When Emma Grede, the trailblazing entrepreneur behind Good American and founding partner of SKIMS, does something new, it’s bound to make waves. This time, she’s bringing her vision and voice to the podcast space with the launch of Aspire—a platform for candid conversations, fearless storytelling, and the kind of inspiration only women at the top of their game can offer.
To celebrate the debut, Grede curated an unforgettable evening in Atlanta—a chic, candlelit dinner that brought together a vibrant group of influential women from across industries. The goal? To connect, to share, and to elevate.
A Night of Elegance and Empowerment
The dinner exuded quiet luxury and intentional design. Hosted in an intimate setting, the ambiance was warm yet refined, where soft lighting and artful décor made space for deeper connection. The room buzzed with energy—not the loud kind, but the electric, unspoken current that builds when visionary women gather with purpose.
Grede’s guest list was as dynamic as the movement she’s building. Attendees included Grammy-winning artist and business mogul Kandi Burruss, actress Crystal Renee, rising moguls like Jayda Cheaves, and the multitalented Marsai Martin. Adding humor to the mix were comedians B. Simone, Jess Hilarious, and Pretty Vee, each one bringing their unique spirit to the table.
As champagne flowed and candle flames flickered, the room shifted into something rare—a sanctuary of sisterhood where laughter, business insights, and personal stories were exchanged freely.
A Celebration of Women Who Lead
The evening wasn’t about stiff speeches or business card swaps—it was a living example of what Aspire hopes to bring to listeners: authenticity, connection, and fearless truth-telling.
The conversations throughout the night reflected that. Guests shared not just wins but lessons—what it means to navigate entrepreneurship, creative industries, motherhood, and fame as Black women in today’s world. Grede, known for her sharp mind and unapologetic style, kept the atmosphere both aspirational and grounded. She reminded everyone that success isn’t just about hustle—it’s about having the courage to rewrite the rules.
Fashion That Matches the Message
Naturally, fashion had its own moment at the dinner.
I chose a sharp, black double-breasted blazer dress by Dolce & Gabbana, pairing it with sheer tights and classic Christian Louboutin heels. It was a power look through and through—tailored, confident, and fitting for a night celebrating women who don’t wait for seats at the table; they build their own.
Others brought their A-game too. From luxe prints to architectural silhouettes, the fashion served as a mirror to the night’s theme: bold, beautiful, and unapologetically expressive.
A Podcast With Purpose
The launch of Aspire marks another bold step in Emma Grede’s ever-evolving career. But more than a podcast, it’s a promise—to hold space for honest dialogue and stories that rarely get the spotlight. Grede has always believed in championing women, especially women of color, and Aspire is yet another platform for that mission.
This isn’t just a celebrity podcast with trendy guests. It’s a space for substance. Each episode will explore the journeys of women who have dared to dream differently and execute with relentless drive. If the dinner was any indication, Aspire will be just as intentional and resonant as the woman behind it.
Leaving Inspired—and Ready to Build
As the evening drew to a close, guests lingered. That’s how you know something real happened. No one rushed for the exits because everyone was still soaking it in—the stories shared, the new bonds formed, and the collective realization that we’re better when we rise together.
We left full—not just from gourmet bites and bubbly—but from inspiration, motivation, and a renewed sense of possibility. Emma Grede created more than a launch party. She created a moment—and a movement.
The conversations that started at that dinner table won’t end there. They’ll echo through Aspire, they’ll ripple through our work, and they’ll continue every time a woman dares to chase something bigger.
And that, truly, is the essence of aspiration.
