Emma Grede may not be a household name, but her business acumen and collaboration with the Kardashians have positioned her as a secret weapon in the fashion industry. As a British-born, Los Angeles-based entrepreneur, Grede’s journey is a masterclass in leveraging inclusivity and strategic partnerships to build billion-dollar companies like Good American and Skims. Here are five lessons we can learn from her success.

 

1. Inclusive Sizing as a Business Superpower

Grede’s advocacy for inclusive sizing has redefined industry standards. Her decision to stock US sizes from 00 to 32 with Good American set a new precedent. This move not only catered to a wider audience but also proved that diversity in fashion is not just a moral choice but a profitable one. Her success with Good American and Skims, valued at billions, underscores the financial viability of inclusivity in business.

2. The Art of Monetizing Celebrity Influence

Emma Grede’s early career in forging equity deals with celebrities laid the groundwork for her future endeavors. Her ability to interpret a creative vision and translate it into a profitable business model is a testament to her foresight and strategic thinking. This approach was crucial in her collaborations with the Kardashians, proving that celebrity influence, when leveraged correctly, can be a powerful business tool.

3. Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Grede’s journey wasn’t without challenges. The technical difficulties in creating a seamless product across a broad size range didn’t deter her; instead, they fueled her determination. Her resilience in overcoming these obstacles and consistently pushing for her vision is a key lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs.

4. Understanding Your Audience

Knowing her customer base has been integral to Grede’s success. She emphasizes that celebrity endorsements can spark initial interest, but it’s the quality of the product that ensures customer loyalty. Her understanding that a product must stand on its own merits has been crucial in the sustained success of her brands.

5. Strategic Expansion and Vision

Grede’s vision for her brands extends beyond the immediate success. Her plans to expand to other cities and potentially Europe reflect a strategic approach to growth. Her focus on not just creating a brand, but offering an experience through brick-and-mortar stores, highlights the importance of customer experience in brand building.

Emma Grede’s journey in the fashion industry offers valuable insights into how inclusivity, resilience, understanding your audience, leveraging celebrity influence, and strategic expansion can lead to monumental success.

Her story is a testament to the power of a well-executed vision and the potential of diversity as a driving force in business.

Ntianu Obiora
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Ntianu Obiora is a versatile creative professional with over a decade of experience in publishing, marketing, communications, and digital strategy. She is the Online Editor at THEWILL DOWNTOWN