History of Kendra Scott in Timeline

Kendra Scott is a prominent American fashion designer and entrepreneur. She serves as the executive chairwoman and designer of her eponymous company, Kendra Scott, LLC, where she previously held the position of CEO. Her remarkable achievements in the business world earned her the prestigious title of Ernst & Young's National Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017.

March 27, 1974: Kendra Scott's Birth

Kendra Scott was born on March 27, 1974.

June 24, 2000: Marriage to John Scott

Kendra Baumgartner married John Scott on June 24, 2000.

2002: Founding of Kendra Scott LLC

Kendra Scott established Kendra Scott LLC in 2002, shortly after her oldest son's birth, initiating her journey with a modest $500 investment in her home's spare bedroom.

2005: Kendra Scott Designs for Oscar de la Renta

Kendra Scott's designs were selected to complement Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2006 runway show in 2005, marking a significant milestone in her career.

August 22, 2006: Divorce from John Scott

Kendra Scott and John Scott divorced on August 22, 2006.

2006: Kendra Scott's Designs Featured in Oscar de la Renta's Runway Show

Kendra Scott's designs graced the runway as part of Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2006 collection in 2006.

2007: Kendra Scott Designs for Randolph Duke

Kendra Scott's designs were featured in Randolph Duke's 2007 runway show.

2007: Financial Crisis Impacts Kendra Scott's Business

The financial crisis of 2007 had a significant impact on Kendra Scott's business, pushing it to the verge of closure.

2008: Nordstrom Order Provides Business Lifeline

In 2008, amidst the financial crisis, Kendra Scott received a pivotal order from Nordstrom, providing crucial exposure and enabling her to expand her business.

2010: First Retail Store and E-commerce Launch

Kendra Scott inaugurated her first retail store on Austin's South Congress Avenue in 2010, marking a significant step in her brand's growth. This year also saw the launch of her e-commerce platform and the innovative 'Color Bar' experience.

2010: Start of Company's Philanthropic Program

Kendra Scott's company's philanthropic program commenced in 2010.

2011: Rodeo Drive Store Opening and Closure

In 2011, Kendra Scott opened her second store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. However, the store was later closed.

June 6, 2014: Marriage to Matt Davis

Kendra Scott married Matt Davis on June 6, 2014 in Sedona, Arizona.

2014: Expansion in South and Midwest

Kendra Scott expanded her retail presence in 2014, focusing on the South and Midwest regions of the United States.

2015: Launch of Kendra Cares Program

Kendra Scott initiated the Kendra Cares Program in 2015, which aims to bring the company's customizable 'Color Bar' jewelry experience to children's hospitals nationwide.

2016: Minority Stake Sale to Berkshire Partners

In 2016, Kendra Scott made a strategic move by selling a minority stake in her company to Berkshire Partners, a private equity firm, reaching a valuation of $1 billion.

2017: Ernst & Young's National Entrepreneur of the Year

In 2017, Kendra Scott was recognized for her entrepreneurial achievements by being named Ernst & Young's National Entrepreneur of the Year.

2017: Kendra Gives Back Events and Donations

In 2017, Kendra Scott's company organized over 10,000 'Kendra Gives Back' events at her stores. These events raised funds for local causes, and she also donated more than 75,000 pieces of jewelry.

2017: EY Entrepreneur of the Year and Other Accolades

Kendra Scott received the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 National Award. She also received the Breakthrough Award from the Accessories Council Excellence Awards.

2019: Retail Store Expansion and Global Presence

By the end of 2019, Kendra Scott had expanded to 102 retail stores. Her merchandise is available at prominent retailers like London's Selfridges, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Von Maur, Bloomingdale's, and over 1,000 specialty boutiques worldwide, in addition to her online store. Notably, women make up 95% of her workforce, which exceeds 2,000 employees.

2019: Forbes' Richest Self-Made Women and Other Recognitions

In 2019, Kendra Scott secured the 40th spot on Forbes' list of America's Richest Self-Made Women. In addition to this remarkable achievement, she has been recognized with several other honors, including: Outstanding Mother of the Year by the Mother's Day Council, Texas Businesswoman of the Year by the Women's Chamber of Commerce, a spot on the Top 100 Entrepreneurs of the Year by Upstart Business Journal, and 2017 CEO of the Year by the Austin Business Journal.

2019: Donation for Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute

Kendra Scott donated $1 million to The University of Texas in 2019 to establish the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute.

2019: Induction into Texas Business Hall of Fame

Kendra Scott made history in 2019 by becoming the 12th woman to be inducted into the prestigious Texas Business Hall of Fame.

April 2020: Appointment to Texas Reopening Strike Force

Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Kendra Scott to the Strike Force to Open Texas in April 2020. This group was tasked with formulating safe and effective strategies for the gradual reopening of the state amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 2020: Divorce from Matt Davis

Kendra Scott and Matt Davis divorced in September 2020.

February 2021: Stepping Down as CEO

In February 2021, Kendra Scott stepped down from her role as CEO while retaining the title of Executive Chairwoman. Tom Nolan was appointed as Kendra Scott's new CEO.