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Born to Shine: Do Good, Find Your Joy, and Build a Life You Love
This authentic and dynamic memoir from the bestselling author and CEO of Kendra Scott Jewelry delivers inspiration, leadership lessons, and spellbinding storytelling.
For twenty years, Kendra Scott built her eponymous jewelry company from a hobby and an idea into a company worth more than a billion dollars, creating beautiful and affordable pieces with signature-cut natural gemstones packaged in a sunny yellow box. By any measure, she’s the woman who has it a self-made billionaire, a generous philanthropist, and a mother of three with a squad of strong female friendships.
Sounds pretty perfect, right?
But perfection is a myth that doesn’t serve any of us. A myth that encourages us to assume that we know what other people are going through, to judge each other on appearances and reputations, to present the best versions of ourselves and pretend like we’ve got it all together even when everything is falling apart. Perfection isn’t just a lie, it’s exhausting, and Kendra is tired of it.
In this vulnerable, wise, and laugh-out-loud book, Kendra takes us on a journey of personal stories and hard-earned life lessons, from her humble beginnings as an awkward, bullied young girl in small-town Wisconsin to launching a business in her spare bedroom with $500. With every pitfall, misstep, and failure, Kendra builds a life—and a career—rooted in joy, purpose, and doing good, a life she wants for every reader.
With heart and humor, Kendra reminds us that not all that glitters is gold, and that there is no level of success that can insulate you from what it means to be a human that life is as messy as it is magical, that bad things happen to good people for no good reason, and that a good life does not mean a perfect one.
For twenty years, Kendra Scott built her eponymous jewelry company from a hobby and an idea into a company worth more than a billion dollars, creating beautiful and affordable pieces with signature-cut natural gemstones packaged in a sunny yellow box. By any measure, she’s the woman who has it a self-made billionaire, a generous philanthropist, and a mother of three with a squad of strong female friendships.
Sounds pretty perfect, right?
But perfection is a myth that doesn’t serve any of us. A myth that encourages us to assume that we know what other people are going through, to judge each other on appearances and reputations, to present the best versions of ourselves and pretend like we’ve got it all together even when everything is falling apart. Perfection isn’t just a lie, it’s exhausting, and Kendra is tired of it.
In this vulnerable, wise, and laugh-out-loud book, Kendra takes us on a journey of personal stories and hard-earned life lessons, from her humble beginnings as an awkward, bullied young girl in small-town Wisconsin to launching a business in her spare bedroom with $500. With every pitfall, misstep, and failure, Kendra builds a life—and a career—rooted in joy, purpose, and doing good, a life she wants for every reader.
With heart and humor, Kendra reminds us that not all that glitters is gold, and that there is no level of success that can insulate you from what it means to be a human that life is as messy as it is magical, that bad things happen to good people for no good reason, and that a good life does not mean a perfect one.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2022
107 people are currently reading
3777 people want to read
About the author
Kendra Scott
3 books36 followersDesigner, founder, and philanthropist Kendra Scott started her company in 2002, just three months after her first son was born. Her commitment to innovation, quality, and detail has taken her from a small startup to a billion-dollar brand. With over 3,000 employees and over 120 standalone stores, Kendra Scott is known for its kaleidoscope of fashion, sterling, and fine jewelry accessories for women and men, along with the innovative Color Bar®, a customizable experience, in addition to engraving. As the brand continues to grow, Kendra and her namesake company remain true to its founding philosophy of “Family, Fashion, and Philanthropy,” and since its beginning, the company has given back significantly to local, national, and international causes supporting organizations that serve women and youth in the areas of health and wellness, education and entrepreneurship, and empowerment.
Kendra was awarded the EY Entrepreneur of the Year National Award in 2017, was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2019, and appeared as the only female guest Shark on season 12 of ABC’s Shark Tank. With a passion for empowering the next generation of female leaders, Kendra is currently a professor of practice at the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition, Kendra is a member of the board of directors for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Council of Fashion Designers of America while she maintains her position as executive chairwoman and chief creative officer of Kendra Scott, LLC.
Today, her company continues to operate out of Austin, Texas, where she lives with her family. Visit KendraScott.com for more!
Kendra was awarded the EY Entrepreneur of the Year National Award in 2017, was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2019, and appeared as the only female guest Shark on season 12 of ABC’s Shark Tank. With a passion for empowering the next generation of female leaders, Kendra is currently a professor of practice at the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition, Kendra is a member of the board of directors for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Council of Fashion Designers of America while she maintains her position as executive chairwoman and chief creative officer of Kendra Scott, LLC.
Today, her company continues to operate out of Austin, Texas, where she lives with her family. Visit KendraScott.com for more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
November 7, 2022
"Born To Shine" shines in so many ways.
In this compelling memoir, Kendra Scott shares her "truth is stranger than fiction" inspirational story about how she launched her jewelry empire when she was a single mom with two young children.
Throughout the entire book, Kendra Scott was transparent and vulnerable, revealing her failures and turmoils, as well as her hard-earned successes.
Also revealed were leadership lessons and her future growth strategies.
I listened to the audiobook, read by the author.
I always love it when authors read their own memoirs and Kendra Scott did an outstanding job with the narration.
Five shining stars!
In this compelling memoir, Kendra Scott shares her "truth is stranger than fiction" inspirational story about how she launched her jewelry empire when she was a single mom with two young children.
Throughout the entire book, Kendra Scott was transparent and vulnerable, revealing her failures and turmoils, as well as her hard-earned successes.
Also revealed were leadership lessons and her future growth strategies.
I listened to the audiobook, read by the author.
I always love it when authors read their own memoirs and Kendra Scott did an outstanding job with the narration.
Five shining stars!
October 7, 2022
As a fan of Kendra Scott’s brand, I knew I would want to listen to her autobiography. It was part life story, part business/life coaching. I’m fairly certain that I was wearing at least one piece of KS jewelry each time I listened. If you are a fan, you will enjoy this book.
September 22, 2022
Born to Shine by Kendra Scott is a mix of an autobiography and a business book. Part of this book tells Scott's story and how she grew up in the Midwest. Then she also talks about how she created her jewelry business carrying her Kendra Scott name. I honestly wasn't familiar with her jewelry but I found the book to be interesting and enjoyed reading it.
Scott talks about her Midwestern roots and growing up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As a Midwestern gal myself, I could understand the family values and hard work ethic that was a thread woven through her family. Her parents divorced and when she was in high school, her mom moved to Texas when she re-married. Not long after, Kendra moved to Texas to live with her mom and ended up staying there for many years. She started her business there and continues to run it from Texas. While her personal life was interesting, I also found how she created her business to be interesting. I have a background in fashion and a mother who worked in that industry for years so I could follow the business part easily.
In Born to Shine, I liked how Scott integrated family life with her business and made family a priority, not just for her, but also for all of her employees. I liked how she shared her failures, challenges and her successes. She seems to be down-to-earth and straightforward in how she deals with her business and people. I really like that. She offers some good advice for figuring out what is important to you and starting a business in the book. There are a handful of mild cuss words which may bother some people. However, for the most part, this is an uplifting read, especially for someone interested in business but it isn't necessarily a Christian book. I like how she cared for her family and friends with cancer and how she supports breast cancer patients but some of those parts were difficult for me to read as someone who has received a cancer diagnosis.
From a visual standpoint, I liked the yellow cover on Born to Shine as yellow is a significant color for Scott's business, but I found the white print on the yellow to be difficult to read. I wish it were black on yellow, but that doesn't reflect my rating.
As a whole, Born to Shine was an enjoyable read. Scott writes well and her book was a quick and interesting read for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
Scott talks about her Midwestern roots and growing up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As a Midwestern gal myself, I could understand the family values and hard work ethic that was a thread woven through her family. Her parents divorced and when she was in high school, her mom moved to Texas when she re-married. Not long after, Kendra moved to Texas to live with her mom and ended up staying there for many years. She started her business there and continues to run it from Texas. While her personal life was interesting, I also found how she created her business to be interesting. I have a background in fashion and a mother who worked in that industry for years so I could follow the business part easily.
In Born to Shine, I liked how Scott integrated family life with her business and made family a priority, not just for her, but also for all of her employees. I liked how she shared her failures, challenges and her successes. She seems to be down-to-earth and straightforward in how she deals with her business and people. I really like that. She offers some good advice for figuring out what is important to you and starting a business in the book. There are a handful of mild cuss words which may bother some people. However, for the most part, this is an uplifting read, especially for someone interested in business but it isn't necessarily a Christian book. I like how she cared for her family and friends with cancer and how she supports breast cancer patients but some of those parts were difficult for me to read as someone who has received a cancer diagnosis.
From a visual standpoint, I liked the yellow cover on Born to Shine as yellow is a significant color for Scott's business, but I found the white print on the yellow to be difficult to read. I wish it were black on yellow, but that doesn't reflect my rating.
As a whole, Born to Shine was an enjoyable read. Scott writes well and her book was a quick and interesting read for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
June 6, 2023
It is no secret how much I love Kendra Scott. I wear her jewelry every single time I go out. I am not surprised at just how amazing she is after listening to her audiobook. Just like most memoirs I listen to, she was bullied, experienced a lot of hard times with her family, and had a failed hat business before Kendra Scott took off.
She is so involved in philanthropy and constantly holds give back events. She was so determined to build her business and keep her strong values including joy, positivity, and always putting family first. She truly sounds so sweet and genuine. It is amazing to see her go from making jewelry at home to a business worth over one billion dollars.
She is so involved in philanthropy and constantly holds give back events. She was so determined to build her business and keep her strong values including joy, positivity, and always putting family first. She truly sounds so sweet and genuine. It is amazing to see her go from making jewelry at home to a business worth over one billion dollars.
August 17, 2022
Not the best book. Was definitely expecting more from KS. I thought that after reading this book I would be inspired but def left wanting more.
October 5, 2025
in a world of shoe dog, born to shine was the business memoir i wanted to read! read over the last few weeks and will no doubt keep my hard copy forever - loved her sentiments and values of optimism, joy, giving, craft, and talking openly about divorce, failed businesses before kendra scott, company culture. super inspiring
November 21, 2022
“Optimism, to me, is believing that whatever is in this moment…is not forever. It’s knowing that there is still possibility and promise in the future, even when the present is messy or painful or downright terrible.”
As a lover of Kendra Scott jewelry (you BET I get my half off birthday month jewelry every year 💁🏼♀️), I was so excited to see she wrote a book! Kendra is a tough lady who has been through a lot in her life. She would seriously be such a great mentor for other working moms.
In this book I love Kendra’s take on different things like work, ambition, and fear. Takes like our fears shouldn’t be ignored, but listened to. We should work through our fears and figure out a way forward, instead of running from them. Kendra built her business from the ground up and shares some of her success stories and secrets throughout this book.
As a fellow working mom (I don’t have an extremely successful jewelry biz but like, ya know 😏), I enjoyed learning from Kendra and how she simultaneously raised her sons and built her business. 👏🏻 Great read!
As a lover of Kendra Scott jewelry (you BET I get my half off birthday month jewelry every year 💁🏼♀️), I was so excited to see she wrote a book! Kendra is a tough lady who has been through a lot in her life. She would seriously be such a great mentor for other working moms.
In this book I love Kendra’s take on different things like work, ambition, and fear. Takes like our fears shouldn’t be ignored, but listened to. We should work through our fears and figure out a way forward, instead of running from them. Kendra built her business from the ground up and shares some of her success stories and secrets throughout this book.
As a fellow working mom (I don’t have an extremely successful jewelry biz but like, ya know 😏), I enjoyed learning from Kendra and how she simultaneously raised her sons and built her business. 👏🏻 Great read!
April 22, 2023
I loved that Kendra narrated her memoir, and i loved learning the personal story of someone I only know the business side. She is a sweet soul and a good human, and took risks, worked hard, and endured some hardship to get where she is! I would have loved to hear more stories about her business - her personal life is front and center here. For someone who wants a “how to build a billion dollar brand” book, this isn’t for you. But it was very insightful, and my love for Kendra Scott grew even more.
October 9, 2023
I was in my local Kendra Scott store choosing my jewelry to use with my birthday discount and I saw this book on display. Right there I checked out the audio from the library. Kendra Scott narrates the book and does a great job.
This is the transparent and vulnerable story of the woman behind the brand and how her jewelry empire was built. She has an inspiring story of growing up in a "broken home" (she addresses how much she hates this term) and leaving college after the first year to start her first business. Through a lot of hard work and great business practices, learning a lot of lessons along the way, she succeeded in building Kendra Scott Jewelry.
I found the book very inspirational. Very empowering to female businesswomen without being toxic towards men. She lives her life to lift up the women and people around her.
This is the transparent and vulnerable story of the woman behind the brand and how her jewelry empire was built. She has an inspiring story of growing up in a "broken home" (she addresses how much she hates this term) and leaving college after the first year to start her first business. Through a lot of hard work and great business practices, learning a lot of lessons along the way, she succeeded in building Kendra Scott Jewelry.
I found the book very inspirational. Very empowering to female businesswomen without being toxic towards men. She lives her life to lift up the women and people around her.
April 4, 2024
Amazing Audio Book read by Kendra Scott!
October 3, 2022
such an inspirational story! Kendra does such a great job of telling her story, teaching life lessons, and making you laugh though out this book.
April 12, 2023
I loved learning more about Kendra Scott and her journey to become an esteemed business woman.
The beginning of the book was a bit slow in my opinion, but once I made it to about halfway, it was an easy read. I recommend for those of you who are big fans of Kendra Scott, and women empowerment.
The beginning of the book was a bit slow in my opinion, but once I made it to about halfway, it was an easy read. I recommend for those of you who are big fans of Kendra Scott, and women empowerment.
March 27, 2025
I always knew I liked Kendra Scott, but this book gave me a new shero. Kendra is the type of leader and role model that proves nice girls can when, and that holding true to your values is a winning business practice.
January 27, 2023
This book split between memoir and business, and not in any organized way. It was difficult to jump around, from marriage to baby to a different marriage to being a successful business owner to being a kid in Kenosha in the parking lot of a Pizza Hut. It felt unedited and like a stream of consciousness.
It was also so very… one-dimensional. Does KS understand that not everyone has a dad that will give them $20k to find themselves after they drop out of college? That not all business owners have moms who will help float their cash flow while they recover from bad mall decisions? I am sure this was catered to her shopper demographic, so it all fits within the brand. Would have been nice to see some acknowledgment of her privilege, of the intersectional struggles in the female identifying entrepreneur space, or truthfully, any diversity at all in the photos she shared. I respect and admire her hard work, her philanthropy, and her business savvy — but this book didn’t do those things justice.
It was also so very… one-dimensional. Does KS understand that not everyone has a dad that will give them $20k to find themselves after they drop out of college? That not all business owners have moms who will help float their cash flow while they recover from bad mall decisions? I am sure this was catered to her shopper demographic, so it all fits within the brand. Would have been nice to see some acknowledgment of her privilege, of the intersectional struggles in the female identifying entrepreneur space, or truthfully, any diversity at all in the photos she shared. I respect and admire her hard work, her philanthropy, and her business savvy — but this book didn’t do those things justice.
September 11, 2022
3 1/2 stars
In Born to Shine reveals how entrepreneur Kendra Scott made her jewelry making business into a billion-dollar success and blends it with stories of difficulties and triumphs in her life Added photographs make it more interesting, giving it a personal feel.
I like how Ms. Scott shares her life lessons and how readers can apply them to their own life’s dreams and goals. And I respect how she promotes family-first in her life and company.
Although I’m not a huge fan of the business side of the book (I’m not much into business in general) I do appreciate how candid she is about her personal life and the encouragement and inspiration she provides to others.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
In Born to Shine reveals how entrepreneur Kendra Scott made her jewelry making business into a billion-dollar success and blends it with stories of difficulties and triumphs in her life Added photographs make it more interesting, giving it a personal feel.
I like how Ms. Scott shares her life lessons and how readers can apply them to their own life’s dreams and goals. And I respect how she promotes family-first in her life and company.
Although I’m not a huge fan of the business side of the book (I’m not much into business in general) I do appreciate how candid she is about her personal life and the encouragement and inspiration she provides to others.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
February 21, 2025
Quick and insightful. Rounded up for GR
July 22, 2022
This book, written by Kendra Scott (a very successful woman with her own jewelry-making business) can be described as a self-help book, a memoir, and a guide for entrepreneurs. The book begins with a description of Kendra in a life or death situation. Without giving too much away, this book is packed with memorable quotes, as well as inspiring stories of both Kendra’s life and the lives of those surrounding her. Kendra’s life is full of both tragedies and triumphs. She never gives up and now she is a very successful entrepreneur who leads a business, teaches, and gives back to so many. I found myself dwelling on the countless inspirational quotes throughout the book that really reminded me of what is important in life. My only critique of this book is that at times, only a few, it seemed a bit “sales-y,” as if she is trying to sell her company to the reader. However, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to it being published. I expect that this book will inspire and motivate many people, especially women, for many years to come. I am giving the book 4 out of 5 stars- not my favorite, but definitely worth a read! Thank you to NetGalley and the Worthy Publishing (publisher) for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. -Chelsea K. Reviewer
August 4, 2023
I never heard of Kendra Scott’s jewelry until I moved to Louisiana. I think the BamaTok really made her well known outside of the south and that really warms my heart. Her jewelry is reasonably priced, she offers deals, and it’s always beautiful. When I saw she had a memoir I was intrigued because I love a memoir. I’m also trying to expand the amount of non filth I read and this seemed like a good expansion. I found this book very easy to read (listen to). It was quick, to the point, had good messages and anecdotes as well. Kendra is a girl’s girl, she’s here to support women and small business owners. Her organization is one I would actually work for and I say this very rarely because there are very few places I would tie my name to company wise and I would honestly consider hers. I highly recommend this book, I think it a great memoir, feminist read and business read as well.
February 13, 2025
I just read this book on vacation, and truly looked forward to the time I set aside for it each day. For those into audiobooks, Kendra is a fantastic narrator. I would say this book is 20% about building her business and 80% about the friends and family who influenced her over the course of her lifetime. She’s incredibly authentic and raw, covering many of life’s difficult moments, and bringing me to tears a few times while I was reading on the beach. I’d love to know more about her business model but I don’t think that was the intention of this book. If she write another, I’ll definitely be reading it!
September 27, 2022
I knew I loved Kendra Scott after I was gifted my first piece of jewelry made by her. This book made me love the person Kendra Scott not just the Kendra Scott who makes jewelry. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet her during her book tour stop in Kenosha and get a signed copy of her book!! It was amazing, I loved how open and honest she was about her struggles in her personal and professional life. This book is inspiring and I will be sharing it with so many amazing woman in my life!!
March 27, 2024
Kendra’s story is one that I love. Her heart for giving back will always ring special to me. That being said she has found a loyal customer because there’s so many moments when she didn’t have to but because her heart told her to she followed through. It means so much more than a piece of jewelry. I loved hearing all the intimate details of how she became self made, her philosophy for family first, and so much more. What a great story/life!
June 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this audiobook, read by Kendra Scott. I’ve always loved her jewelry, but knew nothing about her story or how the business started, she is a good storyteller and reading this makes me like her and her jewelry even more! The only thing funny about the audiobook is there must be subtitles within the chapters so a lot of times it sounds like she’s repeating herself.
FYI (for LaLa) no dogs are hurt in this book!
FYI (for LaLa) no dogs are hurt in this book!
December 28, 2022
ah, I LOVED this book. I read almost all
of it in one day. it was one cl those I didn't want to be over. I got it as a gift & just sorta "picked it up" but then I found myself underlining and dog earring pages. kendra is a great storyteller & there are so many nuggets of wisdom for life & business.
of it in one day. it was one cl those I didn't want to be over. I got it as a gift & just sorta "picked it up" but then I found myself underlining and dog earring pages. kendra is a great storyteller & there are so many nuggets of wisdom for life & business.
March 30, 2024
I absolutely adore her jewelry (and also the color yellow which is why I was drawn to this book..!) and now I absolutely adore the woman behind it all! She is truly an incredible person who has gone through so, so much to get to where she is. A true vision of never giving up on your dreams and the desires you have to live the life that you want! So very inspiring!
December 21, 2023
I honestly didn't expect to like this as much as I did. I do run my family's business, so there was a lot I could relate to her on the entrepreneurial side of things, but also finding personal and professional relationships that help your goals. Absolutely fantastic read for any female entrepreneur!
February 10, 2024
I really enjoyed hearing her story but found the flow of the book confusing at times. Sometimes felt like a memoir in chronological order, sometimes felt like a business book, and other times a self help book.
August 10, 2024
This was a nice quick read. Very inspiring. Ms. Kendra Scott had many nice things to say and pieces of advice. Not a hands down must read for me, but I did thoroughly enjoy and appreciate reading her story.
February 26, 2023
Every single woman/girl out there needs to read this book! So many good life lessons or at least reminders. Wow. 11/10!💛
March 28, 2024
BRB about to go buy myself some jewelry
April 27, 2024
I adored this book. I’ve loved Kendra Scott jewelry for years so I was excited to read her book. WOW am I glad I did. This one was so empowering and REAL.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews