on the list 👠
Kelly Vittengl on giving up high heels for walking barefoot and daily prayer
Kelly Vittengl is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of Coed Collective, now calling North Carolina home after years moving between London (where we first met) and New York. She also writes Unlearning on Substack, where she traces the meeting point between devotion and daily life, exploring what it means to live a spiritually intentional, sustainable life across everything from clothes to home decor to travel to fashion. Kelly has a rare ability to see the sacred in the everyday, and somehow marry that reverence with the pace and precision of a true type-A alpha. In other words, she doesn’t just talk about living with intention; she lives it at full speed, so we have a real pro sharing her list with us today.
What’s on your to-do list today?
So many things. My life feels a bit like a circus with all of the balls I’m attempting to juggle as a new business owner… again. But the most important thing on my to-do list has been my daily commitment to circadian rhythm syncing. It’s my one single health goal for 2026: to watch the sunrise and sunset daily for a minimum of 15 minutes — feet on the ground (if possible), no phone, no matter the temperature outside. I combine this with my daily prayer practice. It’s really nice and grounding.
What’s one thing you’ve already crossed off?
Watching the sunrise from my front porch in 10 degree (-12 celsius) weather!
Do you write lists on paper, in notes, in your head, or not at all?
I would get nothing done if I kept my lists in my head. Historically, I’ve always used paper - more specifically, a planner. But for the past year or so, I’ve been using my Notes app, which is nice because I can easily shuffle things around - but I much prefer physically writing things down and crossing them off... I guess I need to find myself a new planner for 2026!
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Kiss whichever of my three kitties has nuzzled her way into my armpit overnight. Followed by scraping my tongue, which I absolutely cannot go a day without.
What’s always on your bedside table?
I can’t sleep without slathering my lips in Primally Pure’s Peppermint Lip Balm. I get panicky if I can’t find it! And also, my blue light glasses. I feel like a cliche wellness-girlie when I say that, but I’ve been wearing them at night for years, and if I’m really committing to a healthy circadian rhythm, then they’re not going anywhere!
How do you like your mornings to feel?
Hm... The words “slow” and “productive” both came to me, which is borderline an oxymoron. I guess what I mean is that I have a slow routine that I like to get done by a certain time so that I also feel productive about my morning. But if that routine runs too late, it throws the rest of my day off.
What’s in your mug or on your plate today?
There’s a gentleman at my local farmers’ market who makes the most delicious cacao. I buy a fresh pint each Saturday to drink throughout the week. I can’t drink coffee, or anything caffeinated for that matter. In fact, I couldn’t drink cacao for the longest time because it was too stimulating for me. But this cacao is impeccably sourced and blended with a whole bunch of adaptogens, which I’m assuming is why my body is able to handle it. I turn it into a daily mini 5-minute ceremony for myself, and I love it.
Something you’ve stopped doing and don’t miss?
For the love of God... Wearing heels. Don’t get me wrong, I love them for the right occasion. But when I think about the number of college nights out in Manhattan... Woof. 4 inch heels until 4am is truly only something a 20 year old can do!
What are you working on that excites you right now?
I recently started a new business. And while it’s incredibly exciting and innovative, we’re only 9 months old, so we’re very much in the grind phase and it’s a lot. Substack has honestly been a lifesaver in recent months. I didn’t realize how much I needed an outlet that was fully and completely me. It feels like the place where I can just be myself and share whatever is on my heart. I’m about to launch a monthly Prayer Circle through Substack and I’m very excited about it.
How do you know you’re in alignment in your work?
When things are floooooowing. I’ve experienced incredible flow in my work and I’ve also experienced extreme stagnation. It’s challenging when you’re stuck because you can’t force the flow, but you also can’t just sit and wait for it. You do have to figure out how to get there, and the quickest way in my experience is absolute, utter authenticity.
How do you rest or recharge during the day?
I’m working more than I’ve ever worked in my life with this new business - it’s a regenerative, organic clothing company - and wow, starting a clothing brand is not for the faint of heart. Especially when you’re trying to buck the system and change an entire industry, like we’re attempting. I’ve been forced into breaks during the day; otherwise, I completely burn out. For me, that rest looks like stepping outside mid-day, sun on face, hand on heart, with some big deep breaths.
How do you like to end your day?
I remember having this conversation with you in person, but I’m someone who becomes relaxed while watching TV - I recall you saying you don’t! That said, I’m extremely sensitive to overly stimulating shows and movies, so I have to keep it light. I’m currently bingeing Gilmore Girls, which I watched as a teenager. So it brings an extra dose of nostalgia, which warms my heart and sets me up for a restful sleep. (blue light glasses on while watching!)
What’s currently on your nightstand / playlist / altar?
Nightstand - Love Poems from God, my favorite collection of poems from different mystics throughout history.
Playlist - I’m late to the party, but I just discovered Olivia Dean. Love.
Altar - Mother Mary, always.
Thank you for sharing your list with us.
Last question ~ what links can people find you at?
My Substack
My Personal Instagram
My Regen Organic Clothing Company
Yay!! Thank you for having me!!