Louise Hughes Brings Perspire Sauna Studio to Central Indiana
Photographer / Robert Jones
When Louise Hughes decided to pivot from a decades-long career in IT consulting to business ownership, she wasn’t just chasing a new challenge — she was pursuing a passion. A longtime runner, Hughes had experienced firsthand the benefits of infrared saunas for recovery and overall health. What began as a personal wellness tool soon inspired a professional transformation.
In June 2024, Hughes opened her first Perspire Sauna Studio at Clay Terrace in Carmel. Six months later, a second location followed in Fishers, with a third currently in the works. For Hughes, the leap into entrepreneurship was both intentional and personal.
“I wanted to do something different, something that helped people,” she says. “When I discovered Perspire, it felt like something I could bring to this community that didn’t exist yet.”
Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas use light to warm the body directly. The infrared wavelengths penetrate the skin, raising the body’s core temperature while keeping the air itself at a more comfortable level.
“It’s a therapeutic heat,” Hughes says. “People who don’t enjoy the stuffiness of a steam sauna are often surprised by how relaxing this feels.”
The result is a gentle, detoxifying sweat that helps flush out impurities while supporting circulation and recovery. Many clients say they experience less joint and muscle pain, deeper sleep, improved skin clarity, and even a boost in energy levels. Because the heat is less overwhelming than a steam sauna, infrared therapy is also accessible to a broader range of people.
“We see members of all ages, from 18 to 80, who are using saunas for everything from athletic recovery to managing autoimmune conditions,” Hughes says.
Perspire offers more than just a sauna session — it provides a holistic experience designed to restore both body and mind. Each private suite features an infrared sauna, medical-grade red-light therapy, and customizable chromotherapy. Guests enjoy a 40-minute session in their own serene space, with the option to stream Netflix, listen to music, or unwind in silence.
“It’s your time,” Hughes says. “We want every guest to feel like the space is prepared just for them. From adjusting the temperature and light settings to choosing entertainment, it’s all about creating a personalized experience.”
Launching two businesses within six months would be daunting for any entrepreneur, but Hughes has embraced the challenge with energy and determination. She credits her success not only to hard work but also to building strong networks of support.
“For me, the franchise model was important because it provided community and resources,” she says. “No one can do this alone. You need people around you who can offer advice, fill in gaps, and cheer you on.”
Her advice for other women considering entrepreneurship is straightforward: trust yourself.
“You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable,” Hughes says. “There will be challenges and moments of doubt, but believing in yourself and your vision is key. And always follow your gut. It usually knows the right path.”
As Hughes prepares to open a third location, she remains focused on her core mission — helping people feel better.
“We’ve made saunas more accessible and approachable,” she says. “Perspire is about creating a warm, welcoming environment where people can step away from stress, focus on themselves, and know they’re doing something good for their health.”
For Hughes, entrepreneurship is more than owning a business. It’s about bringing wellness and balance to her community. For more information, visit perspiresaunastudio.com.
