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Emma Grede: The Fashion Mogul Behind Good American & Skims Whose Net Worth Tops $300M

October 9, 2025 By Leave a Comment
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Emma Grede didn’t start with a silver spoon or fashion pedigree, but today she’s a behind-the-scenes force in global style. As co-founder of Good American and founding partner of Skims, she’s helped steer two powerhouse brands—and her wealth now tops $300 million. Her story matters not just to fashion fans, but to anyone interested in entrepreneurship, diversity, and building something from nothing. Understanding the strategies and risks she took gives insight into how fashion empires are built today. Let’s trace how Emma Grede rose, what she controls now, and what she’s setting up next.

East London Origins and Early Hustle

Emma Grede was born in 1982 and raised in the Plaistow area of East London. Her mother supported the family after her father’s absence, instilling in Emma early lessons in grit. As a teen, she held odd jobs—delivering newspapers, working in shops—which she later says taught discipline and hustle. She enrolled at London College of Fashion but ultimately left to pursue a real-world opportunity over credentials. From that foundation, she began building networks in fashion and entertainment.

Before Good American or Skims, Grede made waves in publicity and talent marketing. In 2008, she co-founded ITB Worldwide, an agency bridging celebrities, brands, and campaigns. That gave her access to talent, influence, and brand relationships—assets she would later leverage. In 2018, ITB was acquired by Rogers & Cowan, giving it capital and experience. That exit allowed her to reallocate energy into direct fashion ventures rather than middleman roles.

One of her signature moves was co-founding Good American with Khloé Kardashian in 2016. The brand launched with a bold promise: inclusive sizing, product honesty, and celebrating real bodies. On day one, it reportedly sold over $1 million in denim—a signal that the market was hungry. Over time, Good American extended into dresses, swimwear, activewear, and more. Grede steered the brand’s identity as inclusive, premium, and disruptive in a crowded denim space.

Grede is also a founding partner of Skims, launched alongside Kim Kardashian and her husband, Jens Grede, in 2019. She serves as Chief Product Officer, overseeing design, fit, and innovation. Skims has grown rapidly, is valued at billions, and is often credited with changing how shapewear and comfort fashion are perceived. Her stake in Skims is significant and accounts for much of her net worth. The brand’s success reinforces how her fashion and business acumen merge.

Diversification: Safely, Off-Season & Purpose

Grede hasn’t confined herself to just fashion. In 2021, she co-founded Safely, a plant-powered cleaning and self-care brand, aiming to bring transparency and sustainable choice to everyday products. On top of that, she also teamed with Kristin Juszczyk to launch Off Season, an apparel brand linked to the NFL and Fanatics, blending style and sport. These moves show her strategy to spread exposure across lifestyle verticals. She’s also active in philanthropy and advocacy, such as chairing the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which pushes retailers to dedicate shelf space to Black-owned businesses.

Emma Grede: Net Worth, Stakes & Financial Footprint

Grede’s estimated net worth has been reported in the range of $320 million to $390 million in recent years. Much of that value comes from her stakes in Good American, Skims, and Safely. According to reports, she holds about 8% of Skims, around 23% in Good American, and a meaningful share in Safely. Her role on shows like Shark Tank and Dragons’ Den also raises her public profile—and gives her access to new investment flows. As Skims continues to scale, her stake’s value may keep climbing.

Even powerful founders face obstacles—and Grede is no exception. She’s spoken openly about being dyslexic, which she regards as a strength in creative problem solving. She also emphasizes trade-offs, balance, and boundaries—especially as a working mother and executive. Moving forward, she’s expanding her footprint into new sectors, continuing her activism, and growing her influence in fashion and business. Her ability to pivot, diversify, and maintain control over brand identity is arguably her biggest advantage.

Which part of Emma Grede’s story inspires you most—and what lessons would you try to apply in your own life or work? Let me know in the comments!

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13 Famous Actors Who Refused to Work Together in Hollywood

October 8, 2025 By Leave a Comment
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Hollywood might look glamorous on the outside, but behind the scenes, egos, creative clashes, and personal rivalries often lead to real tension. Even the most talented actors sometimes draw a hard line about who they’ll share the screen with. Whether it’s over past drama, conflicting personalities, or on-set feuds that got out of hand, some stars have made it clear: never again. These moments reveal that fame doesn’t always come with forgiveness. Here are 13 famous actors who refused to work together—and the stories behind their off-screen standoffs.

1. Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel

Fans of The Fast & Furious franchise know this feud was anything but subtle. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson publicly called out Vin Diesel for unprofessional behavior, describing some male co-stars as “candy asses” on Instagram. Diesel later claimed it was just “tough love” to get a better performance, but Johnson wasn’t buying it. The tension grew so bad that the two filmed The Fate of the Furious without appearing in any scenes together. Johnson has since made it clear he won’t return for future mainline films alongside Diesel.

2. Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall

Their on-screen chemistry in Sex and the City made fans believe they were best friends in real life—but off-screen, things were icy. Reports of behind-the-scenes tension grew for years, with Cattrall accusing Parker of being manipulative and disingenuous. When Cattrall’s brother passed away, Parker offered condolences publicly, which Cattrall called “exploiting tragedy.” The fallout was so deep that Cattrall refused to join the reboot series, And Just Like That. Their friendship—and professional partnership—is officially over.

3. Bill Murray and Lucy Liu

During the filming of Charlie’s Angels (2000), tensions reportedly flared between Bill Murray and Lucy Liu over the quality of the script. Murray allegedly insulted Liu’s acting abilities, prompting a heated argument that nearly turned physical. Liu later confirmed the confrontation but said she stood up for herself. Murray was replaced by Bernie Mac in the sequel, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. The two haven’t worked together since, proving that even comedy legends can clash.

4. Will Smith and Janet Hubert

The original Aunt Viv from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air famously left the show after Season 3, and fans have speculated about the feud ever since. Janet Hubert accused Will Smith of being arrogant and difficult to work with, while Smith suggested she wanted too much control. Their feud lasted nearly three decades before the pair reunited for the show’s 30th-anniversary special. Though they made peace publicly, Hubert has said she has no interest in working with him again. Time healed some wounds—but not all.

5. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes

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Their chemistry in Romeo + Juliet (1996) was electric, but off-screen, things were far from romantic. Claire Danes reportedly found DiCaprio immature and disruptive on set, while DiCaprio thought Danes was “too uptight.” Despite the movie’s success, neither actor wanted to collaborate again. They’ve since spoken respectfully of each other in interviews, but fans shouldn’t expect a reunion. Sometimes great art comes from not getting along.

6. Bruce Willis and Kevin Smith

What should have been a dream pairing turned into a nightmare on the set of Cop Out (2010). Director Kevin Smith later called Bruce Willis “soul-crushing” to work with, claiming the actor was uncooperative and disinterested. Smith said he had to “beg” Willis to do basic promotion for the movie. The experience soured Smith so much that he vowed never to direct the action star again. Even in Hollywood, some creative partnerships just aren’t worth the stress.

7. Shia LaBeouf and Tom Hardy

During the filming of Lawless (2012), rumors swirled that Shia LaBeouf and Tom Hardy got into an actual physical fight on set. While Hardy downplayed it as “brotherly wrestling,” others said it was a genuine brawl that nearly halted production. LaBeouf’s method acting and unpredictable behavior reportedly irritated Hardy. Despite both actors’ talent, their conflicting styles made collaboration difficult. It’s safe to say this duo won’t be teaming up again anytime soon.

8. Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp

Two of Hollywood’s biggest stars working together in The Tourist (2010) sounded like a box-office dream—but the reality was awkward. Reports claim Jolie and Depp had zero chemistry and barely spoke between takes. Jolie allegedly found Depp’s on-set habits unprofessional, while Depp disliked her direct involvement in creative decisions. The tension was so apparent that it overshadowed the film’s release. Despite their fame, this pairing proved that charisma alone can’t fake a connection.

9. Alec Baldwin and Shia LaBeouf

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Their clash on the Broadway set of Orphans in 2013 became legendary. LaBeouf, known for his intense method approach, reportedly butted heads with Baldwin over rehearsal techniques. The argument escalated until LaBeouf was fired from the production. He later posted their private email exchange online, making the feud public. Baldwin later described him as “a talented kid with problems,” but the two haven’t crossed paths since.

10. Richard Gere and Sylvester Stallone

This feud dates back to the 1970s, when both were up-and-coming stars cast in The Lords of Flatbush. According to Stallone, Gere was fired after a physical altercation during filming. Their mutual dislike carried on for decades, with Stallone claiming Gere still holds a grudge. Gere later dismissed the feud, calling it “ancient history,” but admitted they never made amends. Sometimes, early career tension leaves a lasting mark.

11. George Clooney and Russell Crowe

Hollywood’s most charming leading men don’t always see eye-to-eye. Russell Crowe once insulted Clooney in a magazine interview, calling him “a sellout.” Clooney fired back with humor, sending Crowe a CD of his own band with a note saying, “It’s better than your acting.” The two eventually made peace, but they’ve never worked together on-screen. Their brief feud was a reminder that even Hollywood’s elite can have thin skin.

12. Wesley Snipes and Ryan Reynolds

During the filming of Blade: Trinity (2004), Wesley Snipes and Ryan Reynolds reportedly couldn’t stand each other. Snipes, who stayed in character as Blade throughout filming, allegedly communicated with Reynolds only through Post-it notes. Crew members claimed the atmosphere on set was so tense that it affected production. Reynolds later joked about it in interviews, but stopped short of naming Snipes directly. Despite their professionalism, the bad blood kept any future collaborations off the table.

13. James Franco and Tyrese Gibson

Their feud began during the filming of Annapolis (2006), when James Franco took his boxing scenes a little too seriously. Tyrese Gibson later claimed Franco actually punched him multiple times during shooting. Franco apologized, saying he was “too method,” but Gibson wasn’t buying it. He publicly vowed never to work with Franco again, calling him “unprofessional.” Their on-screen rivalry might have looked convincing—but it was all too real.

Hollywood Chemistry Isn’t Always Real

When we see perfect on-screen chemistry, it’s easy to forget how much tension can exist behind the camera. For every iconic duo that thrives, there’s another that crashes under the weight of ego, exhaustion, or creative differences. Some of these actors moved on, others made peace, and a few still avoid each other to this day. Hollywood might love a good sequel—but for these stars, the partnership ended with the credits.

Which celebrity feud surprised you most? Would you still watch a movie featuring two actors who can’t stand each other? Share your thoughts below!

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9 Entrepreneurs from Non-Hollywood Backgrounds Who’re Worth More Than $20M

October 7, 2025 By Leave a Comment
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Hollywood often dominates stories of wealth and fame, but some of the most inspiring fortunes come from people building quietly in other industries. These are self-made entrepreneurs who didn’t rely on glitzy media exposure or celebrity status. Instead, they scaled real businesses, solved practical problems, and amassed fortunes often exceeding $20 million (many far more). Their stories offer lessons in grit, strategy, and authenticity. Here are nine entrepreneurs you may not see on red carpets—but whose wealth and impact demand attention.

1. Alex Hormozi

Alex Hormozi is perhaps best known in entrepreneur circles, but not as a celebrity. He built multiple successful fitness, education, and acquisitions businesses—and in 2025, his net worth is estimated at around $100 million. Hormozi’s path included launching a gym and coaching brands, then scaling through acquisitions and systems thinking. He shares insights publicly yet stays grounded in fundamentals rather than flash. As a self-made entrepreneur, his journey underscores that scaling small wins leads to big outcomes.

2. Sriarhar Vembu

Sridhar Vembu is an Indian tech entrepreneur who co-founded Zoho Corporation. He built the business outside the venture capital spotlight and focused on sustainable growth in small towns. His personal net worth now reaches into the billions. Vembu emphasizes rural development, software products, and profitability over aggressive exits. He’s a strong example of a self-made entrepreneur committed to long-term impact over hype.

3. Divyank Turakhia

Divyank Turakhia is a serial entrepreneur and investor whose ventures include Media.net, and he achieved major success via a $900 million sale. Today he continues launching and investing in new tech businesses globally. Turakhia’s approach combines product vision with capital allocation skill. He didn’t grow up in entertainment or on celebrity platforms—he built in tech, quietly but effectively. That’s the core of how a self-made entrepreneur stacks wealth.

4. Alexandr Wang

At a young age, Alexandr Wang co-founded Scale AI, a now high-value AI data company, and has achieved billionaire status. He left MIT to build Scale, focusing on data labeling and large language model evaluation infrastructure. His rise is striking for someone outside show business. He’s known among technologists, not for red-carpet flair. His net worth eclipses $20 million by orders of magnitude. His story shows how specialized innovation can drive massive financial success.

5. Scott Galloway

Scott Galloway is a business professor, author, and entrepreneur whose net worth is estimated at around $100 million. He built brand and subscription businesses outside mainstream celebrity pipelines. He monetizes his expertise in consumer trends, media, and education. Though he has media visibility, he isn’t a Hollywood product—he’s a self-made entrepreneur rooted in business and thought leadership.

6. John Paul DeJoria

John Paul DeJoria is a classic example of a rags-to-riches self-made entrepreneur. He co-founded Paul Mitchell haircare and then Patron Tequila, starting with minimal capital. Today, his net worth is in the billions. He grew his empire outside celebrity brand—though his brands are known, he remained a business operator first. His path shows how brand building and product focus can compound enormous wealth.

7. Anne Mahlum

Anne Mahlum built a fitness and wellness business, Solidcore, and exited with a net worth reportedly around $100 million. Her business grew by franchising and scaling systems rather than seeking media fame. She invested deeply in her community and brand, which drove value. As a self-made entrepreneur, she reminds us that wealth can come from well-executed niche markets. Her story highlights that solidity and discipline matter more than the spotlight.

8. Lucy Guo

Lucy Guo co-founded Scale AI with Wang and has become one of the youngest female self-made billionaires. She holds a stake and has invested her gains into other startups and ventures. She dropped out of university to pursue her entrepreneurial vision and built wealth through tech, not through celebrity. Her success reinforces how expertise, timing, and equity matter above media presence. She is proof that being behind the scenes still allows you to own big value.

9. Tope Awotona

Tope Awotona founded Calendly, a scheduling software business, and became a billionaire through its value and growth. His background is in business and tech—he’s not a Hollywood name, but his company is deeply integrated into professional workflows. Awotona focused on product quality, distribution, and scaling tools (SaaS). That path aligns with the traits of a self-made entrepreneur who builds durable platforms over hype.

What These Entrepreneurs Teach Us About Wealth Building

These nine individuals prove that you don’t need to be in show business, media, or celebrity culture to build multi-million (or billion) empires. What unites them is sustained focus, scalable models (often tech or brand), equity ownership, and real value creation over gimmicks. They grow in niches or categories others overlook, and often reinvest deeply in growth and operations. For aspiring founders, the takeaways are clear: invest in systems, own your equity, play the long game, and don’t wait for applause to validate your work.

Which of these self-made entrepreneurs inspires you most—and what key lesson do you want to apply to your own path? Let me know in the comments!

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5 Lesser-Known Actors With Brand Deals You’d Never Guess

October 6, 2025 By Leave a Comment
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Big celebrity endorsements are nothing new—think George Clooney with Nespresso or Jennifer Aniston for Aveeno—but some of the most interesting brand deals come from actors flying just under the radar. These partnerships often surprise fans because the actors aren’t household names, yet they’re quietly cashing in on major endorsement opportunities. From indie film stars to streaming show favorites, these deals prove you don’t need blockbuster fame to attract big brands. In fact, smaller stars often resonate more with audiences thanks to their authenticity and niche followings. Here are five lesser-known actors with brand deals you’d never guess existed.

1. Noah Centineo –  Calvin Klein & More

 

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In 2019, Centineo starred in Calvin Klein’s “I Speak My Truth in #MyCalvins” campaign (alongside Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, and others), modeling underwear and speaking about authenticity.  He also appeared in Calvin Klein Jeans and underwear campaigns, including photo and video content highlighting self-expression and vulnerability.  Beyond that, he was featured in a Taco Bell “Eat Like You” ad that showed him skydiving and using the Taco Bell app.

Not to mention, Centineo co-founded Favored Nations, a nonprofit/“lifestyle brand” hybrid, which creates apparel and campaigns whose proceeds support charitable causes. Through Favored Nations, he has worked with brands like Tony’s Chocolonely (a fair-trade chocolate brand) in socially oriented activations, such as combining chocolate distribution with voter registration efforts.

2. Kiernan Shipka – Fendi

 

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Kiernan Shipka starred in a Fendi “#BaguetteFriendsForever” campaign, channeling Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday in a short film centered around Fendi’s iconic Baguette bags. In 2023, Shipka was announced as the face of Nina Le Parfum by Nina Ricci, with designer Harris Reed selecting her for the campaign. Shipka’s style has also aligned with luxury fashion beyond formal campaigns; for example, she has been featured wearing Chanel in interviews and fashion editorials, suggesting a stylistic affinity, if not an official ambassador role.

3. Manny Jacinto – Psycho Bunny

 

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Manny Jacinto has engaged in commercial collaborations beyond acting, stepping into brand campaigns and endorsements. For example, in October 2022, he partnered with men’s lifestyle brand Psycho Bunny for the launch of their “OUTLINE” collection, serving as the face of that campaign.  According to his booking agency’s profile, he is open to a variety of brand work—such as campaign collaborations, endorsements, social media activations, commercials, and voiceover projects.

4. Sophia Lillis – Chanel

 

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In June 2023, Sophia Lillis began a visible collaboration with Chanel, marked by her attendance at the brand’s “Through Her Lens” luncheon during the Tribeca Festival in New York. For the event, she was styled in head-to-toe Chanel, embracing the house’s aesthetic while aligning herself with its broader commitment to cultural patronage and promoting women’s voices in the arts. Though her partnership appears focused on brand endorsement and event appearances rather than a full capsule line or creative directorship, her association with Chanel positions her at the intersection of fashion, culture, and media. More recently, she shared an Instagram post seemingly partnering with Prada (see above). So, there’s no shortage of brand deals awaiting her.

5. Colman Domingo – Omega Watches

 

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Colman Domingo, the critically acclaimed but still underrated star of Fear the Walking Dead and Euphoria, joined Omega for a campaign. Around six weeks ago, the watch brand shared, “Welcoming Colman Domingo to our watchmaking home in Bienne. The award-winning actor, producer and director spent time discovering the precision behind our celebrated timepieces.” GQ has also featured a story about Domingo’s $160,000 Omega Speedmaster watch.

When Subtle Fame Meets Smart Marketing

These brand deals prove that influence isn’t just about follower counts—it’s about connection. Lesser-known actors often feel more approachable, more believable, and more human than A-list celebrities who seem out of reach. Brands are increasingly choosing talent who represent their values rather than just their fame. As social media and streaming blur the lines between celebrity and creator, expect more partnerships that surprise you—in the best way possible. Sometimes, the most effective endorsement isn’t shouted from a billboard; it’s whispered by someone you trust.

Which of these actor-brand pairings surprised you most? Would you rather see relatable stars or megacelebs in ads? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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