Beauty

Emma Grede of Skims: Insights from Her Podcast and Secrets to Success

Emma Grede is truly a source of inspiration.

As the Founding Partner of Skims and the co-founder and CEO of Good American, she has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s richest self-made women. Additionally, she is involved in philanthropic efforts like the Fifteen Percent Pledge and the Obama Foundation.

But there’s more: the fashion and consumer brand innovator has recently launched her own podcast, Aspire with Emma Grede.

The serial entrepreneur shared with Us that the name was inspired by the concept of “believing in something” and then “aspiring” to reach those goals. For Grede, it’s not only about dreaming big — it’s about “doing the work” to make those dreams a reality.

The podcast, currently listed as number three on Apple’s Top New Shows list, has already featured conversations with business titans such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Michael Rubin, and Karlie Kloss. However, don’t expect Aspire to be just another podcast that merely entertains; it aims to provide more substance.


Emma Grede
Jamie Girdler

Grede’s upbringing has undoubtedly influenced the direction of this show. She mentioned, “[I] grew up in a place that was not very inspiring,” also sharing her own experience with severe dyslexia. “I need things broken down simply,” Grede noted. “I aim to provide that for others.”

While acknowledging how “fortunate” she feels to have met so many remarkable individuals, she recognizes not everyone has that same opportunity.

“Sometimes, you lack the people around you who can provide you with [the right] information,” she expressed. “[Aspire] is about equipping listeners with actionable, tangible advice that they can implement.”

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At Us, we’re also eager to learn about Grede’s daily habits that contribute to her success. When discussing manifestation — a trending concept these days — Grede adopts a traditional outlook.

While she doesn’t completely dismiss positive affirmations and meditation, she emphasizes that nothing replaces “genuine hard work and sacrifice.” Grede noted, “None of it substitutes for hard work. You need a plan and must work diligently toward it; that’s what leads to success.”

She highlighted an important point: “To be successful in business, you also need to be successful in life, right? You can’t have one without the other.” She added, “There are other aspects of my routine that support my success.” One of those is how she spends her mornings.

“My first job was a paper route, which required waking up very early each day to collect the papers,” she explained. “[That’s how] I discovered the power of mornings.”

However, no two mornings are identical for the mother of four, and that variability is perfectly fine. Whether she dedicates an “hour and a half to exercise” or enjoys sipping hot water with lemon, what matters is that she avoids checking her phone immediately to reflect on how to seize the day.

Regarding self-care routines, which beauty products can she not live without? “I must admit: I am a product junkie,” she quipped. Despite that, her essential pampering items are surprisingly simple.

“I only need to do two things,” she said, referencing the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pen and her “favorite” fragrance, Chanel’s N°22 eau de parfum. “With my eyebrows filled in and my fragrance, I can go anywhere.”

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