About the Guest:

Samantha (Sam) McClellan is the force behind Elite Customs, a top customization shop in Franklin, TN. A trailblazer in the male-dominated automotive industry, Sam is dedicated to breaking barriers and empowering women in the field. Her journey began touring with a church choir before transitioning into interior design and eventually the automotive world. Overcoming personal struggles, Sam embraced her worth and built Elite Customs into a household name, working with country stars, athletes, and more. Her leadership and innovation inspire others to pursue their passions with confidence.

Summary:

In this episode, Kendra Scott interviews Samantha McClellan, who shares her inspiring journey of navigating career changes and empowering women in the male-dominated automotive industry. They discuss the importance of creating a welcoming customer experience, the challenges of overcoming gender bias, and the value of education and self-belief. Samantha emphasizes the significance of embracing failure, having a clear vision, and using technology to enhance personal growth. The conversation concludes with advice for the younger generation on empowerment and utilizing resources effectively.

Takeaways:

· Samantha emphasizes the importance of strong female friendships.

· She highlights the underrepresentation of women in the automotive industry.

·Creating a unique customer experience is crucial for business success.

· Education and comfort are key in the automotive industry.

·Overcoming gender bias requires confidence and resilience.

·Embracing failure is essential for growth and learning.

·Having a clear vision is vital for career success.

·Empowering future generations of women is a shared responsibility.

·Utilizing technology can enhance personal and professional growth.

·Comparison can hinder personal joy and success.

Sound Bites:

· "There are no dumb questions. Period."

·"It's okay to rock the boat."

· "Comparison is the thief of joy."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Samantha McClellan and Elite Customs

03:27 Journey into the Automotive Customization Industry

06:18 Creating a Unique Customer Experience

08:54 Empowering Women in a Male-Dominated Industry

11:53 Education and Comfort in Automotive Services

14:42 Overcoming Challenges as a Female Entrepreneur

17:23 Building Self-Confidence Through Failure

19:53 Advice for the Younger Generation

22:32 Empowering Other Women

25:28 Utilizing Technology for Growth

27:40 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

30:26 Kendra Closer.wav

Connect:

Sam TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elitelifebysam

Sam IG: https://www.instagram.com/elitecustomstn/?hl=en

Kendra IG; @notthejewelry and @kendra.scott_

Happy Listening,

Kendra Scott