When you hear the name Kendra Scott, you might think of bold, colorful jewelry pieces that somehow manage to feel both luxurious and down-to-earth. But behind the billion-dollar brand is a woman whose journey is every bit as dazzling as her designs. As of 2024, Kendra Scott is 50 years old and boasts a net worth of approximately $460 million. Her story is one of grit, vision, and a deep commitment to community.
Who Is Kendra Scott, and How Did Her Journey Begin?
Born on March 27, 1974, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Kendra L. Baumgartner Scott was raised with Midwestern values and a strong work ethic. At 16, she moved with her family to Houston, Texas, where she attended Klein High School. After briefly enrolling at Texas A&M University, she made the difficult choice to drop out and care for her ailing stepfather in Austin—a decision that would ultimately bring her closer to her entrepreneurial roots.
Before becoming a jewelry mogul, Kendra launched her first venture, The Hat Box, a line of stylish headwear designed for women undergoing chemotherapy. Inspired by her stepfather’s cancer battle, this early business showed Scott’s instinct for combining style with purpose.
How Did Kendra Scott Start Her Jewelry Business?
In 2002, with just $500 and a head full of ideas, Kendra started her jewelry company from her spare bedroom. Armed with a small kit of stones and metals, she began crafting her first collection, selling it by hand to local boutiques in Austin. Her unique use of color and natural stones quickly set her apart.
The big break came when her designs were featured in Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2006 runway show, placing her work in the spotlight and jumpstarting national interest. But even with momentum building, she didn’t open her first store until 2010, right in the heart of Austin.
What Makes the Kendra Scott Brand So Successful?
The success of Kendra Scott, LLC isn’t just about pretty jewelry. It’s about accessibility, experience, and heart. The brand blends high-quality materials with approachable prices, offering something for both everyday wear and special occasions. With innovations like the Color Bar™, customers can customize pieces to their taste—turning shopping into a personal, creative experience.
Today, her empire includes over 100 standalone stores, a booming e-commerce platform, and partnerships with major retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Neiman Marcus.
How Has Kendra Scott Contributed to Philanthropy?
Philanthropy is baked into the DNA of Scott’s company. Since 2010, Kendra Scott, LLC has donated over $60 million to causes focused on health, education, and entrepreneurship. One of the most heartfelt initiatives is Kendra Cares, which brings the Color Bar experience to pediatric hospitals, letting young patients design their own jewelry—a small spark of joy during difficult times.
Her generous spirit isn’t just corporate branding—it’s personal. In 2016 alone, she donated $3.5 million to charitable efforts. She often says, “Success is not just what you accomplish in life, it’s what you inspire others to do.”
What Challenges Has She Faced Along the Way?
While her career soared, Kendra Scott’s personal life has had its ups and downs. She married John Scott in 2000 and had two sons, Cade and Beck, before divorcing in 2006. In 2014, she married Matt Davis, with whom she had another son, Grey—but the marriage ended in 2020.
Despite these personal challenges, she has remained incredibly grounded. Her role as a mother is central to her life, and she often speaks about the importance of work-life balance, especially for women.
What Is She Doing Now?
Though she stepped down as CEO in 2021, Kendra Scott remains the Executive Chairwoman and Lead Designer of her company. This move allowed her to shift focus toward mentorship, philanthropy, and the creative side of the brand.
She also launched the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, aiming to inspire and equip the next generation of women business leaders.
In 2022, she released her memoir, “Born to Shine,” where she shares the emotional and entrepreneurial highs and lows of her journey. Her story has inspired countless others and earned her accolades like Ernst & Young’s National Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017.
What’s Next for Kendra Scott?
Even after two decades in business, Kendra Scott shows no signs of slowing down. She’s exploring sustainable materials, expanding into home décor and beauty, and continuing to seek meaningful collaborations that align with her brand values.
And she’s more than just a designer—she’s a cultural force. From her appearance as a guest investor on ABC’s “Shark Tank” to her influence in pop culture and social entrepreneurship, Kendra Scott is proof that business success and social good can go hand in hand.
Kendra Scott’s journey is a blueprint for anyone chasing a dream. With $500 and a mission rooted in compassion, she built a $460 million empire by age 50—and along the way, she’s reminded us all that kindness, creativity, and community never go out of style.
