Trailblazer in Business and Fashion
Emma Grede
Emma Findlay Grede (born September 23, 1982, in East London, England) is a force in the business world. This British entrepreneur, fashion designer, and advocate for representation has co-founded multiple successful ventures, including Good American, Safely, and Skims. Her dedication to inclusive design and her business acumen have cemented her status as a pioneer of modern entrepreneurship.
Early Life and Education
Raised in a working-class single-parent household in East London, Grede developed a strong work ethic and resourceful spirit from a young age. Her passion for fashion was ignited early on as she started a paper route at twelve years old and saved her earnings to purchase fashion magazines [1]. Her formal education took her to the London College of Fashion, where she honed her understanding of the industry.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Grede's career began in fashion show production before she founded ITB Worldwide, an influential talent management and entertainment marketing agency [2]. Her success with ITB, eventually acquired by Rogers & Cowan, provided the foundation for her subsequent entrepreneurial endeavors.
Good American (2016): A turning point in Grede's career came when she co-founded Good American with Khloe Kardashian [3]. This size-inclusive clothing brand revolutionized the industry with its commitment to empowering women of all shapes and sizes. Good American's success, including its record-breaking $1 million launch day sales, speaks to Grede's understanding of consumer needs and her ability to create impactful brands.
Skims (2019): Grede continued her trajectory of inclusivity when she partnered with Kim Kardashian to launch Skims, a solution-based shapewear company [4]. As the brand's Chief Product Officer, Grede plays a vital role in designing and developing products, ensuring that Skims caters to a diverse clientele.
Safely (2021): Alongside Kris Jenner and Chrissy Teigen, Grede co-founded Safely [5]. This plant-based cleaning and self-care brand reflects her commitment to sustainability and providing families with safe and effective products.
Beyond Business
Emma Grede is more than an entrepreneur; she champions diversity and inclusion through her companies and advocacy work. She serves as the Chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, an initiative urging retailers to dedicate 15% of shelf space to Black-owned businesses [6]. Her commitment to representation extends to Women for Women International and Baby2Baby, organizations where she serves as a trustee and board member, respectively.
Legacy
Emma Grede's entrepreneurial journey is marked by innovation, inclusivity, and a relentless drive to change the status quo. Her groundbreaking work with Good American, Skims, and Safely places her at the forefront of modern business, where ethical practices and positive impact are just as important as financial success. Grede's legacy is still being written, but it's evident that she has become a role model for young entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
References
Wikipedia: Emma Grede [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Grede]
Good American: Emma Grede [https://www.goodamerican.com/pages/emma-grede]
Forbes: Emma Grede [https://www.forbes.com/profile/emma-grede/]