Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Kennedy.
Hi Courtney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello and good afternoon,
My name is Courtney Kennedy and our new business here in Fort Worth called Purple Reign Ftw!
We are an Upscale Photography studio in the heart of TCU country! We cater to everything like Families, creatives, business professionals, and of course Purple Lovers! We do have a space to cater anyone who desires to customize their own backdrop, or for anyone who doesn’t need purple at all, we have availability for that as well. We also have added meditation classes once a month now, so truly, the opportunities are endless.
This business was created from our lives turning upside down, and adapting to our new circumstances. Kellen Carpenter and I were both hairdressers in Fort Worth for the last 15 years. Unfortunately, Nov 15th of 2020, I was involved in an off-roading accident that left me with a T10 burst fracture spinal cord injury, deflated lungs, crushed ribs, and an unclear future. It was a miracle I survived so that alone was a blessing. Doctors were clear that I would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of my life. That I needed to start understanding how our lives were going to be different and difficult, and that doing hair was of the past. At the time my mentality of recovery was only going to be 100% back to normal, and I was not going to take it any other way. One day in the trauma unit I had drawn out an idea on a napkin that at the time no one took seriously. Needing myself to be physically in a better space, none of this was even a TRUE thought until we saw some progress in my body. And with hair not being an option anymore, we pushed forward with business plans for a photography studio. As physical therapy progressed, I continued going 30 hours a week for 9 months. Within that 9 months with the help of my therapists and family, my body started to respond slowly but surely went from wheelchair to walker, and currently rocking a cane. Therapy continues weekly as nerves attempt to heal; this is a very slow process but nonetheless necessary for progress. The healing journey definitely has its highs and heavy lows, but by creating this business and safe space, we have built these walls around love and strength. Not only has it been physical therapy, having used the construction as mental therapy to keep our eyes and hearts moving towards the future.
We believe that this world has enough drama going on, so we wanted anyone to be able to come to our place and lose themselves for a while like we have. Let them enjoy the space and see the magic it can bring. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your ability is, we are here for you. This last year has gained us a new perspective on life in so many ways.
So please after reading this novel and so many details left to be said,
Come take a tour of the studio and see for yourselves!
-Courtney Kennedy
Purple Reign Ftw
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been an easy road, more of a roller coaster. Every day is a new experience, whether it’s trying to walk from the couch to bathroom with no assistance or trying to manage our “new normal” of a day. New muscles are trying to have connection to the spinal nerves again, so that can make some days harder to manage than others. While we are beyond grateful, it doesn’t make the healing process and easier with daily life. We are so happy to even be at this point in my recovery, we take the waves of struggle to be more of a process of progression rather than something negative. Thank God for Kellen being my rock, being there day to day, and never giving up on me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We have created a safe, imaginative space for anyone who needs to create content. It doesn’t matter if you are a business professional, student, or content creator, we have it all. We really try to make sure there is something for everyone here at Purple Reign Ftw. We are proud to have an artistic hand in Fort Worth’s small business scene. Daily did we pour our hearts, blood, sweat, and tears into this project. Not only was it therapy for myself and Kellen, but building this together only gave us more strength, and brought us even closer as a couple and team.
What sets us apart from others is not only our atmosphere but, in our availability, to cater to everyone. Learning what is takes to be fully accessible and be able to service everyone!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up was its OWN theme park of rides, but creativity definitely runs in my family. Growing up, nothing like this existed in my wildest dreams, The only thing remotely close would be the “glamour shots” done in the mall or JCpenny.
Back in the day when you had to wait 6-8 weeks to have a camera developed with possibly 10 good pictures, MAYBE in focus, it’s crazy to think now we have THOUSANDS of photos on our phones instantly.
In high school believe it or not I was the photo editor for the yearbook and was involved in photojournalism, essentially what social media was before phone apps.
If only social media nowadays was as easy as coding our old myspace pages and picking out what song was going to play on your site.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.purplereignftw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purplereignftw/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Purple-Reign-Ftw-104699268783784/?hc_ref=ARSihIjCOdjg9lh6EfB0FjvnhF5mhBVwSgnXLem4saZ_mXqAwHb1XeaFiflQWDW82Yc&ref=nf_target&fref=tag
Image Credits
Kasie Noel
