From Interior Designer to Multi-Million Dollar CEO | Aspire with Emma Grede

Kelly Wearstler is one of the most influential designers in the world, but her real genius may be how she turned taste into a scalable multi-million dollar business. Over the years, she’s built a company that stretches far beyond interiors, expanding into product, licensing, creative direction, and media all while staying closely involved in the work itself. In this conversation, we get into the structure, decision-making, and resilience behind that growth. In this episode, Emma explores: How Kelly built a 60-person studio Why she believes in “sequence” over speed The commercial strategy behind creative work How she’s using AI within her company Investing in hierarchy and leadership Knowing when to walk away Why longevity matters more than hype This is a conversation about building something that evolves and making sure it’s designed to endure. #aspirewithemmagrede #podcast #podcastinterview #finance #habits #atomichabits #wealth #business #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #businessadvice #financialfreedom #financialliteracy #theshaderoom #tsr #skims #sharktank #psychology #motivation #attitude #money #success #successmindset #successmotivation #successtips #hotel #design #designbusiness #interiordesign #interiordesigner 00:00:00 - Introduction: 00:01:03 - Meet Kelly Wearstler 00:01:45 - The six verticals of the business 00:03:44 - Crossover between creativity and commerce 00:06:00 - From service business to scaling 00:08:55 - The early days in New York 00:13:48 - Building your reputation takes time 00:17:00 - Sixty people studio 00:22:40 - Ad Break 00:26:07 - Lessons from the early days 00:29:16 - What type of leader are you? 00:31:55 - Qualities she looks for in team members 00:34:40 - Her relationship with money 00:39:19 - The business verticals explained 00:43:12 - Creative direction and brand partnerships 00:46:44 - Ad Break 00:49:29 - Navigating motherhood and ambition 00:54:10 - How she protects her creative energy 00:59:08 - Ad Break 01:02:00 - The non-negotiables of her routine 01:07:29 - The gallery and collaboration 01:11:33 - Rapid Fire Questions 01:13:44 - What are you Aspiring to? _____ SUBSCRIBE    / @emmagrede   _____ Buy Emma's Book: START WITH YOURSELF is yours April 2026! Preorder today wherever you buy books or at https://www.emmagrede.com/ _____ ABOUT ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE Build the life of your dreams and learn from the world’s most successful people. Emma Grede, one of America’s richest self-made women, wants you to make the most of your life. On Aspire with Emma Grede, learn through thought-provoking conversations with some of the most successful and smartest minds on the planet, including goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, investor, philanthropist, and former chair of Starbucks Mellody Hobson, podcast host Jay Shetty, billionaire entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban, global entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury, Shopify President Harley Finkelstein, bestselling author of 'Let Them Theory' Mel Robbins, and public luminaries like Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Charlamagne Tha God, Jessica Alba, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Each episode unpacks their habits, philosophy, and strategies, covering career advice, well-being, psychology, and, of course, how to win in business. The show offers personal stories, data-driven advice, real-world strategies, and the experience you need to turn your dreams into reality. LISTEN TO ASPIRE WITH EMMA GREDE link.pscrb.fm/f0281/Aspire_YT ABOUT EMMA GREDE Emma Grede is a founding partner and chief product officer of SKIMS and CEO of Good American. She also made history as the first Black woman to serve as an investor on Shark Tank. Learn more at: https://www.emmagrede.com/