Durga and Marcus Kenny have ventured into multiple business ventures which is locally and globally a reputed brand. While these two tirelessly worked in building brands, raising a family and standing up to the talkers and gossipers, who found their way of life intriguing.
They talk to Youth Observer about the relationship, transition, business and family.
Q: Both of you are successful individually and as a business couple. Could you share your story?
A: It was in 2013 that we started the business in a single wax room space. We saw potential in the business since waxing was never exclusive and has always been “just another service” and we wanted to specialize in it. It wanted to give salon experience through waxing for the ladies, and with a lot of passion, dedication and hard work, we made it happen.
Q: How has the transformation period been from the time started to date?
A: Marcus: Thankfully for me, I have a great support system. My family and friends have been my strength, which is very important. Of course, I didn’t begin my transition without Durga’s blessings since it was not what she bargained for. Unacceptable acquaintances didn’t matter to me. We would get the judging looks and those talking behind our backs, but my relationships with my family and friends have only become stronger and that’s all that ever mattered to me.
Of course, the legal process of name and documentation change was a challenge since some people in that sector were not very accepting or understanding.
However, I was persistent and patient. I also took that as an opportunity to raise awareness of issues faced by many young trans people. We have also been open about my transition to our older son and determined to raise both our wonderful children to be acceptable so that future generations don’t have to face the discrimination lots of young LGBTIQ people face today.
Q: What is the success of the relationship and business of Durga and Marcus?
A: Our relationship like any couple, we’ve had its fair share of ups and downs, but we have learned along the way that communication is key and it’s okay to have a bad day but we work through things together.
We love and respect each other enough to compromise and be considerate of each other’s feelings. We have two beautiful children, and we find time for them and balance work as well. It’s not all that easy to do so and anyone that tells you otherwise might be sugarcoating things. There are bad days but as mentioned before, we work things out together. We take the time to listen and being together for 16 years helps us as well.
As for our business dynamics, Durga is the dreamer and I’m the more practical one, so we believe that’s a great balance and it has worked well for us over the years.
Q: Bewaxed is a global brand now, how has the journey been?
A: The journey has been very tiring yet also very fulfilling. What motivates us is to see our brand taken to places where we dream it to be. We further launched the product line “Goddess Cosmetics” to compliment Bewaxed. We faced obstacles along the way but there is always, always a way forward if you dream as bid as Durga, work hard enough and put your heart and soul into it and that’s exactly what we did and will continue to do.
Q: Marcus, what do you think Durga has that stands as strength and confidence?
A: Her determination will power and most of all her passion to be bigger and better.
Q: Durga, what do you think Marcus has that stands as strength and confidence?
A: He is a “Doer”, the word “No” is not in his vocabulary and his ability to stay positive even when times are rough.