Discover the inspiring journey of Emma Grede, the entrepreneur behind Good American and Skims, as she redefines inclusive fashion and leadership in business.
Emma Grede is one of those names in the fashion and business world that demands attention. Not just for her savvy entrepreneurial skills but for how she has helped redefine what it means to build inclusive, empowering brands from the ground up. If you haven’t heard of Emma Grede yet, you’re in for a fascinating dive into the story of a woman who is reshaping the fashion and beauty industries with fierce determination and a sharp eye for innovation.
Who is Emma Grede?
Emma Grede is a British businesswoman and entrepreneur widely recognized as the CEO and co-founder of Good American, a fashion brand she launched with Khloé Kardashian. She also played a major role in launching Skims, the shapewear brand led by Kim Kardashian, and is the Chairwoman of the 15 Percent Pledge, a nonprofit advocating for racial equity in retail.
What makes Emma Grede stand out isn’t just her partnership with celebrities or her impressive portfolio. It’s her relentless focus on creating brands that speak directly to underserved consumers. Her brands don’t just claim to be inclusive; they are built from the ground up with inclusion at their core. Whether it’s size inclusivity or representation across different races and body types, Emma Grede ensures no one feels left out.
Born and raised in East London, Emma Grede came from humble beginnings. She studied business at the London College of Fashion and entered the industry with a vision that was far ahead of her time. That foresight has paid off in a big way, landing her a spot as the first Black woman guest shark on “Shark Tank” and cementing her status as a true game-changer in the business world.
The Rise of Good American
Good American launched in 2016 with a bold mission: to create high-quality denim that fits women of all sizes. It was a vision brought to life by Emma Grede and Khloé Kardashian, two women who understood how underserved the market was when it came to size-inclusive fashion.
From day one, Good American stood out for its commitment to inclusivity. Unlike other brands that would expand sizing only after initial success, Good American offered a wide size range from the start. This wasn’t a marketing gimmick; it was a core value. Emma Grede built the brand around the belief that women of all shapes and sizes deserve to feel sexy, stylish, and confident.
The brand’s launch was record-breaking. Good American made $1 million in sales on its first day, proving that there was not just a desire for inclusive fashion but an urgent demand. Emma Grede’s strategic vision, combined with Khloé Kardashian’s influence, created a brand that resonated deeply with consumers.
But Emma didn’t stop at denim. Good American has since expanded into activewear, dresses, shoes, and more. All with the same level of dedication to inclusivity. Her leadership has ensured that Good American continues to innovate while staying true to its original mission.
Partnering with the Kardashians: A Smart Strategic Move
Emma Grede’s collaboration with the Kardashian family might seem like a typical celebrity endorsement deal, but it’s far more strategic than that. By teaming up with Khloé and Kim Kardashian, Emma tapped into a powerful cultural force that would catapult her brands into the mainstream.
Her work with Kim Kardashian on Skims, for example, shows just how effective Emma is at identifying market gaps and creating products people genuinely need. Skims wasn’t just another shapewear line; it was designed with real women in mind. Emma helped shape the brand’s inclusive size range and marketing campaigns that celebrated different body types.
The success of Skims speaks volumes about Emma Grede‘s ability to blend celebrity influence with authentic branding. She ensures that these collaborations aren’t just surface-level. They go deep, touching every aspect of product development, messaging, and consumer engagement. Her partnership with the Kardashians is a blueprint in how to blend celebrity with meaningful entrepreneurship.
Championing Inclusivity and Representation
If there’s one word that defines Emma Grede’s approach to business, it’s inclusivity. And it’s not just a buzzword for her; it’s the very foundation upon which she builds every brand.
At Good American, this commitment to inclusivity goes beyond offering a wide size range. The brand’s campaigns are filled with models of all sizes, ethnicities, and backgrounds. There’s no tokenism here—Emma makes sure everyone feels seen and celebrated.
Emma’s work with the 15 Percent Pledge is another testament to her values. The nonprofit urges major retailers to commit 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. As Chairwoman, Emma uses her platform to push for systemic change, making space for underrepresented voices in the world of retail.
Inclusivity isn’t just about marketing for Emma; it’s about action. Whether she’s creating business opportunities for Black entrepreneurs or ensuring her fashion lines celebrate every body, Emma Grede is walking the walk.
Emma Grede on Shark Tank: Breaking Barriers
When Emma Grede appeared on “Shark Tank,” she made history as the first Black woman guest shark. But her appearance wasn’t just about representation; it was about impact. Emma brought her sharp business acumen to the show, offering valuable insights and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs.
Her time on “Shark Tank” revealed just how analytical and strategic Emma is. She doesn’t just invest in ideas; she invests in people. She looks for founders with passion, grit, and a clear vision. Her presence on the show has inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs, especially women of color, who see her as proof that success is attainable.
Beyond TV appearances, Emma’s influence in the entrepreneurial space is growing. She regularly speaks at business conferences, appears in major media outlets, and continues to mentor young founders. Her voice carries weight, and she uses it to advocate for equity in all aspects of business.
Business Philosophy and Leadership Style
Emma Grede leads with a blend of confidence, empathy, and laser-sharp focus. Her business philosophy is grounded in authenticity. She believes that when you stay true to your values, the right people and opportunities will align with your mission.
She’s not afraid to take risks, but every risk she takes is calculated. Emma understands her market intimately, often spending time with customers, reading feedback, and analyzing trends. This attention to detail allows her to innovate while staying deeply connected to her audience.
As a leader, Emma is collaborative and empowering. She builds teams that reflect her values and gives them the freedom to grow. Her approach to leadership is inclusive, making space for diverse voices at the table. And that, in turn, creates stronger, more resilient businesses.
Balancing Business and Motherhood
Emma Grede is not just a powerhouse entrepreneur; she’s also a mom. Balancing her career with family life is something she speaks about candidly. She often emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and making time for what truly matters.
While many entrepreneurs glorify the hustle, Emma promotes a more sustainable approach to success. She believes in hard work, yes, but also in rest, self-care, and being present with family. Her ability to manage both roles is a testament to her discipline and clarity of purpose.
She’s often said that being a mother has made her a better leader. It has taught her patience, time management, and the value of empathy—traits she brings into her professional life every day. Emma’s story shows that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other; you can thrive in both.
Emma Grede’s Impact on Fashion and Beyond
Emma Grede’s impact goes well beyond the brands she has built. She has become a symbol of what’s possible when you blend business savvy with purpose. Her influence is felt in the fashion industry, the world of entrepreneurship, and social advocacy.
She has helped normalize inclusive sizing in mainstream fashion, pushed for better representation in advertising, and challenged the traditional gatekeepers of the retail industry. Emma has also used her platform to elevate other women and marginalized voices, proving that true leadership is about lifting others as you rise.
Emma Grede isn’t just making clothes; she’s making statements. Statements about beauty, about equity, about what it means to be seen and heard. And she’s doing it all while building wildly successful businesses that people love.
Table: Emma Grede’s Brands and Initiatives
| Brand/Initiative | Role | Mission |
|---|---|---|
| Good American | Co-Founder & CEO | Size-inclusive, empowering fashion |
| Skims | Founding Partner | Inclusive shapewear for all body types |
| 15 Percent Pledge | Chairwoman | Advocate for racial equity in retail |
| Shark Tank | Guest Shark | Invest in diverse entrepreneurs |
Quotes by Emma Grede
“Inclusivity isn’t a trend; it’s a requirement.”
“If you’re building something that’s not accessible, you’re not really innovating.”
“Being underestimated is a superpower if you know how to use it.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Emma Grede?
Emma Grede is a British entrepreneur best known for co-founding Good American with Khloé Kardashian and for her involvement in Skims. She is also the Chairwoman of the 15 Percent Pledge and a guest shark on “Shark Tank.”
What is Emma Grede famous for?
She is famous for building inclusive fashion brands and for her collaborations with the Kardashian family. She’s also known for being a business leader who champions diversity and inclusion.
Is Emma Grede on Shark Tank?
Yes, Emma Grede has appeared as a guest shark on the popular show “Shark Tank,” where she invests in startups and offers mentorship.
What brands has Emma Grede worked with?
Emma has worked with Good American, Skims, and Safely. She is also involved in advocacy through the 15 Percent Pledge.
What is the 15 Percent Pledge?
The 15 Percent Pledge is a nonprofit organization urging retailers to allocate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Emma Grede serves as its Chairwoman.
Conclusion: Emma Grede is Just Getting Started
Emma Grede has already achieved what many entrepreneurs only dream of. But what makes her story so inspiring is that she’s not stopping. She’s continually pushing the envelope, expanding her reach, and using her success to lift others.
From her roots in East London to the boardrooms of billion-dollar brands, Emma Grede is proof that vision, grit, and values-driven leadership can change industries. And by the looks of it, she’s just getting started
