Divorce is a life pivot that touches many, and it can be civil or act as a wrecking ball. You may know Kenya Duke from her BET+ show The Gary Owen Show, with her now ex-husband and their three children. Duke, an entrepreneur, real estate investor, and host of the podcast Truly Kenya, shares her experience of divorce, as well as its emotional and financial impacts. The pain of financial instability and the struggle to make ends meet can be overwhelming. But there is a way to regain control and find empowerment. Duke tells her story from childhood to what it means to be a Black woman in the entertainment industry. Duke shows how to rise above a nasty, acrimonious public divorce, take care of yourself, and build a secure financial future, in this episode of SheVentures. Highlights Duke describes her humble upbringing, and how growing up in a lower-middle-class neighborhood instilled values of community, hard work, and resilience. Duke’s foray into the entertainment industry might not have been planned, but her pulse on various unconventional topics quickly catapulted her into the limelight. What it was like to work with her then-husband and children as the producer of The Gary Owen Show Why Duke prefers to be “behind the camera” instead of seeking stardom What it was like to have her marriage fall apart and the media scrutiny of her family and their personal lives Duke’s tips on how to rebuild your financial independence after a divorce If you are single or getting married, Duke suggests taking control of your finances and opening a separate bank account for personal economic independence. Learn about how Duke invests in the real estate market. Duke’s humorous take on the transition to dating with kids Tips for balancing a robust career, nurturing motherhood, and ensuring self-care How the transformative power of community — specifically women of color — helped Duke Duke candidly discusses how young hopefuls can explore the possibility of a career in the entertainment industry, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes. By openly sharing her experience, Duke emphasizes that financial stability and success are attainable goals for any woman given the right mindset, education, and perseverance. Find Duke on her social media for behind-the-scenes content, and listen to her podcast, Truly Kenya.
