What does waxing and waffles have in common you may ask? The answer lies in a love story between two people that has given birth to not just two beautiful children, but also to two budding enterprises that are household names in Colombo.
Like their two ventures “BeWaxed” and “The Waffle Café”, Durga and Marcus Kenny are polar opposites. While Marcus is the quieter behind-the-scenes kinda guy, Durga is “the face” of the companies.
The idea for a specialized waxing salon first dawned on Durga when she herself couldn’t find a safe, secure and personalized place to meet her requirements. After much research and thought, “BeWaxed” came in to being. Colombo being the tiny metropolis that it is news soon spread and the salon received an overwhelming response. A year ago the salon was relocated to a more spacious and convenient location at Kirimandala Mawatha. The official website for the salon www.bewaxed.lk was also launched and has enabled customers to get a view of services and comforts provided before stepping in to the plush new outlet. The waxing salon also has a huge social media following waiting eagerly for tips and information on the “perfect wax”.
“We now have a loyal clientele of about 3,000 customers who seek our range of services and it gives me great joy to see repeat customers who have now more or less become a part of the family.” Durga also explains that “BeWaxed” differs from all other waxing and regular salons across the country in terms of being the only exclusively for ladies establishment of its kind. This offers Durga’s clients the private and safe environment that women desire when it comes to such intimate matters. She also attributes the salon’s success to her loyal staff, many of whom have been with her since its inception.
Being ardent globe-trotters and after many visits to Europe the duo also had another great idea. Being self-proclaimed “foodies”, Durga and Marcus had enjoyed cuisines from around the world but found that “waffles” were a common favourite. “We did our research and realized that although many restaurants and cafes served waffles as a part of their menu, there was no dedicated place where it was all about waffles. And that is how we got the idea of the waffle café”.
Conveniently located in the suburbs of Etul Kotte, “The Waffle Café” is quite the dream come true for any food lover. The menu put together by Durga and Marcus combines the goodness of traditional Belgian waffles with a Sri Lankan twist. On any given date the café is packed to the brim with waffle-enthusiasts waiting their turn to try out the by-now infamous “Gini Kukula” (Waffles topped with Sri Lankan spicy chicken curry) or “Yakka’s Sausage” (Super-hot devilled sausages on waffles). We are also told that the “Buthaya’s Buttons” (Mixed mushrooms cooked in Chinese chilli sauce) is a favourite among the vegetarians.
Traditionally warm waffles are best eaten with butter and maple syrup and this is exactly what Durga recommends with her Liege Waffles. Liege waffles are harder in texture and Durga’s chefs add pearl sugar to the dough for that extra crunch. The complete experience at the café is best-described as homely, with the couple themselves often there to chat with customers and tell their stories of how Marcus came up with the names.
With two young children, we are compelled to ask this power couple how they juggle two businesses and still manage to run a family successfully. “Just like any other couple we have our challenges as well but what’s important is that we work with our strengths and manage our differences. There are days when you are literally pulling your hairs out but what matters in the end is not to kill each other”, laughs Durga.
In a day and age when marriage and family is the last thing on many people’s minds, it is indeed an honour and privilege to know that there are those few who value it above all else. Durga and Marcus Kenny have defied the odds and made it all work out somehow.
Information
Names: Durga and Marcus Kenny
DOB: 14th August 1982 and 01st April 1976
Family: 2 kids (7 year old son and 2 year old daughter)
Previous Employment
Durga: Tourism/Hospitality
Marcus: Garment manufacturing
Role-Model
Durga: Every day working moms
Marcus: My father
Philosophy in Life
Durga: Don’t be afraid to start again if you fail the first time!
Marcus: Life is what YOU make of it!
Favourites
5 Things in Durga’s Handbag at All Times
Hand sanitizer…Lipstick…Phone…Perfume…Sunglasses
4 Things Marcus Loves to Eat
Paneer…Bananas…Peanut Butter…Pol Sambol
3 Places Durga Loves to Travel to
Maldives…Singapore…Italy
2 of Marcus’ Favourite Sports
Mixed Martial Arts… Cycling
1 Thing They Hate About Each Other
Durga: His ability to forgive people easily
Marc us: Early morning frown for no apparent reason
Written by Nishu Hassim
Photo Credit: Sanura Gunawardana
