Business Videos

Emma Grede on Building Skims, Social Media Style, & Self Confidence | The Good Buy | Harper's BAZAAR

In this episode of Harper’s Bazaar "The Goodbye," Emma Grede—co‑founder of Good American, Skims and Offseason—talks about how personal style, self‑confidence, and a disciplined money mindset have shaped her entrepreneurial journey. The conversation weaves together anecdotes from her East‑London upbringing, early influencer‑agency days, and the launch of multiple billion‑dollar brands, illustrating how fashion became both a protective armor and a strategic business tool. Grede emphasizes that knowing the exact cost of every item—whether a $68 bra or a $1,200 Christian Louboutin heel—keeps her grounded and informs product pricing. She recounts how, as a 24‑year‑old CEO, she used sharp blazers and luxury shoes to signal authority in an industry that had yet to define “influencer.” That early emphasis on presentation taught her the power of visual credibility, a lesson she now embeds in the DNA of her brands. Memorable moments include the story of her mother’s daily suit and fragrance routine, the teenage purchase of Gucci loafers with paper‑route earnings, and the painstaking search for a sold‑out Louboutin that she documented in a detailed spreadsheet for her boss. These vignettes underscore Grede’s belief that style is a tangible shield against adversity and a marker of earned success. The interview’s broader implication is a call to action for women entrepreneurs: talk openly about money, value every dollar, and use personal branding deliberately. Grede’s upcoming book, "Start with Yourself," and her podcast "Aspire" aim to translate these principles into actionable guidance, reinforcing that financial confidence and sartorial confidence are mutually reinforcing pillars of modern leadership.