photo: Robert Sturman
Where are you from originally?
White Plains, NY
What made you choose Darien over other towns in the area? How long have you lived in your town?
We have lived in Darien for 13 years. We chose it for the small town feel, great schools and amenities, proximity to NYC and I had opened a business in New Canaan (Aetheria Spa) and wanted to live close by. It was a hard decision but ultimately we chose Darien over New Canaan because of the beaches and slightly better commute to NYC for my husband.
How many kids do you have and what are their age(s)?
3 boys ages 13, 11 and 9
What are your favorite things to do with your kids in general or in town?
Oh so many things. Right now, in the fall, there are so many fun things to do! Apple picking at Silverman’s Farm is a tradition. When my boys were younger they loved the “Mom’s Morning In” Halloween parade and magic show at Tilly Pond. They still enjoy the Post 53 Haunted House and Stew Leonard’s Haunted Hay Ride in Norwalk. And of course, there’s the Tokeneke Pumpkin Carnival!
What are your favorite events or favorite season in Darien and why?
Two of my three boys play football with DJFL. Football Season is always so fun. The rivalry between Darien and New Canaan can be intense. But also very exciting.
Three things in New Canaan or Darien that you can’t live without:
In Darien, the beaches, the Darien Library and Starbucks. My kids would say Gopher Ice Cream, Chocolate Works and Heights Pizza.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other moms? What was the best advice your mom gave you?
The advice I would pass along to other moms is to make sure you’re happy too. We are so ultra concerned with our kids success and happiness and that’s great. But we often put our happiness and overall wellbeing on the backburner. So don’t forget about yourself. Whether you are at home or working outside the home full time, if it doesn’t make you happy, reevaluate.
What was your career before having children?
Before having children, I opened Aetheria Relaxation Spa on Cherry Street in New Canaan. It was such an incredible experience to open and run a local business like that. However, it was very challenging to run with little ones. Nobody wants to hear a crying baby when they are getting a massage! Haha. I ended up selling it to one of my massage therapists and it’s still there and doing great!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
People would be surprised to know I was a concert pianist growing up. I even played at Carnegie Hall. So my boys have taken piano since they were 4. That’s the one thing that’s non negotiable. Lol
When I’m not teaching and taking care of kids I do CrossFit, a lot of yoga (usually hot), paddleboarding, SUP yoga, and running – through the beautiful but grueling hills of North Darien. I also love pampering (hair at the Studio, nails at Posh, massage, I love it all) My guilty pleasure (although I don’t call it a guilty pleasure – more like self care) is just sitting at Weed Beach and reading a book.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
Yes. Since having children I became a yoga teacher and CrossFit coach throughout Stamford, New Canaan and Darien (Oxygen Fitness, Chelsea Piers, CT Power Yoga, Carozza Fitness, Equinox Darien). I am currently the Lululemon Ambassador in Greenwich and I am involved with Africa Yoga Project, an organization that brings yoga, training, and jobs to the people of Africa. I will be volunteering in a Seva (service) project with Africa Yoga Project (AYP) in Nairobi, Kenya April 16-27th, 2019. My goal is to raise $4000 by April 15th, 2019. Through this Seva Project, I will be assisting the annual 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher Training held for over 50 young men and women from East Africa. 100% of all the donations I raise will go towards the Africa Yoga Project:
Coming up I am hosting several donation based classes to raise money for this organization.
“Downdogs & Donuts” (Yoga & Donuts for Parents & Kids): Sunday, October 14th, 11am | @theStudio (Oxygen Fitness), New Canaan
HIIT + Yoga in the Park with Lululemon Greenwich: Sunday, October 21st, 10am | Greenwich Common (on Greenwich Ave)
“Downdogs & Donuts” (Yoga & Donuts for Parents & Kids): Sunday, November 4th, 10am | Carozza Fitness, Stamford
My website is www.katyingulli.com to learn more about Africa Yoga Project or to make a donation.
I am so grateful to the local community- everyone is so supportive and I am so honored to be a part of it.