# Grace Lee Chen

> Grace Lee Chen is the Los Angeles-based co-founder and chief creative officer of Birdy Grey. A former InStyle reporter and fashion and beauty brand copywriter, she launched the online bridesmaid dress business in 2017 after being a bridesmaid six times. Her best friend Monica Ashauer joined the following year; Chen later moved from CEO to creative and board leadership in 2025.

- **Role:** Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Birdy Grey
- **Organizations:** Birdy Grey, InStyle, Kate Spade New York, Stila Cosmetics, Kate Somerville
- **Education:** University of Washington
- **Known for:** Founded Birdy Grey in 2017., Led Birdy Grey as CEO before its 2025 leadership transition., Birdy Grey ranked No. 305 on the 2022 Inc. 5000.

## Career timeline

- **Before 2017** — Worked as an InStyle reporter and in copywriting, social media and digital content for fashion and beauty brands.
- **2017** — Launched Birdy Grey in Los Angeles with a $99 bridesmaid dress proposition.
- **2018** — Best friend Monica Ashauer joined as co-founder and COO.
- **2024** — Birdy Grey launched an 11-style Little White Dress collection with LaurDIY.
- **2025** — Moved from CEO to chief creative officer and board leadership as Jill Layfield became CEO.
- **2026** — Discussed her creative leadership and founding experience on Leading By Example.

## Achievements

- Founded Birdy Grey in 2017.
- Led Birdy Grey as CEO before its 2025 leadership transition.
- Birdy Grey ranked No. 305 on the 2022 Inc. 5000.
- Included in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s LA500 in 2025.

## Latest updates

- **2026-03** — Shared wedding guest fashion advice with E! in a March 19 interview.
- **2026-01** — Featured on Leading By Example discussing founding Birdy Grey, customer connection and her move to creative leadership.
- **2025-06** — Named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s LA500 as founder, chief creative officer and co-executive chair.

## Links

- Website: https://www.birdygrey.com/pages/about-birdygrey
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graceleew/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/grace-lee-chen
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-11