Sometimes, great stories don’t start on a stage or with a microphone, but at a kitchen table, with an empty wallet, and an idea that just won’t let go. The small steps that seem mundane at first eventually turn into a path that inspires thousands.
In a world where big brands appear and disappear, and competition looms from all sides, something entirely different sometimes emerges—something warm, genuine, with a human face. In these cases, jewelry is more than just stones and chains. They are stories. They are character. They are business with heart. On houstonski.com, we’ll introduce you to one such incredible story.
First Love, Brief College, and the First Business
Kendra Baumgartner was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin. When she was 16, her family moved to Houston, where she graduated from Klein High School. Falling in love with a young man who continued his education at the University of Texas, Kendra also enrolled in the university. However, she only studied for her first year. She dropped out and moved to Austin. The young woman was forced to make this change after her stepfather became ill with cancer, and 19-year-old Kendra helped care for him.
After seeing people struggle with cancer-related issues, she began thinking about how to help those afflicted with the disease. She started making special hats for women undergoing chemotherapy. She even created her first business project called the Hat Box. Her products were successful, and Kendra donated a portion of the proceeds to cancer research.
Family, Sons, and a New Venture
A little later, in 2002, Kendra married John Scott, and the young couple soon had a son. This meant the hat business had to be put aside. However, the new mother couldn’t sit idle for long. Once her son was a little older, she started thinking about a new venture. But the path for development was narrow. The young woman had a starting capital of just $500. She began making jewelry from whatever materials she could find, setting up her workshop in a spare bedroom.
Once the first collection was created, the next problem arose: how and where to sell them? But Kendra Scott was brimming with enthusiasm. She went around local boutiques, offering her creations. The result was even better than the designer’s wildest dreams. She not only sold the jewelry but also received orders for her next collection. To buy enough materials for the job, she even had to sell all her samples. On that very first day of selling, Kendra knew she had found her true calling. Business was great, and by the end of 2002, the artisan had officially registered the company: Kendra Scott LLC.
On the Brink of Collapse
Her products were soon offered beyond local stores. In 2005, Kendra Scott jewelry was ordered for the spring runway collection of Oscar de la Renta. Her designs also appeared in the 2007 Randolph Duke show. But then, a rough patch began for the project.
Due to the financial crisis of 2007–2008, the designer almost had to shut down her business. Finding herself one step away from fatal bankruptcy, Kendra received an order from Nordstrom. This event not only saved the designer’s jewelry project but also made the products widely popular. The business was rescued. She even managed to open her own store in 2010. In the same year, the jewelry designer created an online store. She also launched the new brand line, Color Bar, which allows customers to create personalized jewelry.
She opened her second store the following year, 2011, in Beverly Hills. But business didn’t take off there, and she had to close it. However, this setback didn’t break the designer. Kendra began looking for new cities for stores. She also started diversifying her commerce. In addition to jewelry, the designer began developing and producing home accessories, cosmetics, and nail polishes. By the end of 2019, the entrepreneur had 102 stores across the U.S. Scott also expanded internationally, with over 1,000 specialized Kendra Scott boutiques worldwide.
The Style That Captured Hearts
Kendra Scott jewelry has become a favorite among celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Gwyneth Paltrow, Simone Biles, Kelly Clarkson, Lizzo, and Megan Thee Stallion. The Elisa Pendant Necklace is particularly popular, selling every minute.
In February 2021, Scott stepped down as CEO, though she retained the position of Executive Chairwoman. Kendra Scott appointed Tom Nolan to take her place. At the time, her wealth was estimated at over $1 billion.
The designer has remained a philanthropist, just as she was at the beginning of her career. She actively supports charitable projects. In 2015, she launched the Kendra Cares program, a foundation that hosts jewelry-making workshops in children’s hospitals. In 2019, she donated $1 million to the University of Texas to launch an institute for women’s entrepreneurship. In total, over $30 million has been donated to charity by 2024.
Kendra Scott’s story is an example of how passion, persistence, and a desire to help others can transform a small home-based business into an international brand. Her journey inspires creative individuals in Houston and worldwide, proving that with faith in yourself and your vision, great heights can be achieved.
