Kendra Scott, CEO, Designer and Philanthropist, and Founder of Kendra Scott LLC, Named Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2017 National Award Winner
Kendra Scott recognized as a dynamic entrepreneur creating a legacy brand with a heart for giving back in the Consumer Products and Retail Industry
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EY today announced that Kendra Scott, CEO, Designer and Philanthropist, and Founder of Kendra Scott LLC, the iconic Austin-based jewelry, home and lifestyle brand, best known for its use of natural gemstones and customizable jewelry, received the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2017 Award in the Consumer Products and Retail category. The prestigious award, now in its 31st year, recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Kendra Scott was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at EY's Strategic Growth Forum in Palm Springs, California, on Nov. 18.
"I am incredibly honored to win the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Consumer Products and Retail category," said Scott. "I started the Kendra Scott brand with $500 and a dream in Austin, Texas. I never could have imagined we'd be where we are today. I'm thankful to all of my customers and my team for helping turn this dream into reality. So much of our company's success is based on what our company stands for -- the three core pillars of family, fashion, and philanthropy. Staying true to these pillars has led to our success today."
Founded in Austin, Texas in 2002 by designer, philanthropist and the brand's namesake, Kendra Scott, the company has grown from a one-woman operation into a billion-dollar jewelry phenomenon with over 2,000 employees and 75 stores. With Kendra firmly at the helm, the company continues to champion its founding principles of family, fashion and philanthropy; in 2016 alone Kendra Scott donated over $3.5 million and 75,000 pieces of jewelry to 3,500 US and international charitable organizations, and in 2017 has a goal to give back $5million.
In 2014, Scott was awarded the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Central Texas region.
Since 1986, EY has celebrated entrepreneurial excellence by honoring those whose ingenuity, spirit of innovation, and discipline have propelled their companies' success, invigorated their industries, and benefited their communities. These men and women have created the products, services and jobs that help our economy and communities grow, while also encouraging others to follow their lead. In 2017, the 261 regional winners employed more than 230,000 people and had job growth of 20 percent. They also generated revenue of more than $52 billion this year, with revenue growth increasing more than 33 percent.
The program has honored the inspirational leadership of entrepreneurs including Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee Company and Mindy Grossman of HSN. Recent US national winners include Jayshree Ullal and Andy Bechtolsheim of Arista Networks and 2016 winner Bill Marriott of Marriott International.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award program has demonstrated a unique ability to identify the traits that lead companies to join the ranks of the some of the world's most successful companies.
About Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott is a loving mother, a driven entrepreneur and a passionate designer who believes the truest form of success is giving back in a meaningful way. As a creative mind with a love of natural gemstones, Kendra designed her first collection of jewelry in 2002. The foundation of Kendra's success has been her infectious energy and entrepreneurial spirit, which took her from a $500 project in the spare bedroom of her home to a billion-dollar fashion brand loved globally. Known for her unique use of color and quality materials, Kendra has created collections of timeless pieces that have won over loyal fans, media and celebrities alike. Since she began her company, Kendra has lived by three core values: Family, Fashion and Philanthropy. She created a brand and culture that authentically values giving back and making a positive difference in the community. The Kendra Scott company maintains a focus on its customers and the causes close to their hearts, abiding by the mantra 'What Matters to You, Matters to Us'.
About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.
SOURCE Kendra Scott LLC
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