Emma Grede's Journey to SKIMS and Beyond

Emma Grede's journey to the top of the fashion industry is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. From her humble beginnings in East London, Grede has built a successful career in fashion, starting with a job delivering newspapers at the young age of 13.

• She landed a position at the London College of Fashion, but left before completing her degree to pursue her passion for the industry.
• Grede honed her business skills while working as a producer for Inca Productions, a fashion show and events production company.
• She later became the managing director for the startup ITB and eventually became CEO after it acquired Brand 360 in 2010.
• Grede's entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch her first apparel-based business, Good American, with Khloe Kardashian.
• Good American is a brand that celebrates inclusivity by offering clothing for a wide range of sizes.
• Her commitment to diversity is evident in her focus on creating products and brands that appeal to a diverse customer base.

Building Good American and SKIMS

Grede's vision for Good American was to create a fashion line that catered to the needs of all women, regardless of size. She recognized that there was a significant gap in the market for brands that offered inclusive sizing, and she was determined to fill that gap.

• She partnered with Khloe Kardashian to launch Good American, leveraging Kardashian's star power and her own business acumen to create a successful brand.
• Good American's success paved the way for Grede's next venture, SKIMS, which she co-founded with Kim Kardashian West.
• SKIMS is a shapewear brand that offers a wide range of sizes and shades, reflecting Grede's commitment to inclusivity.
• The brand's success is a testament to Grede's ability to listen to her customers and adapt her products to meet their needs.

SKIMS: A Brand Built on Diversity and Innovation

SKIMS is a prime example of Grede's commitment to diversity and innovation. The brand's products are designed to be inclusive, with a wide range of sizes and shades to ensure that all customers feel represented.

• The company is a leader in the shapewear industry and has become a popular choice for customers who value comfort, style, and inclusivity.
• SKIMS' success is a result of Grede's careful attention to detail and her commitment to building a brand that is authentic and relatable.

Grede's Philosophy: Listen, Learn, and Adapt

Grede's success is not solely due to her business acumen but also her ability to listen to her customers and adapt to their needs. She believes that feedback is crucial to building a successful business and is always open to hearing from her customers.

• She regularly gathers feedback through social media, surveys, and focus groups to ensure that her brands are meeting the needs of her customers.
• She is not afraid to make changes based on customer feedback, as seen when SKIMS changed its name from Kimono after receiving backlash for cultural appropriation.
• This willingness to listen and adapt is a key to Grede's success, as it allows her to stay ahead of the curve and create products that resonate with her target audience.

Safely: A New Venture for a Changing World

Grede's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond fashion, as she also launched Safely, a plant-based cleaning products brand, with Kris Jenner. This foray into the cleaning products market was inspired by her desire to provide a safe and healthy alternative for her children.

• Safely is a reflection of Grede's commitment to creating products that are both effective and environmentally conscious.
• The brand targets a market that is increasingly interested in eco-friendly products and is a testament to Grede's ability to identify and meet the needs of a growing customer base.

Grede's Advice for Entrepreneurs

Emma Grede offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing the lessons she has learned through her journey.

• Be passionate: The starting point of everything is doing something you enjoy and find purpose in.
• Listen to your customers: It's crucial to be open to feedback and make adjustments based on what your customers want.
• Build genuine relationships: Relationships are key to success, both personally and professionally.
• Embrace diversity: A diverse team fosters a wider range of ideas and perspectives, leading to better decision-making and a more inclusive brand.
• Be willing to adapt: The business world is constantly changing, so entrepreneurs need to be flexible and adaptable.

Grede's Legacy: A Champion of Diversity and Inclusivity

Emma Grede is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a champion of diversity and inclusion. Through her work, she is breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the business world.

• Her commitment to diversity is evident in her hiring practices, which prioritize creating a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• She serves as a role model for other aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that it is possible to build a successful business while making a positive impact on the world.