In Video: Kendra Scott expands billion-dollar namesake brand to include boots and western wear
Women Mean Business: Kendra Scott’s Journey from Spare Bedroom to Billion-Dollar Brand
In our series, we feature women who have achieved incredible success in their respective fields. Today, we sit down with Kendra Scott, the founder and designer of Kendra Scott, a billion-dollar brand that started with just $500 and a small loan from her mom. With a passion for fashion since childhood, Kendra started selling jewelry out of a tee box at local boutiques in Austin, Texas, at just 19 years old. She later founded Kendra Scott, a company that would go on to become a household name.
Fast forward to today, Kendra has launched a new brand, Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, which boasts a unique concept inspired by her love for Texas and the Western lifestyle. We visited a Yellow Rose store on South Congress in Austin, where Kendra shared her story and insights on building a successful business and giving back to the community.
From the Bedroom to a Billion-Dollar Brand
Kendra’s journey began with a small loan from her mom, who helped her start her first business, The Hat Box, at just 19 years old. The brand focused on selling hats and raising money for cancer research. After selling her first business, Kendra went on to launch Kendra Scott in 2002, selling jewelry out of her spare bedroom. She recounts the early days, carrying a wooden tee box to boutiques with her three-month-old baby in tow, selling samples and writing orders by hand. “Starting a business out of a card table, I couldn’t have dreamed this big,” Kendra says. “I think it’s one of those things where I want to be that beacon of hope for anyone out there who thinks you can’t do something.”
Yellow Rose: A Love Letter to Texas
Kendra’s new brand, Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott, pays homage to the state where she grew up and built her business. The brand’s Western-inspired designs are a reflection of Kendra’s love for the culture and lifestyle. Yellow Rose stores feature handmade, one-of-a-kind boots, and clothing inspired by the American West. “I just love bringing in vintage, but Texas is just part of who I am,” Kendra says. “So Yellow Rose is really a love letter to this beautiful state that has given me my wings to fly.”
Philanthropy: A Key Part of Kendra’s Success
Kendra’s business, Kendra Scott, has given back over $70 million to women and youth non-profits since 2010. The company’s foundation focuses on supporting women’s empowerment, education, and healthcare initiatives. “I wanted to create a company that made products that not only made you look good and feel good but that do good,” Kendra says. “I think for all of us at Kendra Scott, that’s our purpose.”
Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
As we wrapped up our conversation, Kendra shared some words of wisdom for women entrepreneurs. “Don’t be afraid of failure, because the things in my life that I failed at were the greatest gifts that propelled me into something better in our life,” she says. “We’ve just got to take that chance because on the other side of fear, something great could be waiting for you.”
Kendra’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and giving back. As she continues to grow her businesses and expand her brand, we can’t wait to see what’s next for this inspiring entrepreneur.
