SKY TING's chloe kernaghan on taking cues from the universe and getting down to rihanna once a week

Turning an off-duty activity into a business, idealistic fantasies aside, could be considered counterintuitive. Does the expectation of income take the passion out of it? Or, on the flip side, ignite it with a newfound sense of purpose and motivation? Seeing as this is wfs you probably can guess which side of the conversation we're on. Living proof is Chloe Kernaghan, co-founder of Lower East Side yoga studio SKY TING. Having received her BFA from NYU, she's a dancer, a performer, a choreographer and a longterm yoga practitioner. It's the kind of profile you read and wonder: how can I have that life? Well, if you were talking to Chloe she'd probably say you have to be open to the opportunities that come your way and take a few risks, which is exactly what she did when opening SKY TING—a "daydreamy idea" that came together through a series of fateful events. Despite running a new business in NYC, she finds making time for herself more important than ever and the grind of the day-to-day biz stuff doesn't seem to have gotten her down one bit. We'll let her tell you about it...

Chloe: Friday is my equivalent of a Saturday because I don’t officially teach class on that day, even though I’ll be here at the studio. I wake up no matter what by 7am. Usually at 6:30am. I like to do oil pulling for about 10 minutes. Then I’ll make hot water with lemon and some coffee. I’m currently starting my days with Sun Potion's Reishi powder — it’s a mushroom so it’s not sweet. You can use it in a bunch of different things, it's good for immunity defense, so very helpful during the winter season. I’ll add it to a coffee smoothie or a dandelion root tea. When I'm making a coffee smoothie, I put some coconut butter and blend it up. 

Finding the space [for SKY TING] was so auspicious. The universe intervened, gave too many clues, so we took the plunge.

For breakfast I’ll cook some kind of egg dish with sautéed vegetables or just make simple oatmeal. Then I’m jumping in the shower followed by writing emails. I’ll always stop at SKY TING to check things out. Usually I take midday classes because they’re a little more quiet and chill. I like to walk around the neighborhood and go to a movie or Great Jones Spa. My business partner Krissy and I try to have meetings somewhere other than the studio. We’ll go to her apartment to work and then after head to Great Jones to steam and unwind in the wet lounge. Its important for us to take a moment to talk about life and things other than the studio! 

SKY TING was a longterm daydreamy idea at first but after finding the space Krissy came to me and was like, “We’re gonna do it.” At first my reaction was, “Wait what? We just talked about that two minutes ago.” But finding the space was so auspicious. The universe intervened, gave too many clues, so we took the plunge. Now we want to do the work of the many teachers and mentors we’ve shared. We both really believe in the same material that they teach and want to move it forward.

Chloe wears an Only Hearts jumper and a Topshop T-shirt

Taking a break from work is important, this past Thursday I took a dance class where we learned jazz choreography to Rihanna’s “Desperado.” We were on our knees, whipping our hair around. [Laughs] I also like to go out for a glass of wine…or 3. Dimes is a favorite spot for a meal or Bacaro or Mission Chinese. My ultimate favorite NY restaurant though is Raoul’s. I love a nice dinner on the weekend. 

I like taking time for myself, going to a brunch alone or a movie. I generally call it a night pretty early. By 10 or 11 I’m winding down, I’ll read something or journal. Journaling is something I wish I did every day but at least I do it a few times a week. I try to carry my journal with me so if I take a class I can write down things I want to remember. Since opening the business I like to write down my thoughts and feelings, but not trying to do more than just jot them down. Sometimes I just write words and dates and it reminds me of important things I don’t want to forget.

SATURDAY-SSOCIATION WITH CHLOE KERNAGHAN

Bagel or croissant? If I had to pick, I'd go with croissant, with a side of jam. 

Coffee or tea? A midday cappuccino. 

Saturday or Sunday? Sunday because anything goes. You can nap, you can be productive, you can set intentions or a plan for your week, you can have a lavish brunch, you can make dinner with friends, annnnd you can go to bed early without FOMO. Just an all around great day. 

Sunrise yoga or sunset yoga? Sunset yoga in NYC, Sunrise yoga on vacay. In NYC you need to unwind from being wrapped up all day, but on vacation it helps to get the energy going early so you feel invigorated to take advantage of your day. 

Brunch or breakfast? Breakfast! 2 soft boiled eggs, avocado toast, a few slices/pieces of a seasonal fruit, coffee, and fresh grapefruit juice. 

Favorite day of the week? Every day is great! 

If Saturday were a yoga pose, it would be…supported fish pose! 

Thank you, Chloe!