The Journal. The Journal.

Fashion Mogul Says Working Moms Need to Stop Apologizing

Sep 20, 2026 · 24m

Summary

Emma Grede discusses her journey founding Skims and Good American, emphasizing the importance of true business partnerships over mere celebrity endorsements. She shares insights on identifying market gaps, such as in plus-size and women’s fan apparel, and advocates for open conversations about money to break through the gender wage gap. Grede also addresses the trade-offs of high-powered careers, rejecting "mom guilt" and challenging societal expectations around work-life balance.

Topics discussed

Introduction and live show recap Sponsorships: Credit Karma and Indeed Where the money in fashion is going Partnering with celebrities vs. endorsements Innovation over trends in product development Offseason brand and underserved female fans Sponsorship: Workday and McDonald's Why women need to talk more about money Net worth, trade-offs, and the path to ownership Balancing work, motherhood, and guilt Challenging 'Lean In' and girl boss narratives Closing credits and Uber Eats ad
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