Austin’s hometown star, CEO, designer and philanthropist, Kendra Scott, lights the Austin Skyline Yellow to celebrate the premiere episode of her as guest Shark on ABC’s 12th season of “Shark Tank” in partnership with the city that has supported her since founding her company, Kendra Scott. The episode aired on Friday, October 23 on ABC.
“Shark Tank,” the critically acclaimed and multi-Emmy®Award-winning unscripted business series that celebrates entrepreneurship, inspires a nation to dream bigger. Kendra’s newly coveted guest Shark role further exemplifies her commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and helping small business leaders - especially women - achieve their dream on a national stage.
In celebration of the premiere episode, Kendra Scott has partnered with many of Downtown Austin’s most prominent properties to illuminate the city yellow, including a special custom star lighting display on Fairmont Austin. The Star represents Kendra Scott’s signature Jae Star icon and pays homage to Texas, The Lonestar State. Guests who checked into the Fairmont Austin hotel on October 22 and October 23 enjoyed additional surprises & delight moments from Kendra Scott throughout the hotel.
In honor of the premiere, Kendra Scott donated to DivInc, in effort to continue investing and supporting the entrepreneur community here in Austin. DivInc, a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization, supports underrepresented founders and entrepreneurs in Austin. DivInc's mission is to bridge the gap between underrepresented entrepreneurs and the resources they need to build profitable, high-growth companies. This donation from Kendra Scott, in partnership with all of the participating buildings, will help DivInc reach their 2020 Fundraising goals.
PROPERTY PARTNERS:
100 Congress
360 Condominiums
600 Congress
ACL Live
Austin American-Statesman
Austin Marriott Downtown
Fairmont Austin
Frost Bank Tower
Gables Republic Square
Hotel ZaZa
JW Marriott Austin
Northshore Austin
Silicon Labs
The Ashton
The Austonian
The Catherine
W Austin
Kendra Scott South Congress Flagship
Kendra Scott Domain
About DivInc
DivInc is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization providing best-in-class startup programming for early stage underrepresented founders. DivInc's mission is to bridge the gap between underrepresented entrepreneurs and the resources they need to build profitable, high-growth companies.
DivInc's programs are designed to remove barriers and create an authentically inclusive culture for all entrepreneurs to thrive. Since 2016, DivInc has accelerated the growth of 63 companies founded by people of color and women. DivInc's programs include a 12 week Accelerator for tech startups, a Social Justice Innovation Program focused on supporting the most innovative startups addressing inequities and disparities caused by institutionalized bias and racism, an Alumni program providing customized support to help founders continue on a growth path by increasing their revenues and raising capital, and Startup Sistas designed specifically for women of color entrepreneurs.
About Kendra Scott
Founder, Designer & CEO
Kendra Scott is a talented designer, loving mom, passionate philanthropist and driven entrepreneur.
As a creative mind with a love of natural gemstones, Kendra designed her first collection of jewelry in 2002 with just $500. Determined to maintain growth and preserve the vision of her business, Kendra waited 14 years to accept outside investments. She has since grown the company to a billion-dollar valuation with over 100 stores nationwide and a thriving e-commerce and wholesale business. Kendra is among only 16 women in the United States to carry the title of founder of a company valued at one billion dollars.
In addition to her passion as a designer, Kendra is leading the charge in creating a brand and a culture that supports women, values family, and encourages an entrepreneurial mindset. Kendra has pioneered a new way of interacting with consumers through brand experiences that genuinely engage her community. From amazing customer service to “surprise and delight” moments, Kendra recognizes the value of creating an authentic connection with her customers.
Inspired by the guidance she received during the early days of her business, Kendra actively seeks out opportunities to mentor and support other entrepreneurs, especially women leaders. Beginning in September 2019, she is proud to give new life to this passion through a new program at the University of Texas at Austin: The Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute. Uniquely positioned to address the challenges women often face in business, this program will build a pipeline of courageous, creative female leaders who will change the world – in business and beyond.
Kendra has been awarded with the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 National Award; the Breakthrough Award from the Accessories Council Excellence Awards; named Outstanding Mother of the Year by the Mother’s Day Council; awarded Texas Businesswoman of the Year by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce; listed by Forbes as one of America's Richest Self-Made Women; listed among the Top 100 Entrepreneurs of the Year by Upstart Business Journal; and named Best CEO by Austin Business Journal. In October 2019, Kendra was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame. Kendra is a member of the board of directors for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and she maintains her position as Chairman of the Board of and CEO Kendra Scott, LLC.