Emma Grede, a powerhouse entrepreneur with a net worth of approximately $360 million and aged 42 as of 2024, has transformed the fashion and retail industry with her strategic business ventures. As the co-founder and CEO of Good American and a founding partner of SKIMS, she has positioned herself as a leader in inclusive and sustainable fashion. Notably, she made history as the first Black woman to serve as an investor on Shark Tank, where she continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs.
Who Is Emma Grede?
Emma Grede was born in 1982 in London, United Kingdom, and grew up in a working-class household under the care of her single mother, Jenny-Lee Findlay. She developed an early interest in fashion, which led her to enroll at the London College of Fashion at 16. Her professional journey began with internships at Gucci and other high-profile brands before she ventured into business on her own.
What Sparked Emma Grede’s Interest in Business?
After leaving school before completing her degree, Emma’s talent for leadership became evident when she started working with fashion enterprises like Gharani Strok and Inca Productions. Recognizing her ability to connect talent with high-end brands, she founded ITB Worldwide in 2008, a marketing agency specializing in celebrity endorsements. Under her leadership, ITB attracted top clients such as H&M, Tommy Hilfiger, and YSL Beauty before it was acquired by Rogers & Cowan in 2017.
How Did She Build Her Multi-Million Dollar Empire?
Grede’s entrepreneurial journey took a significant turn when she met Kris Jenner during Paris Fashion Week in 2015. This meeting led to her collaboration with Khloé Kardashian in launching Good American in 2016, a brand that promotes size inclusivity in denim wear. The brand made $1 million in sales on its first day, proving the high demand for inclusive fashion.
Building on this success, Grede became a founding partner in Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand, SKIMS, in 2019. The company has since gained worldwide acclaim for its body-positive approach and innovative product lines. She also partnered with Kris Jenner to launch Safely, a plant-based cleaning and self-care product brand, in 2021.
What Is Emma Grede’s Role in Shark Tank?
Emma Grede made her debut as a guest investor on Shark Tank in Season 13, Episode 1, and returned for Season 14, Episode 14. As the first Black female guest shark, she brings a unique perspective to the panel, focusing on investing in businesses that promote inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability.
What Awards and Honors Has Emma Grede Received?
In recognition of her influence in the fashion and retail industry, Emma Grede and Kim Kardashian won the first Amazon Fashion Innovation Award at the CFDA Awards in 2022 for SKIMS. Forbes also named her one of America’s Richest Self-Made Women in both 2022 and 2023, solidifying her position among the most successful entrepreneurs.
How Does She Balance Business and Personal Life?
Emma Grede is married to Jens Grede, her business partner and co-founder of SKIMS. The couple has four children and resides in Bel Air, Los Angeles. Despite her demanding career, Grede prioritizes family time and strives to instill the values of hard work and resilience in her children.
What Are Her Major Real Estate Investments?
Grede has made significant real estate investments in the U.S. In 2022, she purchased Brad Pitt’s Malibu estate for $45 million, adding it to her $24 million Bel Air mansion. These acquisitions reflect her growing financial success and strategic investment mindset.
What Cars Does Emma Grede Own?
As a successful businesswoman, Emma Grede has an impressive luxury car collection. Her garage reportedly includes a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ ($517,000), Rolls-Royce Phantom ($455,000), Ferrari 488 ($350,000), Porsche Panamera ($191,000), Range Rover Autobiography ($143,000), and BMW M8 Gran Coupe ($130,000).
What Is Next for Emma Grede?
With her expanding business empire, Grede shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to grow Good American and SKIMS while seeking new opportunities to invest in emerging brands through Shark Tank. Her commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and women’s empowerment makes her one of the most influential entrepreneurs of her generation.
Emma Grede’s journey from a working-class household to becoming a self-made multimillionaire is an inspiring testament to resilience, strategic thinking, and innovation. With her ventures thriving, she remains a powerful figure in the business world, paving the way for future generations of entrepreneurs.
