Emma Grede is not just a prominent name in fashion and business — she is a trailblazer who has redefined what it means to be a modern entrepreneur. With a keen eye for branding, a powerful partnership with the Kardashian family, and an unapologetic approach to leadership, Grede has emerged as a major force in the apparel industry. As of 2024, Emma Grede’s net worth is estimated at $360 million, according to Forbes, largely thanks to her equity stakes in multiple booming brands.
Early Life and Fashion Inspiration
Born and raised in East London, Emma Grede’s fascination with fashion began early. Growing up in the 1980s, she was captivated by the rise of supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Linda Evangelista. She has described fashion as a kind of “escapism” during her childhood, giving her a world of imagination and possibility beyond her working-class background.
Unlike many fashion entrepreneurs who began on the design floor, Grede took a different route — entering the business side of the fashion world. Her strategic thinking and brand instincts would later make her an indispensable partner in some of the decade’s most recognizable clothing ventures.
Career Beginnings and Entrepreneurial Rise
Emma started her career at fashion marketing firm Inca Productions, where she rose through the ranks and eventually helped launch ITB Worldwide, a talent management and entertainment marketing agency. It was here that she honed her ability to match brands with celebrity influence — a skill that would prove vital in her future ventures.
Her life took a pivotal turn in 2015 when she attended Paris Fashion Week and met Kris Jenner. That meeting led to a business pitch that would become Good American, the inclusive denim brand she co-founded with Khloé Kardashian in 2016. The company launched with an emphasis on body positivity and diverse sizing, selling over $1 million in product on its first day.
Co-Founding SKIMS and Explosive Growth
In 2019, Emma joined forces with Kim Kardashian to co-found SKIMS, a shapewear and loungewear company that quickly gained traction for its innovative approach to body-contouring basics. With her husband Jens Grede serving as CEO and Emma guiding brand development and inclusivity, SKIMS has become one of the most recognizable brands in modern fashion.
Emma currently holds an 8% ownership stake in SKIMS, which Forbes cites as the largest contributor to her wealth. In July 2023, SKIMS was valued at $4 billion, further cementing her financial success. That single equity stake is now worth approximately $320 million, making Emma one of the wealthiest self-made women in America.
Emma Grede’s Net Worth and Business Portfolio
According to Forbes, Emma Grede’s net worth in 2024 is $360 million, which includes her:
- 8% stake in SKIMS
- Co-ownership of Good American, which continues to grow its product offerings
- Investment partnerships in other ventures, including Safely, a home-care brand co-founded with Kris Jenner
- TV appearances and brand partnerships that extend her influence into the lifestyle sector
Despite her wealth, Grede remains hands-on in her work. She has served as CEO of Good American and sits on the Board of Directors for The Fifteen Percent Pledge, a nonprofit that pushes major retailers to commit 15% of shelf space to Black-owned businesses.
Leadership Style and Public Commentary
Emma made headlines in May 2025 when she appeared on the Diary of a CEO podcast. During the interview, she addressed work-life balance with a statement that sparked online debate. Grede said, “Work-life balance is your problem,” emphasizing that modern companies have evolved to allow flexibility for family and personal needs, but that individuals must learn how to manage that balance themselves.
Her comments drew both praise and criticism, but they highlighted an important point: Grede’s approach to leadership is direct, results-driven, and unapologetically transparent — traits that have helped her grow billion-dollar businesses in competitive markets.
Personal Life and Family
Emma Grede is married to Jens Grede, the Swedish-born CEO of SKIMS and her frequent business partner. Together, they are one of the most influential power couples in the fashion industry. The pair met through work and now share four children, living a life that merges family values with ambitious business pursuits.
Despite her busy schedule, Emma has often spoken about the importance of being present for her children and raising them to value resilience, creativity, and independence — the same traits that shaped her own career path.
Diversity, Impact, and Philanthropy
A vocal advocate for diversity in business, Emma Grede has made it her mission to empower underrepresented voices in the fashion and corporate world. She actively supports initiatives aimed at improving Black and minority representation in leadership, both through Good American’s hiring practices and her involvement in nonprofit work.
She also appeared as a guest Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank, becoming the first Black woman investor on the show — another milestone that underscores her status as a role model and trailblazer.
Final Thoughts
At 41 years old, Emma Grede stands as a powerhouse in fashion, entrepreneurship, and brand strategy. With a $360 million net worth, a growing list of ventures, and a fearless approach to business, she’s redefining what success looks like — especially for women of color in high-stakes industries.
Whether she’s building the next billion-dollar brand or sparking conversations on leadership, Emma Grede is a name that continues to rise. Her story is not just one of financial success, but of vision, impact, and a relentless drive to shape industries from the inside out.