Good American CEO, SKIMS Founding Partner Is Worth $320M: Credits Success To This Childhood Advice

Good American CEO and SKIMS founding partner Emma Grede credits much of her success to a piece of childhood advice given by her mother.

“I really value myself and I really value my goals, and I don't think [success] is much more complicated than that … I was taught that by my mom, who was very much like, ‘Listen, Emma. You're not better than anybody else, but nor is anyone better than you,'” Grede said on Jay Shetty‘s “On Purpose” podcast.

That lesson from her mother taught Grede that she could contribute and learn in any position at any job. She could then use the knowledge gained to create better opportunities.

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Grede started applying her mother’s advice to her daily life as early as 12 years of age. As a kid, she delivered newspapers and later worked at a deli making sandwiches. By being determined to learn and advance in any role, she made sure to carry knowledge from one position to the next.

The advice paid off in adulthood. Grede learned to balance confidence and humility at a young age. Now, at 41, she’s a CEO worth $320 million, according to CNBC.

In addition to launching the apparel company Good American and being the chief product officer for the Kim Kardashian undergarment company SKIMS, which is reportedly worth about $4 billion, Grede also started an entertainment marketing agency in 2008. She sold it to a PR agency about 10 years later for an undisclosed amount.

“I always felt like if I worked hard enough and I really put everything into it that I could achieve … I still feel like that today. I don't expect things to be easy, but I've never had a sense of I couldn't,” Grede said.

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This story is part of a new series of features on the subject of success, Benzinga Inspire.

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