Kendra Scott on Shark Tank
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From a $500 beginning to a seat in the Tank, discover Kendra’s story of creativity, resilience, and connection.
A founder supporting founders
Kendra Scott knows what it takes to turn an idea into a business. Now, as a permanent Shark on Shark Tank, she brings her experience as a founder to entrepreneurs ready to take their own ideas further. Get to know her journey in the Tank, what she looks for in a pitch, and the jewelry she wears on the show.
Kendra’s story at a glance
- Brand beginnings
- Founded in 2002 with $500 and a tea box of handmade jewelry.
- First guest appearance
- Season 12, 2020.
- Returning guest seasons
- Season 14 in 2022, Season 16 in 2024, and Season 17 in 2025.
- Permanent Shark role
- Named ahead of Season 18, her first full-time season.
- Founder priorities
- Passion, customer understanding, resilience, creativity, and purpose.
- Business experience
- Brand building, product development, wholesale partnerships, and experiential retail.
- Brand values
- Family, Fashion, and Philanthropy.
From a tea box to a founder’s perspective
Kendra Scott started her namesake brand in 2002, just three months after her first son was born, with $500 and a tea box of handmade jewelry. She went door-to-door to local boutiques, introducing designs defined by expressive color and signature shapes. That beginning gives her a personal connection to founders building something from the ground up. The brand’s core values of Family, Fashion, and Philanthropy remain part of her story, connecting creativity with a purpose beyond retail.
Kendra’s journey from guest to permanent Shark
Kendra first appeared as a guest Shark in Season 12 in 2020. She returned for guest appearances in Season 14 in 2022, Season 16 in 2024, and Season 17 in 2025. After four seasons as a guest, she was named a permanent Shark ahead of Season 18.
Kendra had been a fan of Shark Tank long before joining the show, so the opportunity to step into the Tank herself was incredibly exciting.
She was drawn to its multigenerational appeal, educational value, and ability to inspire, showing that the American Dream isn’t just alive, but thriving. She also loved the chance to work alongside like-minded entrepreneurs and fellow Sharks who share a passion for building something from the ground up. What brought her back was the opportunity to keep learning, connect with founders, and help entrepreneurs take their dreams to the next level.
What Kendra looks for in founders
Kendra looks for founders who are passionate about their ideas, deeply understand their customers, and have the drive and resilience to turn a vision into a successful business.
She values authenticity, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose, while also looking for disruptive businesses with the ability to stand out in a competitive market. As an entrepreneur herself, she knows that success takes more than a great idea; it takes grit, passion, and purpose.
More than an investment
Kendra brings firsthand experience building a consumer brand from the ground up, with expertise in brand building, product development, wholesale partnerships, and experiential retail.
She can help founders think strategically about connecting with customers, differentiating their products, and scaling across retail and e-commerce. She also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, authenticity, and staying true to a brand’s core values. Through her own entrepreneurial journey and investments on Shark Tank, she offers founders both practical guidance and a partner who understands the challenges of turning an idea into a lasting business.
Shop Her Shark Tank Looks
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Kendra was named a permanent Shark ahead of Season 18, marking her first season as a full-time cast member after four seasons of guest appearances.
Kendra first joined as a guest Shark in Season 12 in 2020. She returned for guest appearances in Seasons 14, 16, and 17 before becoming a permanent Shark.
Kendra had been a fan of the show and was drawn to its educational value, multigenerational appeal, and ability to inspire entrepreneurs. She also welcomed the opportunity to learn alongside fellow Sharks and help founders take their dreams further.
Shark Tank airs Wednesdays at 10/9c—9 p.m. Central—on ABC. Check ABC’s Shark Tank page for episodes and schedule updates.
Browse the featured jewelry on this page, or visit Kendra’s Picks for more of her favorites.