In 2002, Kendra Scott started making jewelry in her spare bedroom when her first son was three months old. She went door-to-door around Austin, TX, showing her inaugural designs to local boutiques. The first few orders were unexpectedly large, and Kendra sold all her samples on the spot. A few years later, her designs accessorized an Oscar de la Renta runway show.
A few years after that, the flagship brick-and-mortar opened on South Congress Avenue in Austin. As fashion hotspots like Los Angeles and New York City began to notice her success, Kendra kept her focus on the South and the Midwest. Her places and her people have always come first.
Kendra won Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2017. Then in 2019, she became just the twelfth woman in Texas to be inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
This relatable, compassionate, real business leader has created an undeniable bond between her jewelry and its wearers, but also between herself and her fans. There are now more than 100 Kendra Scott stores, and you can find her jewelry in Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Selfridges, Von Maur, Bloomingdale’s, and over 1,000 boutiques around the globe. And, in all her free time (wink wink), Kendra gives time and proceeds to dozens of nonprofits and organizations impacting everything from cancer to education. We’re proud to have Kendra as this month’s FACE of the South!
Tell us a bit about your younger years. Were you always fashion-forward and creative?
My journey to becoming a jewelry designer isn’t what you’d expect. I grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin — home to farmers and factory workers — not fashion design. However, I had an aunt who was a fashion coordinator at Gimbels (a department store in Milwaukee). She had an incredible closet that she would let me play in, and my imagination would run wild. I credit my love of fashion to those childhood experiences.
When did you know you wanted to make design your career?
Fashion and design are something I’ve loved since childhood. As a jewelry consumer, I knew there was a white space in the industry for beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry that was both affordable and luxurious. The caveat was that I didn’t go to fashion school and had no clue how to work a sewing machine, but jewelry is something I knew I could learn to make with my own hands.
Kendra aimed to create quality, eye-catching jewelry at an approachable price point. Her pieces are durable, elegant, and consciously crafted of natural materials.
You’re on the heels of your new memoir release, Born To Shine. Can you share a little about the book and how it’s been received thus far?
Yes! Born To Shine was released in September, and we just wrapped up the book tour as well. This book is part memoir and love letter to those who helped me along the way in creating Kendra Scott, the brand. I talk about it all — my childhood, building the brand, motherhood, marriage, divorce — all of it shaping me into the woman I am today. Through my stories, I hope readers are inspired to find their purpose, be a light to those around them, and do good.
“So far,” Kendra says, “the book is receiving excellent feedback, and I am incredibly touched by our customers’ stories on how the book and brand have impacted their lives.”
What’s a common misconception that people have about you?
Looking in from the outside, I think people often assume that I have the “perfect life” because of the success of my business; however, this is far from the truth! Yes, I am incredibly grateful for all the blessings in my life, but the reality is we are all battling internal struggles, and we cannot get through those life obstacles alone. There is power in being vulnerable and honest —something I go into detail about in my book Born To Shine.
To read more about Kendra’s story, order her new book HERE.
How do you juggle being a mom with all of your Kendra Scott work?
My title of “mom” will always come first. I started my business as a mother and knew I wanted to cultivate a workplace that catered to other working moms/parents. Although there is no perfect formula for juggling the two, I’ve learned that it’s important to be fully present no matter where you are — whether it’s with your children (so no looking at work emails through your phone) or in the workplace.
The core values of the Kendra Scott brand are family, fashion, and philanthropy — but family trumps all for Kendra.
What’s something that people are often surprised to learn about you?
My first business venture was a flop! I opened a hat store called The Hat Box with hopes of selling different kinds of hats for every occasion and donating the proceeds to cancer research (something inspired by my stepfather as he was battling cancer at the time). After five years of running my store, I was forced to close the business. People weren’t buying hats as I had hoped, and I could no longer afford to keep the business afloat.
When you’re partnering with organizations that give back, how do you pick? What’s the latest project?
Since day one, Kendra Scott, the brand, has been guided by our core values of family, fashion, and philanthropy. As a company made up of 96% females, we are passionate about supporting organizations that serve women and youth, such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Inheritance of Hope, Folds of Honor, and more. Additionally, our philanthropy and regional marketing teams work year-round to build relationships with local, national, and international philanthropic organizations in health and wellness, education and entrepreneurship, and empowerment.
In March — Women’s History Month — Kendra Scott announced a $13.25 million philanthropic endowment to the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at The University of Texas at Austin. This gift “will expand entrepreneurship offerings to help more than 24,000 women pursue their business aspirations in the coming decade,” the announcement stated.
We just wrapped up Breast Cancer Awareness month and Holley Day. October 13 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which we call “Holley Day” in honor of my dear friend who passed away from the disease in 2016. Each year on that day, we donate 20% of all sales towards our annual Inheritance of Hope Retreat, an all-expense-paid experience where families create lifelong memories and receive tools to navigate the challenge of a terminal illness.
What Kendra Scott pieces do you currently have in your own rotation of accessories?
Lately, my everyday staples have been the Shannon Yellow Gold Collar Necklace, Dani Yellow Gold Open Ring, and the Merrick Chain Necklace in gold.
Where can we find you on your days off?
Gardening or at my ranch with my horses!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
One of my early investors told me to focus on building a unique, disruptive business first, and the rest will follow. If you’re solely in it for the money, you have already failed.
Besides faith, family, and friends, name three things you couldn’t live without.
My dogs Duke, Gracie, Chewy, and Hank.
Happy 20th birthday to Kendra Scott, the brand!
And now for our “lightning round” Q&A!
Last best meal: Anything from Spicy Szechuan (a local spot here in Austin). My current go-to is the Moo Shu Shrimp!
Your favorite hidden gem in Texas: Round Top, Texas, is incredible for antique shopping (although it has gained more popularity these last few years). Camp Fimfo is a great camping spot my family and I love to frequent as well.
Last vacation: I spent some time this summer in Italy, mostly traveling around the Amalfi coast. It was stunning! I came back more inspired than ever and couldn’t wait to return to the design studio with my team.
Favorite clothing boutique: Valentines Austin
Currently on your bedside table: A book, night serum, and tea
Go-to birthday present (to give): Kendra Scott jewelry, of course!
We asked Kendra what pieces she currently has on rotation. “Lately, my everyday staples have been the Shannon Yellow Gold Collar Necklace, Dani Yellow Gold Open Ring, and the Merrick Chain Necklace in gold.”
Thank you for chatting with us, Kendra! All photos courtesy of Kendra Scott.
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