Get the chance to meet with Kendra Scott, CEO and Co-Founder of Kendra Scott LLC!
Kendra Scott is a talented designer, loving mom, passionate philanthropist and driven entrepreneur. As a creative mind with a love of natural gemstones, Kendra designed her first collection of jewelry in 2002 with just $500. Determined to maintain growth and preserve the vision of her business, Kendra waited over 10 years to accept outside investments. She has since grown the company to a billion-dollar valuation with over 100 stores nationwide and a thriving e-commerce and wholesale business. According to a 2018 PitchBook study, Kendra is among only 16 women in the United States to carry the title of founder of a company valued at one billion dollars. In addition to her passion as a designer, Kendra is leading the charge in creating a brand and a culture that supports women, values family, and encourages an entrepreneurial mindset.
Kendra has pioneered a new way of interacting with consumers through brand experiences that genuinely engage her community. From amazing customer service to “surprise and delight” moments, Kendra recognizes the value of creating an authentic connection with her customers. Inspired by the guidance she received during the early days of her business, Kendra actively seeks out opportunities to mentor and support other entrepreneurs, especially women leaders.
Beginning September 2019, she is proud to give new life to this passion through a new program at the University of Texas at Austin: The Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute. Uniquely positioned to address the challenges women often face in business, this program will build a pipeline of courageous, creative female leaders who will change the world – in business and beyond.
Kendra has been awarded with the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 National Award; the Breakthrough Award from the Accessories Council Excellence Awards; named Outstanding Mother of the Year by the Mother’s Day Council; awarded Texas Businesswoman of the Year by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce; listed by Forbes as one of America’s Richest Self-Made Women; listed among the Top 100 Entrepreneurs of the Year by Upstart Business Journal; and named Best CEO by Austin Business Journal. In October 2019, Kendra was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame. Kendra is a member of the board of directors for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and she maintains her position as Chairman of the Board of Kendra Scott, LLC.