The best saunas are measured by the quality of their löyly - that perfect envelope of steam and heat that embraces you as water meets hot rocks. We named ourselves lolu after this transformative moment, because here, wellbeing isn't just a concept - it's something you breathe, feel, and become.
Evan Galante is the co-founder and CEO of Lolu, where he leads operations and customer experience alongside co-founder Chirag Challa, touching every aspect of the business from the concept and design of the physical space to staff training and every detail that shapes a guest’s journey. At Lolu, Evan has created more than a space—he’s built a warm, supportive community. Grounded in nature, breath, and the lifestyles of people in blue zones around the world, he draws on global philosophies such as the Japanese concepts of ikigai and misogi and the Finnish principles of sisu and löyly. The result is a wellness environment where sauna, cold plunge, and breathwork are not only accessible but also communal and restorative. Group experiences are thoughtfully curated, led by skilled guides trained in time-honored practices that foster deeper connection—both within and with others.
Chirag Challa is the co-founder and head of growth at Lolu, where he works closely with co-founder Evan Galante to guide the brand’s overall growth. He’s deeply involved in bringing in guests, storytelling, and building partnerships. At Lolu, Chirag has cultivated a warm, supportive wellness environment where sauna, cold plunge, and breathwork are not only accessible but deeply communal and approachable . Intentionally curating social events dubbed Lolu's "Alternative Night Out" provides a setting outside of the traditional watering holes and hosts a new kind of nightlife.
Brooke is a co-founder and breath coach at Lolu. She discovered cold plunging in 2018 after listening to a podcast featuring Wim Hof. She led her first cold plunge + breath event in 2019, and has been plunging with community ever since! She teaches & practices a variety of yoga lineages + pranayama (breathwork) starting in 2012 and founded Hot Yoga of East Nashville in 2013, which has been voted the "Best Studio" in Nashville every year! She loves creating, traveling, bikepacking and hiking and can be found leading retreats at her outdoor adventure properties in Glacier, Montana and Sewanee, Tennessee.
Ryan Caradonna is a co-founder of Lolu, advising on high-level strategy and finance—setting growth priorities, orchestrating capital plans, and allocating resources that keep the studio’s business model both sustainable and scalable. Wall Street served as Ryan’s formal training ground: roles at J.P. Morgan and Moelis honed his analytical and deal-making skills, while an MBA from UCLA sharpened his strategic lens. Ryan was the co-founder and CEO of EQ Tickets. Currently, Ryan serves as COO of iXpressGenes, a biotech company transforming trauma care, and is also a co-founder of Torch, a community space and deal collective for innovators in Nashville.
Aaron is a co-founder of Lolu, where his legal acumen and entrepreneurial vision help shape the studio's strategic foundation and operational excellence. As a seasoned startup founder and attorney with a multifaceted background spanning technology, sports and entertainment, and healthcare innovation, he brings a distinct perspective on building sustainable, community-centered wellness experiences.
Katie Bohrer is the studio manager of Lolu Nashville. Her heart beats for community, connection, and building safe spaces where people can grow. She has spent her career in hospitality, operations, and events curating experiences and gatherings that make people’s lives better. At Lolu, she focuses on operations, training, culture alchemy, and connecting with every single person that walks in the door. Contrast therapy has allowed her to heal and reconnect with her body and mind supporting her mental health on a daily basis. She loves sharing this practice with first-timers and hearing each person’s unique story.