Emma Grede Discusses Brand Building and New Book in Goldman Sachs Interview

Entrepreneur Emma Grede discussed her strategies for building fashion and lifestyle brands during a recent interview hosted by Goldman Sachs.

Grede's insights provide a blueprint for scaling luxury and inclusive brands in a competitive global market. As a founding partner of SKIMS and co-founder of both Good American and Off Season, her trajectory reflects a shift toward founder-led brand equity.

During the conversation with Kim Posnett, the global co-head of Investment Banking, Grede said the inspiration behind her debut book, “Start with Yourself,” led to the publication reaching the rank of No. 1 on Amazon charts ^[1]. Grede used the platform to share lessons on personal development and the necessity of knowing one's worth in business.

Grede reflected on the early operational challenges of her ventures. She recalled a specific moment in September 2019 ^[2] when she was on the floor of Heathrow Airport attempting to sync the SKIMS website with its inventory. This anecdote highlighted the gap between the public perception of luxury brands and the logistical hurdles of early-stage growth.

Beyond the logistics of retail, the discussion focused on the philosophy of self-reliance. Grede said her approach to business is rooted in the idea of starting with oneself to build a sustainable empire. This mindset has allowed her to pivot across different market segments, from inclusive denim, shapewear, and luxury apparel.

Grede's experience underscores the importance of agility in the fashion industry. By focusing on inclusive sizing and direct-to-consumer models, she established a presence that challenges traditional luxury gatekeepers. The interview emphasized that the combination of personal branding and operational discipline is critical for long-term success.