British entrepreneur Emma Grede has responded to criticism suggesting her business empire was built because of the man she married, describing the claim as "an insult" and calling on people to stop undermining the achievements of successful women.

Grede, who has built a reputation as one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, addressed the comments in a video shared on social media after facing growing discussion about her career and the role privilege has played in her success.

She began by acknowledging that some of the criticism directed at her was valid, explaining that she recognises certain advantages she has had throughout her life. Grede said she is aware of her own privilege and accepted comments relating to her upbringing and appearance, adding that she understands life is not an equal playing field for everyone.

However, she said there was one accusation she refused to accept.

She said:

"The one thing I will not take sitting down, though, is this idea that somehow a man is responsible for my success. It's a fucking insult."

Grede went on to explain that when she met her husband, Swedish entrepreneur Jens Grede, neither of them had achieved the level of success they are known for today. She said they built their careers together over many years, supporting one another while establishing businesses from the ground up.

She said:

"I met my husband when he was 29. He wasn't rich, he didn't have a brand then, and having come actually to England from Sweden with nothing, he was just making his way, just like me. We grew together, we helped each other, no one opened the door for me."

The entrepreneur explained that her career was the result of years of hard work, consistently delivering results and earning opportunities through experience rather than connections.

Grede added:

"I worked myself into a position of great influence by being excellent and by building for years and years."

Grede also questioned why successful women are so often expected to justify their achievements, arguing that men rarely face the same scrutiny when launching businesses or attracting investment.

She said:

"Why must a woman's success always be scrutinised? Why would people go hunting for a reason that it doesn't count?"

Encouraging others to focus less on questioning successful women and more on supporting them, Grede concluded her message by saying:

"The energy that we spend deciding who deserves their success is energy that we could be spending just lifting up a woman next to us."

She finished by urging people to take inspiration from her journey rather than criticise it.

Grede said:

"So do me a favour, take what's useful from my book and leave what isn't and then go build yours. I make no apologies for my story, and guess what? I am still rooting for all women."

Grede, who was born and raised in London, is one of Britain's most successful businesswomen. She is the co-founder and chief executive of Good American, the inclusive fashion brand launched alongside Khloé Kardashian in 2016. She is also a founding partner of Skims, the shapewear and clothing company co-founded with Kim Kardashian, which has grown into one of the world's most valuable fashion brands. In addition, she serves as Chairwoman of the Safely cleaning products brand and has invested in a number of businesses through her appearances on Shark Tank.

She has been married to Jens Grede since 2008. Jens is the co-founder and chief executive of Skims and has also co-founded successful fashion businesses including Frame. Together, the couple have become one of the most influential partnerships in the fashion and consumer business world, working on several high-profile ventures while raising their family.

Her comments have since sparked debate online, with many praising her honesty, while others argued that privilege and hard work can both play a role in someone's success.

One person commented:

"Two things can coexist. She may have benefited from marrying a wealthy man, and she may also have an exceptional work ethic. Acknowledging one does erase the other."

Another wrote:

"Why should she even have to explain herself? Being angry at someone success will never make sense to me. If you don't have it, find a way to get it!!!"

While opinions remain divided, Grede's message was clear. She believes recognising privilege should never mean dismissing years of hard work, and hopes the conversation shifts from questioning successful women to encouraging more of them to succeed.