Who is Emma Grede?

In a world where fashion, business, and representation often collide, few names shine as brightly as Emma Grede. As the co-founder of Good American and a founding partner of Skims, Emma has not only built a multimillion-dollar empire but also redefined what inclusivity and authenticity look like in modern entrepreneurship. This is the inspiring story of how a young girl from East London rose to become one of the most influential Black women in business today.

Early Life and Background

Emma Grede was born in 1982 in East London, England, into a working-class British-Jamaican family. Raised by a single mother alongside her three sisters, Emma grew up in a diverse community that fueled her ambition and creativity. From a young age, she was drawn to fashion, admiring the power it held in shaping identity and culture. Despite limited resources, her determination set the stage for a career that would break boundaries.

Education and Career Beginnings

Emma pursued her passion for fashion by studying business at the prestigious London College of Fashion. After graduation, she began her career in fashion marketing, working behind the scenes to connect global brands with top talent. She eventually founded ITB Worldwide, a talent and influencer marketing agency, where she helped bridge the gap between celebrities and major fashion campaigns. This early experience taught her the inner workings of branding and influence.

Founding Good American: A Fashion Revolution

In 2016, Emma co-founded Good American with Khloé Kardashian, launching a bold new fashion brand centered on size inclusivity and body positivity. The brand debuted with denim in sizes ranging from 00 to 24, making waves in an industry long criticized for its lack of representation. Good American sold over $1 million worth of products on its first day. Today, it continues to thrive, offering everything from jeans to activewear, all built on the foundation of inclusivity.

Emma’s success didn’t stop there. She became a founding partner and Chief Product Officer of Skims, Kim Kardashian’s revolutionary shapewear brand. Known for its neutral tones, body-positive messaging, and viral marketing, Skims has become a global phenomenon. Emma also co-founded Safely, a line of eco-friendly cleaning products launched with Kris Jenner, further showcasing her versatile business acumen. Through each venture, she remains focused on elevating representation and authenticity in every product.

In 2021, Emma Grede made history as the first Black woman guest shark on ABC’s Shark Tank. Her appearance was widely praised for bringing fresh perspective, diversity, and real-world experience to the show’s panel. Since then, she has continued to use her platform to mentor young entrepreneurs, speak at business events, and advocate for greater inclusivity in the corporate world.

Personal Life and Relationships

Emma is married to Jens Grede, a fellow entrepreneur and co-founder of the luxury fashion brand Frame. Together, they are not only business partners but also parents to four children. Despite her busy schedule, Emma has often spoken about the importance of balancing motherhood with her career and credits her family for keeping her grounded and focused.

Net Worth and Legacy

Emma Grede’s estimated net worth is $405 million as of June 2025, according to Forbes’ America’s Richest Self-Made Women list. Her wealth is primarily derived from her stakes in several companies, including Good American, SKIMS, and Safely. Emma Grede stands as a shining example of what’s possible when vision meets hard work. She has become a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women of color.

Emma Grede Biography: From East London to Fashion Empire Powerhouse