Emma Grede has established herself as one of the most influential figures in modern business, forging high-value ventures and collaborating with some of the world’s most recognizable names. From co-founding successful fashion brands with members of the Kardashian-Jenner family to engaging with global leaders and entrepreneurs, Grede continues to expand her reach across industries while shaping conversations around business and leadership.
Fresh from a whirlwind schedule that recently took her across San Francisco, Dublin, New York and Maui, Grede remains energized by the pace of her career. The British-born entrepreneur, who relocated from east London to Los Angeles, has become one of the wealthiest self-made women in the United States through a combination of strategic partnerships and a relentless work ethic.
Her rise in the fashion industry accelerated in 2016 with the launch of Good American, a denim brand co-founded with Khloé Kardashian. The company achieved $1 million in sales on its first day, signaling strong demand and a powerful brand alignment. She later partnered with Kim Kardashian and her husband Jens Grede to launch Skims in 2019, a shapewear label that has since reached a multibillion-pound valuation. Grede’s personal net worth is now estimated to exceed £280 million.
Despite speculation earlier this year about potential tensions within her business circle, Grede describes her relationship with the Kardashian-Jenner family as steady and professional, rooted in consistent communication and shared goals. She has not disclosed whether new collaborations are currently underway.
From East London to Global Influence
Grede’s journey began in Plaistow, east London, where she left school at 15 before entering the fashion world. By her mid-twenties, she had launched ITB Worldwide, a talent management and marketing agency that connected luxury brands with high-profile figures. Her work at the intersection of fashion and entertainment eventually led to a partnership with Kris Jenner, paving the way for future collaborations with the family.
Years of experience in brand-building and celebrity partnerships positioned Grede as a sought-after business partner. Her ability to bridge commerce and culture has been central to her success and continues to define her ventures.
A Focus on Purpose in Her Forties
Now in her forties and a mother of four, Grede has shifted her focus toward intentional growth and impact. She describes each decade of her life as having a distinct purpose—her twenties driven by intense work, her thirties by greater choice, and her current phase centered on directing energy toward meaningful projects.
This mindset is reflected in her podcast, Aspire with Emma Grede, where she hosts conversations with a wide range of influential figures. Guests have included Michelle Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, entrepreneur Lucy Guo, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Through these discussions, Grede explores diverse paths to success, with an emphasis on the experiences of women in business.
Her approach to selecting guests is deliberate, aiming to highlight varied perspectives and lessons from both established leaders and emerging founders. The podcast has become an extension of her broader mission to share knowledge and inspire others navigating their own professional journeys.
Life Beyond Business
Grede lives in Bel Air with her husband, Jens Grede, and their four children. The family also maintains a home in Malibu, balancing a high-profile professional life with time spent together.
Alongside her entrepreneurial ventures, Grede has released a new book, Start with Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life, offering insights into her philosophy on success, personal development, and leadership. The publication underscores her ongoing commitment to mentoring and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
As her portfolio continues to grow, Grede shows little sign of slowing down, maintaining a focus on innovation, collaboration, and purposeful expansion in both business and life.
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Source: Owink
