Emma Grede, a fashion designer and British businesswoman, has established a distinguished career in entrepreneurship, accumulating an immense fortune that surpasses $300 million.
Her trajectory, characterized by fortitude and ingenuity, functions as a source of motivation for anesthetized entrepreneurs.
From Quintessentially to Good American: A Profession Odyssey
Emma’s professional trajectory took an unexpected turn following her graduation from college. Before gaining prominence as a fashion show and events producer for Inca Productions, she entered the realm of concierge services at Quintessentially.
The critical juncture occurred in 2008 when Emma, then 24 years old, established Independent Talent Brand (ITB) Worldwide, an entertainment marketing and talent management organization headquartered in London. ITB’s acquisition by Rogers & Cowan a decade later cemented Grede’s position as an industry titan.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emma Findlay Grede |
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1982 |
| Birthplace | Plaistow, East London, England |
| Parents | Jenny-Lee Findlay (Mother) |
| Father (Black Jamaican and Trinidadian) | |
| Siblings | Three younger sisters: Charlotte, Rachelle, Katie-Beth |
| Education | London College of Fashion (Enrolled at age 16, dropped out) |
| Career Highlights | – Founder and CEO of ITB Worldwide (2008) |
| – Co-founder and CEO of Good American (2016) | |
| – Founding partner and Chief Product Officer of Skims (2019) | |
| – Co-founder of Safely (2021) | |
| Net Worth (2024) | $300 million |
| Marital Status | Married to Jens Grede (Swedish entrepreneur) |
| Children | Four children: Grey, Lola, Lake, and Rafferty |
| Residences | – Malibu holiday home (Purchased in 2022 for $35 million) |
| – Bel Air mansion (Worth $24 million) | |
| Recognition | Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in Marketing & Advertising |
| Chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge | |
| Appearances | Guest investor on Dragons’ Den (February 1, 2024) |
| Guest investor on Shark Tank (USA) |
Grede presented Kris Jenner with an avant-garde denim concept during Paris Fashion Week in 2015. This encounter catalyzed the establishment of Good American, a women’s apparel enterprise that was jointly founded with Khloé Kardashian, in 2016.
On its inaugural day, Good American amassed one million dollars in denim merchandise sales, with an emphasis on body positivity and size inclusivity.
Over time, the brand has expanded its product line to include footwear, swimwear, activewear, and costumes. Significantly, Grede was instrumental in the introduction of the size 15 jeans, which catered to an assortment of body types.
Emma’s enterprising nature transcends the realm of Good America. She continues to influence the fashion industry as a founding partner and chief product officer of Skims, a shapewear brand co-founded in 2019 by her spouse Jens Grede and Kim Kardashian.
Furthermore, in March 2021, she collaborated with Kris Jenner and Chrissy Teigen to introduce the Safely brand, which specializes in plant-based personal care and cleaning products.
The Woman Responsible for Fortune
The net worth of Emma Grede serves as evidence of her astute investments in critical enterprises. She possesses an 8% stake in Skims, a 23% stake in Good American, and a 22% stake in Safely, with an estimated fortune of $300 million.
The individual’s acumen in finance highlights her significant contribution to the triumph of these enterprises.
Emma Grede has achieved significant success and recognition throughout her career. Here are some of her notable achievements:
- Founder and CEO of ITB Worldwide (2008): Emma founded and served as the CEO of Independent Talent Brand (ITB) Worldwide, a London-based talent management and entertainment marketing agency. The company was later acquired by Rogers & Cowan in 2018.
- Co-founder and CEO of Good American (2016): Emma, in partnership with Khloé Kardashian, launched Good American, a women’s clothing company that emphasizes size inclusivity and body positivity. The company achieved remarkable success, selling a million dollars of denim merchandise on its opening day.
- Founding Partner and Chief Product Officer of Skims (2019): Grede is a founding partner of Skims, a shapewear brand co-founded by her husband Jens Grede and Kim Kardashian. She holds the position of Chief Product Officer in the company.
- Co-founder of Safely (2021): Alongside Kris Jenner and Chrissy Teigen, Emma co-founded Safely, a brand of plant-based cleaning and self-care products. The initiative emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by Grede’s desire for safe products for her own family.
- Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in Marketing & Advertising: Emma Grede received recognition as one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in the Marketing & Advertising category, showcasing her impact and influence in the industry.
- Chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge: Emma serves as the chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, an initiative urging retailers to dedicate at least 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands, emphasizing diversity and inclusion.
- Guest Investor on Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank: Emma appeared as a guest investor on Dragons’ Den (February 1, 2024) in the UK and also participated as a guest investor on the US show Shark Tank.
An Excavation of Emma’s Childhood
Emma, who was reared in the Plaistow neighborhood of East London, originated from modest circumstances. As a teen, she performed a variety of odd tasks under the guidance of her single mother, who instilled in her the virtues of perseverance and self-control.
Notwithstanding financial limitations, she matriculated at the London College of Fashion when she was 16 years old. Her apprenticeships at renowned institutions such as Gucci provided her with invaluable practical experience.
Although Grede was unable to complete her degree due to her chosen path, her determination and innovative vision laid the foundation for her subsequent achievements.
A Professional and Personal Symbiosis
Emma Grede’s professional and personal life are intricately intertwined. Their partnership transcends mere romanticism, as Jens Grede, the CEO of Skims and a Swedish entrepreneur, is their spouse.
They have four children collectively: Grey, Lola, and the twins Lake and Rafferty. Their partnership transcends domains including fashion, business, and family, exemplifying an integrated amalgamation of personal and professional accomplishments.
The enduring legacy of Emma Grede
Emma Grede’s substantial net worth serves as more than a mere numerical value; rather, it signifies her resolute dedication to pioneering endeavors and her positive influence within the fashion and lifestyle sectors.
Emma Grede’s narrative serves as a paradigm shifter for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the profound impact that perseverance, ingenuity, and a strategic outlook can have in the relentless quest for achievement.
