Meet Kate Durand | Owner and Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Durand and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work-life balance is truly one of my favorite topics because it is something I’m always working to improve.

I opened YO BK in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2015. At the time, I was single and living alone, with all the time I needed to devote to a new business. I financed my first location on a shoestring budget, with small loans from friends and family, as well as money I had saved from bartending. I taught up to 18 classes a week and managed the studio. I was also a handywoman, accountant, marketer and so much more. With the exception of a couple of nights a week out with friends, I lived at the studio and gave it everything I had.

Three years later, I chose to expand to the nearby neighborhood of Greenpoint to a space with two studio rooms. I hired an amazing contractor, whom I fell in love with and began dating as soon as the buildout was done. As my business tripled in size, I wanted to spend more time with Luis and his seven-year-old son, Jake. The three of us quickly moved in together and I am now a wife and a full-time step-mom in addition to running three studios in Brooklyn and Miami.

Having a family forced me to take a deep look at how much I worked and necessitated hiring three amazing managers who run the day-to-day logistics of the studios. I am now able to see the big picture and focus on studio culture, programming and supporting my staff of forty teachers.

I love my time at work and my time at home and have learned to quickly transition between caring for my staff and caring for my family. A tool that has helped me immensely is putting my cell phone and computer away by 8 pm most nights and winding down with a book in the tub. Luis and I have had to learn how to communicate clearly and support one another as parents and business owners – he is opening a restaurant this Fall!

I believe that a work-life imbalance is often necessary for new entrepreneurs – the years I was able to sink my teeth into a new business continue to serve the studios. This said, it’s important to take a step back and make space for the people and activities that fuel us outside of work. It’s a constantly swinging pendulum to be aware of!

What should our readers know about your business?
YO BK is a boutique Hot Yoga and Hot Pilates studio with three locations in Brooklyn and Miami. We offer a variety of different classes so students can get all their fitness needs in one fun, supportive community. We offer retreats, workshops and teacher trainings. Our teachers and staff are incredibly caring and make the effort to get to know our students and themselves – they are all life-long learners in their craft. There are so many things I am proud of as a business owner, but the biggest one is being in a position to help others shine – students and teachers alike.

I am incredibly excited that during a pandemic, we were able to reopen both NY locations and expand to Miami. Our Wynwood location features an all-day cafe with amazing food – my partner is Arnon Magal, the founder of Gotan NYC. Our Miami location is the first space I’ve seen two synchronistic businesses like this under one roof: our students can come for class and spend the day working from this indoor-outdoor space. It’s fascinating to explore the nuances of a different city and culture. What I’ve learned over the years is resilience and creativity – we’ve had to readjust the way we do things so many times and become stronger because of it.

The biggest thing I want people to know about YO BK is that these are spaces where you will feel celebrated and seen, which becoming your best self – physically, mentally and emotionally.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am Brooklyn-based and lucky enough to have a second home in Miami. While most of my time here is spent working, there are a few spots I hit up every time!

Wynood, where our studio is located, has so much to explore – galleries, murals, restaurants and bars. I love Syndicate Plant Bar for teas that keep me going, the Oasis for food (including our partner restaurant Novela Cafe Social!), and J Wakefield for sour beers – my favorite post-class treat! Beyond Wynwood, I recommend Lagniappe Wine Bar, Pub Belly Sushi and CVI.CHE 105 for the yucca fries. The beaches in mid-beach are incredible — there’s so much to explore in this city!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to the amazing men in my life, who support me with grace and strength. To my dad, who believed in my dreams. My brother, whose wisdom and humor ground me. My Miami business partner, who pushes me to be my best while recognizing me for who I am. Finally, my husband, who believes I can do anything so fiercely that I believe it too.

Secondly, to my incredible women-led team in New York and Miami. I love that these businesses have given me a chance to prop up others and let them shine.

Each of my three managers are in roles where they excel and I feel so honored by them on a daily basis.

Website: www.yo-bk.com/miami

Instagram: @yo.bk

Facebook: @yobkyoga

Image Credits
Wold Redeye, Johanna Lara Rodriguez