Emma Grede has risen to prominence as one of the most influential women in business, with her net worth estimated at $360 million as of 2025. Born in 1982, this self-made powerhouse’s path from East London to Los Angeles has been marked by groundbreaking successes across various ventures. From launching size-inclusive denim clothing with Good American to co-founding the billion-dollar shapewear company Skims with Kim Kardashian, Grede’s entrepreneurial acumen has captured the spotlight.
Grede’s passion for fashion began at an early age. Growing up without financial privilege, she would save up change to buy fashion magazines, harboring dreams of entering the industry one day. Instead of pursuing formal education at university, Grede took the unconventional route, hustling her way through the fashion world. Her break came with the founding of ITB Worldwide, connecting brands with celebrities, which laid the foundation for her future successes.
Initially making headlines with Good American, co-founded with Khloé Kardashian, Grede proved there was major demand for fashionable clothing for all body types. The brand launched with impressive sales, raking in $1 million on its first day, which showcased the enthusiasm for diverse fashion options. Good American has expanded its offerings to include activewear, swimwear, and more—an endeavor supported by Grede’s vision for inclusivity and representation.
Following this success, her role as Chief Product Officer and founding partner of Skims, again alongside Kim Kardashian, has significantly contributed to her wealth. Since its launch, Skims has been valued at upwards of $3.2 billion, rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing apparel brands globally with innovative products and celebrity collaborations. Grede owns approximately 8% of the shapewear empire, marking it as her most valuable asset.
Another significant venture for Grede is the home cleaning brand Safely, which she co-founded with Kris Jenner. Launched during the Covid-19 pandemic, Safely promotes non-toxic, sustainable household products and has found traction among eco-conscious consumers.
Beyond her core brands, Grede has shown adeptness at strategic investments. With stakes across various enterprises, including fashion label Frame and the performance wear brand Brady co-founded with NFL legend Tom Brady, Grede has diversified her wealth, demonstrating her business savvy.
Grede is not just focused on accumulating wealth; she is deeply committed to giving back. A passionate advocate for underrepresented communities, she serves as Chairwoman of The Fifteen Percent Pledge—an initiative demanding retailers allocate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands. Grede also shares her expertise as a guest investor on television shows like Shark Tank and most recently, Dragons' Den, where she becomes the first Black woman to lend her insights on the latter. During her tenure on the shows, she emphasizes the importance of passion and dedication among entrepreneurs. "What I’m looking for is someone who is completely obsessed with their business, their category, and what they do and someone who has already worked through some business issues. Passion and perseverance will get you really far," she stated.
Balancing her impressive career, Grede is also dedicated to her family. Married to fellow entrepreneur Jens Grede, the couple share four children: Grey, Lola, and twins Lake and Rafferty. Despite their busy careers, they prioritize family life and often support each other’s endeavors, showcasing the strength of their partnership.
Looking forward to the future, Grede's ambitions continue to expand. With plans to grow both Good American and Skims, including entering new markets and launching additional product lines, she is set to increase her impact across the fashion and beauty industries. Grede’s vision for 2025 also hints at more investments and public speaking engagements aimed at mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Emma Grede is more than just a business mogul—she is on a mission to redefine standards within the fashion world, advocating for diversity and sustainability, and making waves through her impactful initiatives. Her story—from the neighborhoods of East London to becoming the CEO of multimillion-dollar enterprises—serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, affirming the notionthat success is possible without traditional pathways. Grede’s legacy is just beginning, and with her unstoppable rise, the future looks bright for both her family and those she seeks to uplift through her endeavors.