Why fashion designer Kendra Scott is committed to empowering women all year long
Kendra Scott is a woman of and for the people.
The Austin-based designer is at the helm of one of the hottest and fastest-rising fashion and lifestyle brands in the country, but Scott knows she wouldn't be here without the support of women around her -- and she's determined to pay it forward.
"Women also are unbelievable multitaskers -- as a mom and as a businesswoman, and as a wife, and in all of these elements. We juggle a lot of things every day, and amazingly women do it with incredible grace," Scott told "Good Morning America."
She credits her mother for sparking her entrepreneurial spirit.
"As a young woman watching her was such an inspiration and really helped me kind of figure out also what I wanted ... my priorities."
Scott has made fashion, family and philanthropy the pillars of her billion-dollar business. She is dedicated to helping other women because years ago, Scott was the one who needed help.
"I almost lost my business during the recession," Scott tells "GMA."
A bank abruptly pulled her line of credit and business was about to collapse when another woman stepped in.
"She knew who I was. She knew how driven I was. And she took on that line of credit for me."
We juggle a lot of things every day, and amazingly women do it with incredible grace.
The experience taught her to "operate with kindness" and she strives to empower others to do the same.
"What I'm seeing more than ever today is women helping other women and how much stronger we are when we joined forces and hold hands."
The entrepreneur uses her many of her designs to pay it forward to women in local communities across the country 365 days a year.
In honor of International Women's Day on March 8, Scott is releasing a brand new Everlyne Friendship Bracelet, where 20% of proceeds will go towards women’s organizations year-round.
No matter what your gender, you can do anything you want to do if you have that support around you.
"Women's groups that are making such an impact in the community, but because they're not a large organization, don't get a lot of support."
From hiring 90% female employees to launching Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute to boost the number of woman-led businesses, her passion for empowering a new generation of leaders is clear.
But at the end of the day, her philosophy is one everyone can get behind: "No matter what your gender, you can do anything you want to do if you have that support around you."
