A few years ago, I hosted a shopping event at the Summit in Lexington. Now, if you’ve ever been to the Summit, you know that Draper James, where I was hosting, is only two storefronts away from the Kendra Scott store. That night, it seems, there was a group of executives from Kendra Scott’s corporate headquarters in Kentucky to visit the local stores. A few of those folks discretely stopped by Draper James. We said hello, as I was standing near the door, and vaguely familiar looking woman with lovely style and a shy smile said softly, “Hi, I’m Kendra.” Of course, it was the lady whose hobby of crafting jewelry in her spare bedroom has grown to an eponymous jewelry line. Now, I’d owned a few pieces of her jewelry before that, and I’d even hosted an event or two at Kendra Scott stores, but Kendra was so kind and lovely and down to earth as she said hello, posed for photos, and quietly shopped that evening that she earned a fan for life.

I was so impressed with Ms. Scott’s unassuming manner that I researched the company a little more. I knew that, for those of us who love supporting and attending charity events, Kendra Scott is a great corporate partner. I didn’t realize, however, that the company has donated over $30 million to charitable causes since 2010. I was stopped in my tracks when I read a Forbes interview which featured a simple and compelling quote from Ms. Scott: “For me, our core value of philanthropy started with three simple words: ‘You do good.’ My stepfather spoke those three words to me in the midst of his battle with brain cancer, and I have carried them with me every day since.” As I’ve worked with the Lexington and Louisville Kendra Scott stores, as well as the philanthropic giving manager for my area, I’ve realized that this isn’t a company that does some charitable giving for PR purposes — it’s truly ingrained into the company’s mission. Of course, one of my goals for HerKentucky is to help promote the mission of local charities and hopefully assist in their fundraising activities, which is why you often see me talking about my love for KS jewelry on this site and my social channels!

Top: Draper James | Necklaces: here and here (c/o Kendra Scott)

Ms. Scott is not only an impressive philanthropist; she’s also an inspiring entrepreneur. She started her jewelry line in 2002 with a $500 estimate; by 2016, her company was valued at $1 billion. I’ve always adored that KS jewelry is at a realistic price point for everyday wear — the company itself was apparently driven by Ms. Scott’s inability to find colorful gemstones she could afford for everyday wear. How wonderful that this mission led to such success, and even to the founding of an academic program for female entrepreneurs at Ms. Scott’s alma mater! I love knowing that a company with which I frequently partner was founded by a woman who ranks as one of Forbes’ Self-Made Women in Business.

Thanks so much to Kendra Scott stores for helping me celebrate International Women’s Day with a series of interviews with Kentucky women who inspire me. And thanks so much to Ms. Scott herself for inspiring me with her gracious manners, her commitment to philanthropy, and her incredible story of entrepreneurship.