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Lessons in Joy

Kendra Scott debuts her first book and shares her feelings on joy and gratitude.

Article by Gabi De la Rosa

Photography by Shannon O'hara

Originally published in Memorial Lifestyle

When Kendra Scott announced that she was stepping down as CEO of her billion-dollar brand in 2021, it appeared she might take some time off to relax and rest on her well-earned laurels. Instead, she upped the ante and wrote a book, married her husband Thomas Evans, returned as a guest shark on Season 14 of Shark Tank and is expanding her jewelry business and philanthropic efforts into new categories each season. 

Her new memoir, Born to Shine: Do Good, Find Your Joy, and Build a Life You Love, dropped last month, and the entrepreneur turned author touched on very personal topics. “I feel that there is power in vulnerability,” says Scott. “I hope that being vulnerable in this book will allow other women or people to share their failures, successes, and ups and downs and be authentic. I also hope that the stories of my childhood, marriage, divorce, starting a business and failing at a business inspire women – all of those things are part of what makes me who I am.”

Gratitude & Joy 

How do you find joy in the little things?

It is so easy for me. I am one of those people who, when you look at a situation or issue, am always trying to find what is good. There are a lot of times when things are hard, but I am joyful and like to make other people happy. If I pass a little bit of joy to someone, I feel like it comes back to me and changes my day and everything around me. I projected it out, and now I receive it. We have a short time on this earth, and I am so grateful to be able to impact people positively. 

What are you most grateful for right now?

Every day I write down three things I am grateful for. I started that in 2020, because it seemed like if things could get worse - they did. I remember during that time, my dad had two heart attacks and so now, every day on my gratitude list, one thing I am grateful for is that my dad is still here. 

My boys and I are such a team. We went through me being a single mom and trying to get this business off the ground. We are like the three amigos and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t talk to my kids. 

I recently remarried, and we are like the Brady Bunch with three kids from his previous relationship and my three boys. I am so grateful to have this next phase of my life with a blended family. 



 

Kendra’s Love List 

Queso or margaritas? Both! 

Cowboy boots or cowboy hats? Cowboy hats. 

What is one thing you love about Texas? The people - I love Texans. 

What is the one piece of jewelry you never take off? My wedding ring.

What is a fashion trend you wish would come back? I am so happy that shoulder pads made a return.