Meet female founders Kendra Scott and Rebecca Hessel Cohen who together dreamed up this timeless, limited-edition Kendra Scott x LoveShackFancy capsule designed to add joy to jewelry collections everywhere. Pair with your prettiest dresses.
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Meet KendraFounder and Designer of Kendra Scott |
As such an accomplished woman, what was the impetus for launching Kendra Scott?
Launching Kendra Scott stemmed from a deep-seated passion for creativity and a desire to make a positive impact. I’ve always been drawn to fashion, and jewelry provided that canvas for me–I can’t sew, but I could learn how to make a beautiful piece of jewelry! It was an opportunity to create something that not only reflected my personal style but also resonated with other women who were looking for beautiful, quality gemstone jewelry.
It seems that philanthropy has always been your core pillar—from your first business, The Hat Box, to Kendra Scott. Does giving back continue to motivate you in business and life? Can you tell us a little about Kendra Cares and why you chose to focus on pediatrics?
Philanthropy has been a driving force behind every aspect of my journey, both personally and professionally, from the early days of The Hat Box to the launch of Kendra Scott. The seeds of my entrepreneurial spirit were planted during a challenging time when my stepfather, Rob, battled brain cancer. Witnessing the struggles of patients at MD Anderson, particularly their need for comfortable headwear, inspired me to create hats that could bring some relief. While The Hat Box eventually closed its doors, Rob's unwavering encouragement to "do good" left a mark on me.
With the start of Kendra Scott, I was determined to carry forward that spirit of giving. Initially, it meant craftin jewelry pieces for charitable auctions and volunteering my time wherever possible. But as Kendra Scott grew, so did our capacity to make a difference.
Today, I'm proud to announce that we've contributed over $65 million to charities supporting women and children. Programs like Kendra Cares, which is our creative arts program that brings the magic and joy of our Color Bar to pediatric hospitals across the country, stand as a testament to our ongoing commitment to giving back and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Through Kendra Cares, we're not just making jewelry; we're making a tangible difference in the lives of young patients and their caregivers, helping to create positive memories and experiences that they can hold onto amidst their struggles.
It was a true entrepreneur's journey—you started Kendra Scott with $500, handmade jewelry, and going door to door to boutiques selling your pieces. What advice can you give those who might have a dream or an idea for a business and don't know where to start?
Starting a business can feel daunting, but it’s all about taking that first step. My best advice is to begin with what you’re passionate about and something you believe in wholeheartedly. Next, start small, but dream big. Begin with what you have, even if it's just $500 and a handful of handmade creations. Trust in your vision and allow it to grow organically over time.
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Every entrepreneur and founder has experienced ups and downs – what's one major success and one major fail of the Kendra Scott journey?
There are many peaks and valleys in the entrepreneurial journey, so pinpointing just one success and one failure is difficult! A standout success that comes to mind is when we pivoted from wholesale to direct-to-consumer during the 2008 recession. I was initially hesitant due to my past failure with The Hat Box, so I opted for the perceived safety of wholesale when launching Kendra Scott. However, when the recession hit and our wholesale clients faced closures, I made the bold move to connect directly with consumers, allowing us to understand and cater to their needs better. This decision empowered our team and significantly contributed to our success, and we would not be here today if it wasn't for that pivot. area outside our core market. In 2011, after the success of our first brick-and-mortar store on South Congress in Austin, Texas, opening a second store in Beverly Hills seemed like a step towards growth and brand elevation. We were a young company and the move was premature, leading to the closure of the store. Ultimately, the lesson learned was the importance of nurturing our roots in Austin and our Texas community, allowing our brand to flourish organically.
On the flip side, a notable setback was our attempt to establish a presence in an area outside our core market. In 2011, after the success of our first brick-and-mortar store on South Congress in Austin, Texas, opening a second store in Beverly Hills seemed like a step towards growth and brand elevation. We were a young company and the move was premature, leading to the closure of the store. Ultimately, the lesson learned was the importance of nurturing our roots in Austin and our Texas community, allowing our brand to flourish organically.
You have made great strides to change the narrative for women in business, with 93% of your more than 2,000-person team being women (as of 2024) and the launch of the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute. From the outside looking in, you truly embody what it means to lift other women and encourage the next generation of female changemakers. How do you continue to support these efforts to change the conversation for women?
As women in leadership, it’s so important to lead by example and continue fostering environments where open dialogue thrives. By addressing barriers and providing resources, we pave the way for the next generation of female leaders to celebrate the progress made, like supporting over 66 women-led startups through the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI). Through initiatives like funding women-led ventures and mentorship programs such as KS WELI, we empower young women with the tools and knowledge to navigate their unique paths successfully. Together, we shape a bright future where women’s voices are amplified, breaking barriers for generations to come.
If you could only wear one piece of jewelry for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
As a jewelry designer, it’s challenging to pick just one piece, because I truly adore them all! However, if I had to choose, I would opt for earrings. Earrings hold a special place for me as they were among the first pieces I crafted and played a significant role in putting us on the map - specifically the Danielle Statement Earrings. Whether they are simple or a bold, colorful statement, earrings have the power to elevate any outfit and accentuate one’s face - the first thing you see. A pair of great earrings are an indispensable accessory in my eyes, like our new LoveShackFancy Statement Earrings.
What's your motto?
‘Do Good’. It’s simple, yet impactful and a guiding principle that permeates everything we do at Kendra Scott through our core values of Family, Fashion, and Philanthropy. Whether it’s designing beautiful jewelry or giving back to our communities, we believe in the power of doing good. It’s about creating positive change, spreading joy, and making a difference in the world, one small act at a time.
What is your secret to how you approach every day?
Every day, I prioritize maintaining a healthy work-life balance while ensuring my role as a mom always comes first. When I’m at work, my focus is unwavering, but when I’m with my family, they have my full attention. I firmly believe in the importance of being present in the moment, whether it’s in the office or at home. And while I strive to excel in both, I understand that nobody can do it all. It’s about recognizing that while I want to be great in both roles, I’m not superwoman, and it’s okay to ask for support when needed.
You just celebrated your birthday! We love a celebration, what did you do to celebrate?
Every year I like to have a party for my close family and friends. This year felt like a major milestone, a whole new chapter opening up. Reflecting on my journey, both personally and with Kendra Scott, has been incredibly rewarding. I took the leap to start this company when I was 28. Looking back at all the growth, the hurdles we’ve overcome, and the wins we’ve celebrated along the way fills me with so much gratitude and pride. It’s been a beautiful ride so far, and I am so thrilled for the next years ahead.
"It's flirty, it's feminine, it's totally fabulous—and getting to collaborate with Rebecca to bring our respective styles together was a dream come true. Each piece from this collection is a small celebration of joy and romance!"Kendra Scott |
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Meet RebeccaFounder and Creative Director of LoveShackFancy |
Yours is a true entrepreneur's journey—you began LoveShackFancy as your side hustle, with one dress selling at trunk shows. What advice can you give those dreaming of starting a business?
Stay true to yourself, never follow the rules, and, above all else, go with your gut. There's a lot of noise and opinions when starting a brand; therefore, sticking to your vision and following your instinct is the key to success. Also, surround yourself with a brilliant team that's the best at everything you're not!
How do you continue to change the conversation for women?
Founded in girl power, femininity, and strength, LoveShackFancy was built through creativity, passion, and hard work! As a female-founded and female-led business, mentoring the next generation of girls to become changemaker women is at the core of all we do. I was raised by a hardworking mother who taught me to dream big. I want to show the next generation that they can become anything they want if they work hard.
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How do you stay true to the LoveShackFancy vision and maintain a brand that will endure the test of time?
Every piece begins with vintage and perfectly captures the brand's spirit—a balance of softness and strength with an undeniable charm that has no age or time limit.
You approach everything gracefully, but how do you manage the many paradoxes of your life as a founder/business leader and mother?
LoveShackFancy is an extension of who I am and want to reach. Every aspect of my life is LoveShackFancy, from my home to my wardrobe. It's all-consuming, but it makes me love what I do so much, as it's 100% me and my girls!
"Creating this capsule with Kendra Scott, another female founder, felt so right. Bringing our shared love of optimism and romance plus their iconic styles, and our signature bows together, couldn't have been more perfect!"Rebecca Hessel Cohen |
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