Ore. (KOIN) — Portland entrepreneurs and small-business owners gathered at Powell’s Books Tuesday night to hear Emma Grede talk about the realities of building a business — from overcoming setbacks to knowing when to take the next step
Grede, co-founder of SKIMS and Good American and author of Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life, came to Portland for a conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership and what it takes to build a successful business.
The event was hosted by Portland-based Everybody Eats Agency.
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Dozens came to Powell’s Books on Tuesday hear Emma Grede talk about the realities of building a business. (Amy Cole) -
hear Emma Grede talk about the realities of building a business. (Amy Cole)
Natalie Lane, co-founder and managing partner of Everybody Eats Agency, said she wanted to bring Grede to Portland because local business owners need opportunities to connect and hear from someone who understands the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Lane said business owners are struggling to find capital and need more government support to make it easier to build and grow in Portland.
“We’re going through growing pains,” Lane said. “I think we’re going to come through it.”
Grede said Portland stands out because local businesses often represent more than the products they sell.
“When I come to Portland, what really stands out for me is that it’s so clear here that businesses shouldn’t just be selling something; they have to stand for something,” Grede said.
She said Portland’s appreciation for locally made and artisan products creates a strong sense of community around businesses.
Grede also spoke about the challenges facing women and women of color who want to start businesses.
She said those barriers are real, but building a business can also build resilience.
“When you have something that is your own, you are going to come up against so much,” Grede said. “And so I actually think, like, I’ve been in training my whole life for the type of businesswoman I would need to become.”
Her advice to her younger self: start before you feel ready.
Grede said entrepreneurs can spend too much time waiting for the perfect moment. If a business fails, she said, chalk it up to experience and learn from it.
She also encouraged entrepreneurs to expect difficult periods rather than viewing them as a sign they are doing something wrong.
“Expect the hard stuff,” she said. “That’s just part of life and we grow from it.”
Grede said she was surprised by the turnout in Portland, especially given that she traveled from Los Angeles — and even farther from her home in England.
Lane said the strong turnout reflected Portland’s willingness to support local businesses and entrepreneurs.
For Grede, the takeaway is straightforward: start before you’re ready, expect setbacks and learn from them.
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