Member-only story
Being a CEO means making countless decisions every day. Over-procrastination can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. Emma Grede, the entrepreneurial force behind Skims, Good American, and Safely, exemplifies the power of decisive leadership. As one of America’s richest self-made women, Emma’s journey offers invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
From Fashion Shows to Business Mogul
Emma Grede’s career began in the fashion industry, where she worked as a show producer before transitioning into procuring sponsors for fashion designers. This experience led her to start her first business, an entertainment-based marketing agency, at the age of 24. Over the next decade, Emma honed her skills in talent-based marketing, partnerships, and collaborations, eventually selling her agency to IPG Media.
Her next venture was Good American, an apparel company co-founded with Khloe Kardashian. This was followed by Skims, a shapewear brand launched with Kim Kardashian, and Safely, a plant-based cleaning product line created with Kris Jenner. Emma’s ability to leverage her experience and relationships in the fashion and entertainment industries has been key to her success.