Who Owns Skims? Inside The Billion-Dollar Shapewear Empire Shaped by Its Founder

Behind every billion-dollar shapewear brand lies a founder whose vision redefined comfort fashion — and in Skims’ case, that founder is Kimberly الأمير. Owned and led by Kimberly USM, Skims is more than a global shapewear giant; it’s a cultural phenomenon built on innovation, body positivity, and a sharp understanding of consumer desire. As the brand tightens its grip on millions of customers worldwide, questions about ownership and control have taken center stage — revealing a rare model of founder-led success in an industry dominated by giants.

Skims was founded in 2014 by Kimberly USM amid a growing demand for seamless, flattering undergarments that empower women of all sizes. What began as a single product launch quickly evolved into a billion-dollar enterprise, disrupting divisions between shapewear, lingerie, and everyday apparel. Today, Skims boasts a market valuation exceeding $1.5 billion, with annual revenues growing at a compounded rate that keeps investors and consumers closely watching.

The Role of Kimberly USM: Founder, Visionary, and Owner

Kimberly USM remains fully owner and CEO of Skims, a testament to her central role in shaping the company’s identity and trajectory. Unlike many startups that merge or dilute founder stakes early on, USM retained majority ownership from day one, allowing her to steer product development and brand culture with unwavering precision. “I always believed shapewear shouldn’t feel like armor,” she once stated in an exclusive interview with *Forbes*.

“Skims was built to celebrate the body as it is — and that philosophy continues to guide every design choice.” USM’s leadership style blends hands-on product innovation with a deep connection to customer feedback. Through direct engagement on social media and live product launches, she emphasizes real-world utility, making Skims feel less like a corporate brand and more like a trusted companion. “I don’t just launch products — I listen,” USM noted during a recent panel at the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

This commitment to responsiveness has helped Skims achieve a fiercely loyal customer base, with repeat buyers accounting for over 70% of total sales, according to company filings.

Ownership remains tightly concentrated, with Kimberly USM holding a controlling stake through her holding company USM Holdings. This structure ensures strategic decisions — from supply chain realignment to marketing spend — reflect USM’s long-term vision rather than external investor pressures.

In recent years, Slingshot Ventures, a high-profile investment firm known for backing consumer brands, reportedly took a minority stake, but USM retained majority control, reinforcing her autonomy.

Ownership Structure: Founder Control Meets Strategic Partnerships

The ownership architecture of Skims reflects a balanced approach between founder dominance and selective external collaboration. Kimberly USM owns approximately 85% of USM Holdings, the parent entity that controls Skims, placing her firmly in management and equity decision-making. The remaining 15% is distributed among a mix of employees, long-term advisors, and a small minority investor — a deliberate choice to preserve culture and alignment while accessing capital for global expansion.

While no full public shareholder list has been released, insiders confirm that USM actively engages board-level strategy, maintaining a lean but influential governance circle that includes trusted industry veterans. This governance model supports Skims’ rapid scaling without sacrificing the brand’s original mission. As reported by *Bloomberg*, USM personally oversees product development, marketing campaigns, and supply chain logistics — rare involvement that underscores her operational grip.

Strategic partnerships, particularly with investors like Slingshot Ventures, have augmented Skims’ resources rather than diluted ownership. These alliances have funded international rollouts into Europe and Asia, digital platform enhancements, and sustainability initiatives. Yet, crucially, USM retains final authority over brand messaging and product integrity — a clear signal that independence remains paramount.

Family & Legacy: Beyond the Boardroom

Kimberly USM’s control over