Emma Grede, a trailblazing entrepreneur and investor, made history as the first Black woman to serve as a guest shark on Shark Tank Season 13. With a remarkable career in the fashion and business industries, Grede has built an impressive empire that includes co-founding Good American and being a founding partner of SKIMS. At 42 years old, she has accumulated a net worth of approximately $360 million, making her one of the most successful self-made women in fashion and branding today. But who is Emma Grede beyond her television debut? Let’s take a closer look at her life, career, and impact.
Who is Emma Grede?
Born in 1982 in London, England, Emma Grede was raised by a single mother alongside her three sisters. Her early passion for fashion led her to pursue studies at The London College of Fashion, where she graduated in 2001. She gained industry experience working with Inca Productions, where she managed endorsements and sponsorships, forging relationships with top designers such as Zac Posen, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen.
Over the years, Grede expanded her expertise in talent and brand marketing, eventually becoming the CEO of ITB Group, a talent management and influencer marketing agency, which worked with high-profile brands like Calvin Klein, H&M, and Chivas.
How Did Emma Grede Build Her Fortune?
Emma Grede’s fortune is largely attributed to her co-founding of Good American in 2016 alongside Khloé Kardashian. The brand was launched with the mission of providing size-inclusive denim for women of all body types. On its very first day, Good American generated $1 million in sales, a record-breaking achievement for a fashion startup. Today, Good American has expanded into activewear, dresses, and other fashion essentials.
She is also a founding partner of SKIMS, the shapewear brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian. SKIMS has grown exponentially since its inception, now valued at over $4 billion as of 2024.
Additionally, Grede is the chairman of ITB Group and has investments in multiple ventures, significantly boosting her wealth.
How Did Emma Grede Connect with the Kardashians?
Grede’s collaboration with the Kardashians started with her innovative idea of inclusive denim. After pitching the concept to Kris Jenner, she was encouraged to discuss it further with Khloé Kardashian, who immediately resonated with the vision. This meeting led to the launch of Good American, which became a massive success and helped Grede establish herself as a powerful entrepreneur.
Following this, Grede partnered with Kim Kardashian on SKIMS, helping to transform the shapewear industry by offering solutions that catered to diverse body shapes and skin tones. Her business acumen and strategic mindset made her a key player in the Kardashian-Jenner business empire.
What is Emma Grede’s Role on Shark Tank?
In 2021, Emma Grede became a guest shark on Shark Tank Season 13, joining the panel of investors that includes Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Robert Herjavec, and Barbara Corcoran. She brought fresh perspectives to the show, particularly regarding inclusivity in fashion and consumer goods. Her presence marked a step forward for the show in terms of diversity and representation.
Grede has been known for supporting businesses led by women and people of color. She evaluates investment opportunities based on their scalability, market fit, and innovation, ensuring that her investments align with her values and expertise.
Who is Emma Grede’s Husband and What is His Business Background?
Emma Grede is married to Jens Grede, a Swedish entrepreneur and businessman. The couple first met as business partners before their relationship turned romantic, and they got married in 2008. Jens is a co-founder of FRAME, a luxury denim brand, and has also worked alongside Kim Kardashian in SKIMS.
Beyond fashion, Jens is involved in several ventures, including the Wednesday Agency and Saturday Group, both of which focus on brand marketing and creative direction. Together, Emma and Jens form a power couple in the business world, managing multimillion-dollar enterprises while balancing their family life.
How Does Emma Grede Balance Business and Family Life?
Despite her demanding career, Grede prioritizes her family. She and Jens have two children, Grey and Lola. She has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing motherhood and business, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries.
In an interview with The Tot, Grede explained her approach: “When I’m at work, I’m really at work. When I’m home with my babies at night, I don’t even take my phone out of my bag until I’ve finished bedtime.” Her ability to maintain this balance is a testament to her strong work ethic and dedication to both her family and professional success.
What is the Future of Emma Grede’s Business Empire?
As of 2024, Emma Grede continues to expand her influence in the business world. Good American and SKIMS remain at the forefront of fashion, with consistent growth and innovation. She is also investing in emerging brands and using her Shark Tank platform to mentor and support new entrepreneurs.
With her strategic mindset, industry experience, and commitment to inclusivity, Emma Grede is set to continue breaking barriers and redefining success in fashion and entrepreneurship. Her net worth is expected to keep rising as her business ventures flourish.
