Kendra Scott - Revision history

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	{{Infobox person		{{Infobox person
	\| name = Kendra Scott		\| name = Kendra Scott
	\| image =		\| image = Kendra_Scott.jpg
	\| caption =		\| caption =
	\| birth_name = Kendra L. Baumgartner		\| birth_name = Kendra L. Baumgartner

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	\| nationality = American		\| nationality = American
	\| education = [[Texas A&M University]] (attended)		\| education = [[Texas A&M University]] (attended)
			\| alma_mater = Self-educated entrepreneur
	\| occupation = Entrepreneur, fashion designer, philanthropist		\| occupation = Entrepreneur, fashion designer, philanthropist
	\| years_active = 2002–present		\| years_active = 2002–present

Maintenance script: Created comprehensive article: Jewelry billionaire founder ($500 startup to $1B+ valuation), Shark Tank guest investor, EY Entrepreneur of Year 2017, UT Austin philanthropy, $900M net worth, Zac Brown fiancée

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Created comprehensive article: Jewelry billionaire founder ($500 startup to $1B+ valuation), Shark Tank guest investor, EY Entrepreneur of Year 2017, UT Austin philanthropy, $900M net worth, Zac Brown fiancée

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{{Infobox person
| name = Kendra Scott
| image =
| caption =
| birth_name = Kendra L. Baumgartner
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|3|27}}
| birth_place = [[Kenosha, Wisconsin|Kenosha]], [[Wisconsin]], U.S.
| nationality = American
| education = [[Texas A&M University]] (attended)
| occupation = Entrepreneur, fashion designer, philanthropist
| years_active = 2002–present
| known_for = Founder and Executive Chairwoman of [[Kendra Scott LLC]]<br>Guest ''[[Shark Tank]]'' investor
| spouse = John Scott (m. 2000; div. 2006)<br>Matt Davis (m. 2014; div. 2020)<br>Thomas Evans (m. 2022; sep. 2025)
| partner = [[Zac Brown]] (engaged 2025)
| children = 3 (Cade, Beck, Grey)
| net_worth = $900 million (2024)
| website = {{URL|kendrascott.com}}
}}

'''Kendra Scott''' (born March 27, 1974) is an American entrepreneur, fashion designer, and philanthropist. She is the founder and Executive Chairwoman of [[Kendra Scott LLC]], a fashion jewelry and accessories company she started in 2002 with $500 in the spare bedroom of her [[Austin, Texas]] home. Under her leadership, the company grew into a billion-dollar brand with over 150 retail stores and more than 2,600 employees.

Scott became one of only 16 women in the United States to carry the title of founder of a company valued at $1 billion when [[Berkshire Partners]] acquired a minority stake in her company in 2016. She has appeared as a guest "Shark" investor on seasons 12, 14, and 16 of the [[ABC (American television network)|ABC]] reality television series ''[[Shark Tank]]''. In 2017, she was named the [[Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year]] National Award winner, and ''[[Forbes]]'' has ranked her among America's Richest Self-Made Women, placing her higher than [[Taylor Swift]], [[Beyoncé]], [[Donna Karan]], and [[Diane von Furstenberg]].

Scott is also a noted philanthropist, having established the Kendra Cares Program for pediatric hospitals, the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at the [[University of Texas at Austin]], and the Kendra Scott Foundation.

== Early life and education ==

Kendra L. Baumgartner was born on March 27, 1974, in [[Kenosha, Wisconsin]], where she was raised in a family that valued hard work and community service. Her father was a "country lawyer" who started his own law practice, and her mother sold [[Mary Kay]] cosmetics. Scott has described her parents as entrepreneurial, crediting them with inspiring her business ambitions.

A particularly influential figure was her aunt, who served as the fashion director at [[Gimbels]] department store in [[Milwaukee]], exposing young Kendra to the world of fashion and retail. Scott has recalled: "I grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, surrounded by the hardworking spirit of farmers and factory workers. Those early years shaped my strong work ethic, inspired by the dedication of my parents and grandparents."

At age 16, Scott's family relocated to [[Houston, Texas]], where she graduated from Klein High School. She enrolled at [[Texas A&M University]], which she has said she chose partly because she "followed a boy" there. After one year, at age 19, Scott dropped out of college to move to [[Austin, Texas]], to help care for her ill stepfather.

== Career ==

=== The Hat Box ===

Before entering the jewelry business, Scott opened her first venture, "The Hat Box," in Austin. The business specialized in comfortable but stylish hats designed specifically for women undergoing [[chemotherapy]] treatments. Scott donated a portion of the proceeds to cancer research. This early experience established the philanthropic ethos that would later define her jewelry brand.

=== Founding Kendra Scott LLC ===

In 2002, just three months after the birth of her first son, Scott founded Kendra Scott LLC with only $500 in savings. Working from a spare bedroom in her Austin home, she designed her first jewelry collection and began selling her pieces door-to-door.

With her newborn baby in a carrier on one arm and a tea box full of jewelry in the other, Scott personally pitched her designs to local boutiques throughout Austin. Her mother was part of the original team that helped establish the brand. The grassroots approach proved successful, and local stores began carrying her distinctive, colorful designs.

The company grew steadily through the 2000s. Revenue increased dramatically from $1.7 million in 2010 to $24 million by 2013, driven by expanding wholesale relationships and the opening of the company's first retail stores.

=== Billion-dollar valuation ===

In 2016, Boston-based [[private equity]] firm [[Berkshire Partners]] acquired a minority stake in Kendra Scott LLC, valuing the company at more than $1 billion. Scott retained her position as majority shareholder and CEO—a distinction that made her one of only 16 women in the United States at that time to be the founder of a billion-dollar company.

The company continued to expand, eventually growing to approximately 150 retail stores across the United States. A signature feature of Kendra Scott stores is the "Color Bar," an interactive experience that allows customers to create customized jewelry by selecting their preferred stones, metals, and settings.

By 2024, the company generated several hundred million dollars in annual revenue, achieved 20% year-over-year growth, and employed more than 2,600 people—over 95% of whom are women.

=== Transition from CEO ===

In February 2021, Scott stepped down as CEO while retaining the title of Executive Chairwoman and Chief Creative Officer. Tom Nolan was named as the company's new CEO. Scott continues to lead product design and brand strategy while maintaining her majority ownership stake.

=== ''Shark Tank'' ===

Scott made her debut as a guest "Shark" investor on [[Shark Tank (season 12)|season 12]] of ''[[Shark Tank]]'' in 2020–2021, appearing alongside regular panelists [[Mark Cuban]], [[Lori Greiner]], [[Kevin O'Leary]], and [[Barbara Corcoran]]. She was the only female guest Shark that season.

During her ''Shark Tank'' appearances, Scott has made several notable investments:

* '''Sienna Sauce''': Scott invested $100,000 for 20% equity in this hot sauce company founded by then-16-year-old entrepreneur Tyla-Simone Crayton
* '''Bootaybag''': A women's underwear subscription service in which Scott invested; the company has since grown to a valuation of over $5 million
* '''doublesoul''': A sock company
* '''Opulence MD''': A beauty products company

Scott has returned as a guest Shark for seasons 14 and 16, continuing to invest in women-led and consumer product businesses.

=== Author ===

In 2022, Scott published her memoir, ''Born to Shine: Do Good, Find Your Joy, and Build a Life You Love'' through Worthy Publications. The book chronicles her journey from startup entrepreneur to billionaire businesswoman, drawing on years of personal journal entries. Scott conducted a book tour to promote the release, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and personal resilience.

== Business philosophy ==

Scott has built her company around three core values: '''Family, Fashion, and Philanthropy'''. This philosophy permeates the company culture and brand identity.

Key elements of her approach include:

* '''Customer-centric design''': The Color Bar experience puts customization in customers' hands
* '''Accessible luxury''': Offering fashionable jewelry at price points accessible to a broad audience
* '''Giving back''': Integrating philanthropy into the business model from the beginning
* '''Women's empowerment''': Building a company with over 95% female employees and supporting women's entrepreneurship

== Philanthropy ==

Scott has made philanthropy a central pillar of both her personal mission and her company's identity.

=== Kendra Cares Program ===

In 2015, Scott launched the Kendra Cares Program, which brings the company's customizable Color Bar jewelry experience to pediatric hospitals across the country. The program allows children undergoing treatment to design their own jewelry, providing a creative outlet and moment of joy during difficult circumstances.

=== Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute ===

In September 2019, Scott established the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at the [[McCombs School of Business]] at the [[University of Texas at Austin]]. The institute focuses on fostering women's entrepreneurial spirit through education, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

=== Kendra Scott Foundation ===

In 2023, Scott launched the Kendra Scott Foundation to formalize and expand her philanthropic efforts supporting women's and children's causes.

=== Kendra Gives Back ===

Through the company's "Kendra Gives Back" program, Kendra Scott stores host charitable events that donate a portion of sales to local organizations. In 2017 alone, the company hosted more than 10,000 Kendra Gives Back events across its retail locations.

== Awards and honors ==

* [[Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year]] National Award (2017)
* Lady Bird Johnson Humanitarian of the Year Award (2013)
* Forbes America's Richest Self-Made Women, #40 (2019)
* Named among 16 female founders of billion-dollar companies in the United States (2016)

== Personal life ==

Scott has been married three times and has three sons.

She married John Scott in June 2000. The couple had two sons: Cade (born November 2001) and Beck (born April 2004). They divorced in 2006.

In August 2013, Scott welcomed her third son, Grey, with Matt Davis, an alcohol marketing executive. Scott and Davis married on June 6, 2014, in [[Sedona, Arizona]]. They divorced in September 2020.

Scott married Thomas Evans in early 2022. They separated in 2025.

In 2025, Scott began dating country music star [[Zac Brown]] of the [[Zac Brown Band]]. The couple made their public debut at the [[American Music Awards of 2025|2025 American Music Awards]] and announced their engagement in May 2025.

Scott resides in Austin, Texas.

== Net worth ==

As of 2024, Scott's estimated net worth is approximately $900 million, derived primarily from her majority ownership stake in Kendra Scott LLC. She has been consistently ranked among ''Forbes''' list of America's Richest Self-Made Women.

== References ==

{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="fortune">{{cite web |title=Kendra Scott says she launched her billion-dollar business with just $500 |url=https://fortune.com/2025/10/27/kendra-scott-jewelry-design-career-life-entrepreneur/ |website=Fortune |access-date=December 14, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="inc">{{cite web |title=This Entrepreneur Hit Rock Bottom Before Building a Billion-Dollar Jewelry Empire |url=https://www.inc.com/magazine/201902/tom-foster/austin-texas-kendra-scott-jewelry-2018-surge-cities.html |website=Inc. |access-date=December 14, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="cbsnews">{{cite web |title=How jewelry designer Kendra Scott built her billion-dollar brand |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kendra-scott-jewelry-designer-on-creating-her-billion-dollar-business/ |website=CBS News |access-date=December 14, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="abc">{{cite web |title=Kendra Scott |url=https://abc.com/cast/cf0df005-288e-4764-bb21-19d27cb3fceb |website=ABC Shark Tank |access-date=December 14, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="culturemap">{{cite web |title=Kendra Scott talks her new memoir, shining career |url=https://austin.culturemap.com/news/fashion/09-16-22-kendra-scoot-book-born-to-shine-tour-interview-shark-tank-austin/ |website=CultureMap Austin |access-date=December 14, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="utexas">{{cite web |title=Kendra Scott |url=https://kswelinstitute.utexas.edu/about/kendra-scott/ |website=UT Austin |access-date=December 14, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="tmz">{{cite web |title=Who Is Kendra Scott? |url=https://www.tmz.com/2025/07/25/who-is-kendra-scott/ |website=TMZ |access-date=December 14, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="hello">{{cite web |title=Meet jewelry mogul Kendra Scott |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/863170/kendra-scott-meet-jewelry-mogul-shark-tank-returning-guest-shark/ |website=Hello! |access-date=December 14, 2025}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.kendrascott.com/ Official website]
* [https://abc.com/shows/shark-tank Kendra Scott] at ABC's ''Shark Tank''
* [https://kswelinstitute.utexas.edu/ Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Scott, Kendra}}
[[Category:Chief executive officers]]
[[Category:American businesspeople]]
[[Category:American fashion designers]]
[[Category:American women in business]]
[[Category:American philanthropists]]
[[Category:American jewelry designers]]
[[Category:Shark Tank]]
[[Category:Texas A&M University alumni]]
[[Category:People from Kenosha, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:People from Austin, Texas]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1974 births]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:52, 22 December 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Infobox person		{{Infobox person
	\| name = Kendra Scott		\| name = Kendra Scott
	\| image = Kendra_Scott.jpg		\| image = Kendra_Scott.jpg
	\| caption =		\| caption =
	\| birth_name = Kendra L. Baumgartner		\| birth_name = Kendra L. Baumgartner
	\| birth_date = {{birth date and age\|1974\|3\|27}}		\| birth_date = {{birth date and age\|1974\|3\|27}}
	\| birth_place = [[Kenosha, Wisconsin\|Kenosha]], [[Wisconsin]], U.S.		\| birth_place = [[Kenosha, Wisconsin\|Kenosha]], [[Wisconsin]], U.S.
	\| nationality = American		\| nationality = American
	\| education = [[Texas A&M University]] (attended)		\| education = [[Texas A&M University]] (attended)
	\| alma_mater = Self-educated entrepreneur		\| alma_mater = Self-educated entrepreneur
	\| occupation = Entrepreneur, fashion designer, philanthropist		\| occupation = Entrepreneur, fashion designer, philanthropist
	\| years_active = ~~2002–present~~		\| years_active = 2002-present
	\| known_for = Founder and Executive Chairwoman of [[Kendra Scott LLC]]<br>Guest ''[[Shark Tank]]'' investor		\| known_for = Founder and Executive Chairwoman of [[Kendra Scott LLC]]<br>Guest ''[[Shark Tank]]'' investor
	\| spouse = John Scott (m. 2000; div. 2006)<br>Matt Davis (m. 2014; div. 2020)<br>Thomas Evans (m. 2022; sep. 2025)		\| spouse = John Scott (m. 2000; div. 2006)<br>Matt Davis (m. 2014; div. 2020)<br>Thomas Evans (m. 2022; sep. 2025)
	\| partner = [[Zac Brown]] (engaged 2025)		\| partner = [[Zac Brown]] (engaged 2025)
	\| children = 3 (Cade, Beck, Grey)		\| children = 3 (Cade, Beck, Grey)
	\| net_worth = $900 million (2024)		\| net_worth = $900 million (2024)
	\| website = {{URL\|kendrascott.com}}		\| website = {{URL\|kendrascott.com}}
	}}		}}

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	=== Billion-dollar valuation ===		=== Billion-dollar valuation ===

	In 2016, Boston-based [[private equity]] firm [[Berkshire Partners]] acquired a minority stake in Kendra Scott LLC, valuing the company at more than $1 billion. Scott retained her position as majority shareholder and ~~CEO—a~~ distinction that made her one of only 16 women in the United States at that time to be the founder of a billion-dollar company.		In 2016, Boston-based [[private equity]] firm [[Berkshire Partners]] acquired a minority stake in Kendra Scott LLC, valuing the company at more than $1 billion. Scott retained her position as majority shareholder and CEO - a distinction that made her one of only 16 women in the United States at that time to be the founder of a billion-dollar company.

	The company continued to expand, eventually growing to approximately 150 retail stores across the United States. A signature feature of Kendra Scott stores is the "Color Bar," an interactive experience that allows customers to create customized jewelry by selecting their preferred stones, metals, and settings.		The company continued to expand, eventually growing to approximately 150 retail stores across the United States. A signature feature of Kendra Scott stores is the "Color Bar," an interactive experience that allows customers to create customized jewelry by selecting their preferred stones, metals, and settings.

	By 2024, the company generated several hundred million dollars in annual revenue, achieved 20% year-over-year growth, and employed more than 2,600 ~~people—over~~ 95% of whom are women.		By 2024, the company generated several hundred million dollars in annual revenue, achieved 20% year-over-year growth, and employed more than 2,600 people - over 95% of whom are women.

	=== Transition from CEO ===		=== Transition from CEO ===
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	=== ''Shark Tank'' ===		=== ''Shark Tank'' ===

	Scott made her debut as a guest "Shark" investor on [[Shark Tank (season 12)\|season 12]] of ''[[Shark Tank]]'' in ~~2020–2021~~, appearing alongside regular panelists [[Mark Cuban]], [[Lori Greiner]], [[Kevin O'Leary]], and [[Barbara Corcoran]]. She was the only female guest Shark that season.		Scott made her debut as a guest "Shark" investor on [[Shark Tank (season 12)\|season 12]] of ''[[Shark Tank]]'' in 2020-2021, appearing alongside regular panelists [[Mark Cuban]], [[Lori Greiner]], [[Kevin O'Leary]], and [[Barbara Corcoran]]. She was the only female guest Shark that season.

	During her ''Shark Tank'' appearances, Scott has made several notable investments:		During her ''Shark Tank'' appearances, Scott has made several notable investments: