Top Women in Retail 2018: Kendra Scott, CEO, Designer and Founder, Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott, CEO, Designer and Founder, Kendra Scott Jewelry

To see the full list of this year's Top Women in Retail honorees, click here.

What do you enjoy most about working in the retail industry?
My favorite part of the retail industry is finding ways to break the mold, and giving our customers an experience they can’t find anywhere else. When I designed our first Kendra Scott store, I knew I wanted it to be different. I wanted to create an environment that was warm and welcoming — like I was inviting customers into my own home. I wanted them to feel free to try things on and play with the jewelry, and that's the unique experience we’ve become known for.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Definitely the recession … but it also turned out to be one of the best opportunities for our company. While businesses all around us were shuttering their doors, we knew that to survive we had to take a risk. In the same year, we opened our first retail store, launched the Kendra Scott website, and created the Color Bar™ by Kendra Scott. It was that decision in the face of hardship that brought us the amazing success we're seeing today!

How would you describe your leadership style?
As a leader, I want to empower my team to embrace our core pillars and, from that, make the decisions they believe are right. At Kendra Scott, your resume might get you in the door, but your values will get you the job. That’s how I know I can trust every single person to be kind, passionate and driven. When you decide what your core values are, and you build your team and culture around them, the rest comes naturally.

What's the best advice you ever received, and who gave you the advice?
I'll never forget the three words my stepfather Rob spoke to me during his battle with brain cancer: “You do good.” He taught me that the most important thing I could do in life is use my talents to better the lives of others, which is why I built a brand founded on the pillars of family, fashion and philanthropy. It’s the heart of who I am as a person and who we are as a company.

What one new retail technology or trend do you believe will have the biggest impact in 2018, and why?
I’m excited that customization continues to be a growing trend. People love to personalize! When we introduced the Color Bar™ by Kendra Scott back in 2010, I wanted to create an engaging experience that allows our customers to bring their own unique style to life, and they’ve loved it ever since. We’re excited to introduce even more customizable options in 2018 — for your jewelry box and beyond!

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
There's truly no greater joy for me than spending time with my family. Whether I’m snuggled up on the couch watching a movie with my boys or on a date night with my husband, Matt, I’m at my happiest when I’m with those I love most.