Kendra Scott launched her jewelry line in 2002 after studying fashion trends and dreaming of owning her own business. Her jewelry is characterized by bright colors and metallic silhouettes. While offering exceptional jewelry, Kendra also makes donations to charities benefiting women and children. With 17 current stores in the Southeast and plans to expand overseas, Kendra plans to continue growing her brand globally and living out her "fairytale" as a fashion designer.

1. 17 Southern Lady | november-december 2014
SOUTHERN SPOTLIGHT
O
Opening a drawer of jewelry at a Kendra Scott store
is like uncovering a rainbow of sophisticated color.
With radiant hues of fuchsia jade, ivory pearl, and
emerald, you’ll feel as if you landed in the magnifi-
cent Oz. But instead of a yellow brick road, there
is a pathway of statement necklaces, drop ear-
rings, and bangle bracelets.
Kendra’s love for innovative design is nothing
new. Learning from her aunt, who was extensively
involved in the fashion industry, Kendra studied trends
at a young age and began dreaming of owning a busi-
ness one day. “I remember my aunt coming back from
fashion runways and teaching me all about couture shows,”
recalls the Austin, Texas, native. “I discovered pretty quickly
that this is the world I belonged in.” As her passion for fash-
ion grew, so did her dream of launching a jewelry line. And
in 2002, the budding designer debuted her first collection,
which was welcomed with rave reviews. “I decided to go big,
and I haven’t looked back since!” Kendra says.
Characterized by bright colors and glamorous metallic
silhouettes, Kendra Scott Jewelry channels a bold yet elegant
look. Dainty pendant necklaces and stud earrings become
large statement pieces on their own with show-stopping color
and eye-catching shimmer. It’s no wonder Kendra’s
unique style is catching on. “The brand is known for
our kaleidoscope of quality jewelry infusing vibrant,
hand-cut stones with intricately etched detailing,”
Kendra explains. From classic feminine to savvy
trendsetter, this brand suits a multitude of women,
and each season inspires a new line of jewelry. A few
signature pieces, like the Harlow Statement Necklace,
remain on store shelves all year.
And while offering exceptional jewelry is at the core
of Kendra’s mission, this designer makes a point to give
back whenever possible. Select collections donate 20 per-
cent of proceeds specifically to national and local charities
benefitting women and children’s causes. “We truly believe
that giving back to the community in a meaningful way is the
greatest definition of success,” Kendra says on her website.
As for what lies ahead, this Southern designer has no
plans to slow down. With 17 stores throughout the Southeast
and intentions to take the brand overseas, “somewhere over
the rainbow” is somewhere close in Kendra’s future. “I have
had a love for this industry from a very young age,” Kendra
admits. “And to me, being a fashion designer is like living out
my fairytale every day.”
Blending bold colors with
refined designs, Kendra Scott
plans to dazzle the South—
then the world—with her
signature jewelry. by Sarah Cook
Fashion
Fairytale