We caught up with Kay Goutos this week! She shares her many passions, from yoga and massage therapy to stand up comedy, her pick for a downtown restaurant with Manhattan vibes, fond memories of family nights in Glens Falls as a kid, and more…
Tell us about yourself!
Hey there! My government name is Kathleen Goutos. I have many aliases but most people know me as Kay or KayKay. Call me what you want! I am free spirited, fun loving, and adventurous. I have a 5 year old dog named Cleo, and she is the light of my life.
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. My parents, Ted and Mary, own a boat tour business on Lake George with my big brother, Tim. It’s called Bolton Boat Tours and they do an amazing job. My family is incredibly close — we support each other immensely and for that I’m incredibly grateful.
I’ve owned my own business Kay G, Healing Artist, for over 6 years. I’m a licensed massage therapist, certified yoga instructor, aromatherapist, and energy healer. I specialize working with people in the music industry.
Glens Falls has welcomed me and my business since day one with open arms. This community is something truly special and I am so grateful for it. I sublet a studio out of Acupuncture Nirvana and my clients are simply the loveliest people. Holding space for them brings me so much joy and peace.
Last spring, I embarked on another passion/career — stand up comedy. I’ve wanted to perform for people my entire life. I am beyond thrilled to have found something that I feel so passionately about and that makes me feel so empowered. Making people laugh means so much to me and I love it with my entire being.
I am now booking gigs locally and I’m also hosting open mics at The Trap in Fort Ann every Thursday at 7pm. It is for comedy, music, and poetry. Facilitating an atmosphere for people to step out of their comfort zone and realize how talented and powerful they are has been so very fulfilling. We have an incredible amount of talent in this area and I just love to see it!
On Life In and Around Glens Falls
I was born and raised in Lake George. My parents owned a motel for 25 years right on the lake. I graduated from Lake George High School in 2012 and after a short crack at college, I realized I just wanted to travel and experience new places and things.
After backpacking Australia for a year, I fell in love with massage therapy and decided I wanted to go to school for it. So once I got home, I applied to the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in Albany for the following Spring.
After being alone abroad for awhile, I knew I couldn’t be under my parents roof any longer. I found a small room for rent in Glens Falls off of Craigslist and absolutely adored it. My first apartment ever being in Glens Falls was like a dream. It felt like big city living! I could walk to my doctors appointment and I thought it was the neatest thing.
Since then, I’ve hopped around a bit, but the community always felt so strong to me in Glens Falls. I’ve always admired how this small city loves their people so and is committed to growth. That’s why when I started my business 6 years ago, I knew where I wanted it to be.
I do prefer living in the mountains for easier access to adventures, so these days I rent an apartment in Warrensburg, but I spend lots of time downtown between work and spending time with friends.
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
My ideal day in Glens Falls would start with an iced matcha oat milk latte from SPoT. Afterwards, I would head to the library and find a new book to read as each sip brings life into me.
I’d then head over to Juicin’ Jar to say ‘Hi’ to the loveliest gals, Nicole & Cristina, and get a juice to go.
Off to the park I go with my fresh drink, but I’d have to make sure to stop by to see the mural by my bestie Hannah Williams first. It always makes me feel so grounded to nature and fills me to the brim with inspiration.
I would find myself a cozy spot and read a bit of my new book. I’d then answer some work emails and work on some comedy bits. If you see me in Crandall Park talking to myself, I’m fine, I swear!
After the park, I’d need some retail therapy. I can’t resist a pit stop at MinkyMink to see their new arrivals. Maura would help me find the perfect dress as she always does and I would put it on instantly. Luckily it’s a one-stop-shop, so you know I’m grabbing a beautiful jewelry piece from my other bestie, Tess Bannon of Buffalo Bannon Designs, to complete my look.
Eventually, I’d text a friend to see if they’d want to meet up in town for a bite. We would go to Mint for an espresso martini and dinner. The atmosphere there makes me feel like I live in Manhattan, just without the headache.
I can’t resist a game of pool so we would have to hit up Downtown Social for a round of drinks and a couple games. Once we get there, we’d realize a local band is playing so we’d get to jam out as I kicked my friends butt at pool.
The best part of my day would be that every stop I would take, I know I’d see a smiling face. Whether it be an old or new friend, or even a stranger, I know I’m going to feel the warmth of the small, tight-knit community. What more could you ask for in a day?
On the Past
Growing up, my family would only go into Glens Falls for dinner. It felt like such a treat going into the city coming from Lake George. It was always in the winter time as my parents were too busy in the summer, so the Christmas decorations were so beautiful and captivating to me.
We would go to Mikado at their old location on South Street. It had a lovely family vibe — I remember them being so kind and having the chopsticks with the rubber bands for the kids! The hibachi was the coolest thing I had ever seen and I loved the production of it all.
On the Future
The future for Glens Falls shines so bright. Between the murals bringing this town to life and the small businesses being the backbone of this area, I see it continuing to grow exponentially.
I may be biased but I think a comedy club in the heart of downtown would be incredible. Laughter is medicine and it brings people together in a positive light. I think that would be so fun and so beneficial to our community. Fingers crossed I’d be able to perform there one day!
