Downriver native takes on ‘Survivor’ in season 46
“Survivor,” the groundbreaking reality show, kicked off its 46th season with a diverse cast of 18 contestants, each bringing unique stories and backgrounds.
Among them is Kenzie Petty, a 29-year-old Gibraltar native, ready to face the challenges and outwit, outplay, and outlast the competition. The show, which premiered this season on Wednesday, Feb. 28, takes place in Fiji.
Petty, who lived in Gibraltar during her elementary and middle school years, is now a salon owner in Char- lotte, North Carolina. Accustomed to the world of salon glamour, she also is no stranger to taking risks and navigating the unexpected twists that life throws her way. She shared some insights into her life, from running a successful salon to her experiences in the game of “Survivor.”
Petty said her friends attribute her positive attitude as the foundation of her success. “I asked one of them, and they said: ‘(You are) resilient, resourceful, driven, self-sufficient, adventurous. You know what you want, and you make it happen. Forgiving, caring, reliable, fun, smart. You’re inspiring; you build people up.”
The journey for Petty has been anything but ordinary. Opening her salon proved a monumental risk, undertaken with passion and determination. Without a business degree and no prior knowledge of a business plan, Petty seized an opportunity when a lease opened up. The gamble paid off, and her salon became a hub of creativity and positivity. However, just as the business celebrated its first anniversary, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing a sudden shutdown.
Surviving the pandemic as a small business owner was undoubtedly a significant accomplishment, but Petty’s genuine pride lies in maintaining a vibrant and cooperative work environment. Despite the challenges, she describes her salon as the “happiest work environment in the world,” filled with resilient artists who inspire each other daily.
“Sure, surviving the pandemic as a small business when so many didn’t make it is big. But maintaining a cooperative, excited, successful place, full of artists, is an incredible accomplishment,” she said. “The big things are big, but it’s the day-to-day I’m most proud of.”
Petty said she only began watching “Survivor” during the pandemic when a neighbor, who was a fan of the show, invited her to watch. “I was absolutely obsessed after that first episode,” she said. Petty eventually joined a Survivor Fantasy League group to watch the seasons unfold.
Despite years of watching the show from her living room, Petty said there were many surprises as a contestant.
“I went from the couch to ‘Survivor’ in real life,” she said. “It was amazing how much went into the show behind the scenes and how truly taxing it is to participate.”
When asked about the risks she’s taken to make positive changes, Petty pointed to her leap of faith into salon ownership. Her ability to adapt and persevere in the face of uncertainty is a testament to her resilience and resourcefulness, which will undoubtedly serve her well