My Ah-Ha Moment Inspired by Kendra Scott
recently, i had an epiphany…
You know, one of those moments when you decide or realize something, and it feels entirely right? Recently, I had this exact experience.
Two weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by 800 fabulous women at Milwaukee TEMPO’s annual leadership event where jewelry designer, CEO and philanthropist, Kendra Scott, was the keynote speaker. So naturally, as a jewelry designer, I was excited to hear her story.
Despite being very different brands, Bird’s Tail Designs and Kendra Scott have more similarities than I thought...
So let’s state the obvious BIG difference. Bird’s Tail is a small brand, made up of a small team of women who hand-make all of our jewelry and Kendra Scott is a multi-million dollar franchise with flagship stores all over the world! So you know - just a few, minor differences. BUT despite these differences, I learned that Kendra and I have very similar roots.
Kendra (who is also from Wisconsin by the way!) and I both started making jewelry in our spare bedroom on a fold-up card table with individual hand-written orders posted on a cork-board on the wall. I, like Kendra, would tote my youngest child around in her baby carrier and go into boutique after boutique trying to get wholesale orders, trying to build my brand.
Kendra was turned down at many different stores and would get back in her car and have to talk herself into trying another shop. Sitting in that ballroom, listening to her speak, I wanted to shout - I SO GET THAT! I, too, have been told no or “not right now” more times than I can remember.
Finding these commonalities with Kendra was motivating in the idea that if she can do it, why can’t I? But, what was even more powerful, was hearing her talk about her commitment to giving back: “Connection before transaction” as she explained it.
Attending TEMPO’s leadership event reignited my mission to strengthen women.
As the electricity of the room lit up with eager listeners, taking in every word Kendra had to offer, a light bulb went on in my head. I had lost sight of why I started this brand, this business, in the first place.
Kendra spoke about how she never says ‘no’ when someone asks her for a donation. And I have always shared this passion. Whenever someone asks me to donate a piece of jewelry to a cause - my answer is always ‘YES’. But I know that I can do more than just donate a piece jewelry here and there and sitting there in that room, that day, I realized that I had lost sight of my power, of my ability to make a difference in this world.
Bird’s Tail is more than just a business that sells jewelry. I started this business to empower women, to make them feel beautiful and confident. I started this business to inspire other women to follow their passions, their dreams. I started this business to employ other women, to provide them a fair wage and a purposeful life. I started this business to show my daughters the importance of giving back.
And that’s when the wheels started turning. Suddenly - like the epiphany I have never experienced before - my mom came to my mind. And I knew what I wanted to do.
My mom is a recent breast cancer survivor and I don’t know why it came to me at this exact moment, but I knew right then and there that I need to help other women who are battling breast cancer.
I can’t even explain the feeling that came over me. I felt light. I felt passionate. I felt (and feel) really freaking excited. What if Bird’s Tail could buy one give one?
What if for every piece of Bird’s Tail jewelry purchased online, I could donate a piece of jewelry to a woman who is battling breast cancer?
And so I did.
Kendra’s talk inspired me to follow my passion, to listen to that voice inside my heart.
After the event, I went back to my studio and got right to work on getting my ideas in writing and that was when I was inspired to write my mom’s story of battling breast cancer and how when she lost all of her hair, I gave her many pairs of Bird’s Tail earrings, anything to help her feel beautiful. She received so many compliments on her earrings, and it may sound like an insignificant concern considering the circumstances, but what my mom wanted more than anything was to look and feel her best despite what she was going through. And I think most women who are fighting breast cancer can relate.
The very next day, I reached out to ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis) to start a new partnership. I knew I wanted to work with ABCD because I had heard great things about the organization and I truly believe that women, especially women who are battling such adversity, need a guide or a mentor, and that’s exactly what ABCD does—they match someone who is battling breast cancer with someone who has also battled this horrible disease.
And just a few days later, I met with Ellen, the Executive Director and Julie, the director of Marketing and Community Engagement, and I am so excited to be working with these wonderful women and such an amazing and committed organization!
We can all make a difference.
Kendra highlighted the importance of focusing on “what’s important, not just the bottom line” and this is a mindset I think we can all benefit from. Remember what’s really important. Remember that people and connections matter first.
That day in that room inspired me more than I can explain. And I hope you know too, that you can make a difference.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Please help us spread the word about breast cancer awareness, doing self-checks and getting regular mammograms. Go check out ABCD and learn more about how you can help their organization, and of course we hope you shop our Bird’s Tail Designs website to buy one give one to women who are battling breast cancer.
One cause at a time, one day at a time, one person at a time, we can all make a difference.
*Special thank you to Lori Richards and Mueller Communications for giving Bird's Tail a seat at your table for Tempo’s Leadership Event!