But consider the facts. Under Marina’s leadership, the company Joseph Kun founded in 1972 to manufacture the device — a shoulder rest that attaches to the instrument to improve the ergonomics — has grown to become a market leader, with patents in more than 100 countries. It’s used by millions of violinists around the world, including Canadian stars like James Ehnes, Lara St. John and Chamberfest artistic director Carissa Klopoushak.
To her, the ingenious part of it all is the device itself. It was a “sorely needed” product, and she simply had to get it into the right hands, she says, glossing over her role in maintaining quality, coming up with new models and shutting down copycats. In Ottawa, Joseph established himself as a world-renowned bow-maker who could also fix the most valuable instruments. He was teaching violin when he and Marina, who was newly separated with four daughters, crossed paths. One of the girls wanted to learn violin so Marina signed her up for lessons with Joseph.
Marina, who speaks four languages, threw herself into the company, becoming a working mom at a time when women were expected to stay home and look after the children. She initially recruited her daughters to help assemble the devices, while looking after the fundamental work of fending off competitors, pitching to suppliers, obtaining patents and developing new markets. She also travelled to conferences and trade fairs around the world.