Married Fairfield Business Owners' New Space 'A Dream Come True'

FAIRFIELD, CT — The passions and dreams of one longtime Fairfield couple literally came together Wednesday morning with the official launching of their new business space in Greenfield Hill.

Jennifer Kenny, founder of the Fairfield Performing Arts Studio, and her husband, Bill, owner of William Kenny Associates, a landscape design firm, as well as NATIVE, a specialized plant nursery, have brought all their ventures together at one address — 1899 Bronson Road.

“This is fantastic,” said Bill. “So many of our clients are on this end of town.”

“I’m very excited to have my own studio,” said Jennifer, who, for more than 12 years, has rented space at the First Church Congregational.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick came by for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, along with Mark Barnhart, director of community and economic development, and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce.

“As a small business owner, I know how hard it is, how much work it is,” Kupchick said. “And we’re here to help you and support you both.”

For years, William Kenny Associates had been housed in the Tunxis Hill area, while NATIVE was up on Redding Road.

“This is great because it allows us to get the two businesses together,” said Bill, who incorporates a focus on native plant species as part of his work in design. “It’s a great combination.”

He also said the couple was thrilled with a chance to spend more time in close proximity, as their individual commitments to their businesses often put great demand on their time.

“Our commitment to our work is pretty strong, and this way we can also have our time to be together,” he said. “It just feels right, because we’ll never retire. We’re just that couple that’ll keep working.

Beverly Balaz, chamber president, who attended the ceremony along with board member Julie Vanderblue, expressed her joy for the couple’s success.

“I just think it’s a special use of space for sure, and it’s a lovely location for something like this,” she said.

Barnhart concurred, noting the excitement of not just welcoming new businesses, but seeing existing ones evolve.

“We’ve got a three-to-one special here,” Barnhart said. “I think they’ll fit right into this end of town.”

Jennifer noted that, especially following the tumultuous months of the coronavirus pandemic, creating classes — including acting, dance, improvisation and performance — offers a means of healthy expression and interaction.

“It’s a great way to center them and let them feel comfortable, interact with other students, make new friends and really build confidence,” she said.

And nobody can be in a bad mood when they’re involved with musical theater, she noted.

“We love to work because we love what we do,” Bill said.

“It’s just a dream come true,” Jennifer said.