brands, Grede aims to create economic opportunities and empower communities.
Mission Accomplished
Despite her unconventional path, Emma Grede’s success serves as a testament to hard work, integrity, and a dedication to creating impactful solutions. By valuing diversity, listening to customers, and staying true to her principles, Grede has built a thriving business empire that resonates with a diverse audience.
Source: ( foundr.com / Financementality.com )