Kendall Jenner engaged in a candid fireside chat with Moira Forbes, Forbes’ Executive Vice President, at the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit held in Cleveland, Ohio today. The conversation delved into her journey from a successful model to a burgeoning mogul, thanks to her award-winning 818 Tequila brand.
At the age of 27, Jenner is currently navigating the realm of self-discovery, both personally and spiritually. Hailing from the Kardashian clan, one of the most prominent families in the media spotlight, Jenner is known for being the most private among them.
When asked if she ever feels misunderstood by the media, Jenner candidly responded, “Always. I genuinely treasure my privacy, and I find the most happiness in my most private moments.” However, she also acknowledged that “Privacy leaves more room for narratives to be created that are not true.”
One of the fastest ways for Jenner to feel emotionally weighed down is by spending too much time on her phone, scrolling through social media, and perusing the internet. She frequently encounters misinformation about herself that is far from the truth. Jenner explained, “I’m an authentic, straightforward person, and I’m self-aware with great character.” So when she sees unfounded rumors about her, it can be upsetting. Nevertheless, she has learned to cope with such situations by reminding herself that “what you see on the internet is not worth your attention.”
Jenner actively prioritizes her mental health and practices self-affirmation daily. She emphasizes the importance of grounding oneself, even in small ways, such as stepping outside and feeling the earth beneath your bare feet.
Offering advice to everyone, Jenner encourages individuals to find a hobby they love, something that can help them disconnect from their phones and work. For her, that passion is horse riding, which she describes as having “ignited so much joy” in her life.
Considering the media’s frequent misinterpretation of her, Jenner was asked how she’d like to be perceived by others. Her response was simple: “Just as a human being, constantly learning and trying to do my best. I always aim to leave a positive impact on everyone I encounter.”
Transitioning from a successful modeling career to entrepreneurship was a significant step for Jenner, who has been modeling for a decade. She stressed the importance of intentionality, recalling that at the age of 16, she made a deliberate decision to pursue modeling and dedicated herself to that path. Years later, she followed her family’s footsteps into entrepreneurship, always keeping the core values of her brand at the forefront.
One of the central tenets of the 818 brand is sustainability. Their distillery operates on biomass and solar power, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing their carbon footprint. Additionally, 818 partners with “1% for the Planet” partner S.A.C.R.E.D. in Jalisco to transform agave byproducts into adobe bricks used in local communities.
Proudly, Jenner shared, “We have several ongoing projects, including a recently completed library that focuses on sustainable agriculture. We are genuinely proud of the progress we’ve made,” she said, earning applause from the audience.
A week ago, 818’s Instagram announced the inauguration of the library, built by S.A.C.R.E.D., a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of rural Mexican communities where heritage agave spirits are produced. The library is set to open with a collection of 1,300 books.
When asked about advice she’d offer to others, Jenner responded, “Trust your gut, surround yourself with people you believe in, and who you trust will always guide you in the right direction.”
