Title: "Who is Emma Grede? High School Dropout Turned Kardashians Business Partner and Podcast Host Who Interviewed Meghan Markle"

Emma Grede: From London Dropout to $400M Mogul – And Her Controversial Rise
[Image: Emma Grede and Meghan Markle during their podcast interview]
Emma Grede’s recent podcast with Meghan Markle sparked headlines as the Duchess seemingly critiqued the Royal Family. Now, the spotlight turns to Grede herself: a British-born entrepreneur who built a $400M empire by age 42.

Humble Beginnings

Born in London to Jamaican and Trinidadian immigrants, Grede was raised by a single mother who worked at Morgan Stanley. A self-described “high school dropout,” she took odd jobs—from deli clerk to clothing store cashier—while dreaming of fashion. “I was drawn to glamour as escapism,” she told Bustle. After a brief stint at the London College of Fashion, she dropped out for a Gucci internship, later founding her marketing agency, ITB Worldwide.

[Image: Young Emma in London with her family]
Grede credits her upbringing for her grit: “We had a sense of community. You were as good as your word.”

Kardashian Collaborations & Business Empire

Grede’s big break came when she pitched Khloé Kardashian a denim brand, Good American, which earned $1M on its 2016 launch day. As CEO, she prioritized inclusivity, offering sizes 00–24. She later co-founded SKIMS with Kim Kardashian, now valued at $4B. Her ventures with Kris Jenner and Chrissy Teigen, like vegan brand Safely, further cemented her status.

[Image: Grede with Khloé and Kim Kardashian at a Good American event]
“We understand how to create an incredible product,” Grede said of her partnership with Khloé.

Family Life & “No Balance” Philosophy

Married to entrepreneur Jens Grede, with whom she shares four children, Emma admits balancing work and family isn’t easy. “I don’t do pickups every day, but I’ll be at my kid’s play,” she told PEOPLE. She relies on nannies and rejects the idea of “perfection,” urging moms to prioritize self-fulfillment: “Our kids don’t need us to carry them through every hardship.”

[Image: Emma with her husband and children in Los Angeles]
The couple relocated to LA in 2017, leaving behind a $7M London home.

Work-Life Balance Backlash

In May 2025, Grede faced criticism after stating on the Diary of a CEO podcast that asking about “work-life balance” in an interview was a “red flag.” She argued ambition requires sacrifice: “If you want success, you’ll work more.” Social media erupted, comparing her remarks to Kim Kardashian’s infamous “nobody wants to work” comment. Critics called her perspective “toxic,” with users labeling her a “#toxicmanager.”

[Image: Screenshot of viral social media reactions to Grede’s comments]
Grede defended her stance, emphasizing flexibility at her companies but insisting “balance is your problem.”

Legacy of Inclusivity

Despite controversy, Grede champions diversity. She chairs the 15 Percent Pledge, pushing retailers to stock Black-owned brands, and advocates for size inclusivity. “We’re changing the industry,” she said. From London’s East End to LA’s elite circles, her journey reflects relentless ambition—and the price of success.

[Image: Grede at a SKIMS photoshoot promoting diverse models]
“I’m proud to drive change,” she told PEOPLE. “That’s what excites me.”

Word Count: ~600