Evens: The Soul of Aufguss Rituals

Behind his radiant smile and contagious energy, Evens carries a background that is as rich as it is unexpected. Today, as Aufguss Supervisor at Bota Bota, he embodies both the creativity and deep human connection that define the spirit of our floating spa.

The Early Shape of a Quiet Leader

Born in Montreal to Haitian parents, Evens grew up on Montreal’s South Shore, in the family home he still owns today. A father of two boys, Ethan (9) and Eziah (6), he jokes that he chose two names of five letters starting with “E” “just in case they wanted to subtly copy my signature one day.”

Open, sociable, resourceful, patient, and gifted with a rare ability to listen, Evens is described by those close to him as a calming presence—someone who instantly puts people at ease. Beneath this easygoing warmth lies a deep sensitivity, an openly acknowledged ADHD, and a sometimes demanding perfectionism. For a long time, he didn’t even feel comfortable calling himself a “Aufguss Master” It wasn’t until he placed third at the Aufgusshow, a Canadian championship, that he finally accepted a title he had long deserved.

From the Kitchen to the Sauna Stove

At the age of 16, Evens dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a chef. As his father did not believe it was a promising career path, Evens turned to other fields, such as disaster recovery and call centre sales. In 2011, he finally decided to follow his instincts and enrolled in a cookery course, followed by an internship at the renowned restaurant Toqué!, then spent three years working in the kitchen at Charles-Le Moyne Hospital.

It was then that he learnt he was going to become a father. A dream come true, this news prompted him to rethink his priorities and strive to set an example as a parent who follows his passion. He then left the hospital to become a bistro chef at a spa, where he got involved in much more than just his recipes, notably by creating ‘family mornings’ at the spa – a precious moment where his son would take his first steps.

Later, he set up as a caterer and discovered a keen interest in events by organising a few weddings and a cocktail reception for 200 people. After several years without a proper break from work, he felt the need to slow down and refocus. This quest for balance gently led him towards a new passion, which he still pursues to this day.

A Surprising Discovery of the Aufguss

Evens’ first encounter with the Aufguss was, he admits, completely unexpected. One day, while he was cooking at the spa and the line was growing longer in the lounge, his boss—who had just returned from Germany, where he’d discovered Aufguss rituals—asked him to grab a towel and go “stir up some air in the sauna” to entertain the guests, knowing that he could handle the heat well thanks to his experience in the kitchen.

Evens admits he hates the heat (yes, really!), but he loves being around people. So he agreed, without any training or context. For three years, he improvised with enthusiasm, inventing new moves and taking more and more pleasure in connecting with clients.

One day, tired of the same music playing on repeat in the sauna, he began exploring different sound options. Music became a playground and a concrete way to add his personality to the experience. What had started as an improvised service turned into a true passion.

Right Place, Right Time

Evens’ arrival at Bota Bota was a (very fortunate) coincidence. After a difficult period at work during which he felt he was losing his freedom and creativity, he was looking for a new place to perform Aufguss once a week, just to take his mind off things. When he called Bota Bota to ask about the schedule for Aufguss rituals, he was told that they didn’t exist yet, but that it was a project in the works. That’s how he was put in touch with Arnaud, the spa’s director of treatments and optimization.

During their first meeting, Arnaud assumes Evens is applying for the position of Aufguss Supervisor, as the job posting had gone up three days earlier. Unaware of this opening, Evens visits the facility anyway, takes an interest in the project, but initially turns down the role, still too attached to his previous environment. The next day, a hunch prompts him to reconsider his decision. Encouraged by his supervisor, he calls Arnaud back and finally agrees to embark on this new adventure.

Though initially doubtful of his ability to fill the role, Evens quickly settles in and realizes he is simply in the right place.

Aufguss at Bota Bota: an Artistic and Deeply Human Approach

Evens’ vision for the Aufguss department is clear: to highlight the personality and energy of each Aufguss sauna guide. For him, a session is successful when you can sense the personality of the person behind the movements, the music, and the energy. He wants Bota Bota to stand out through an artistic style, unapologetic creativity, and a deeply human approach.

A Path that Quietly Came Together

Today, Evens is an Aufguss master renowned for his infectious energy, warm presence, and ability to provide an authentic and human experience at every session. His journey, guided by curiosity, passion, and intuition, perfectly illustrates how listening to your inner voice can lead you exactly where you are meant to be.

Everything seems to have aligned: his time in disaster recovery taught him the subtleties of humidity; his culinary background fueled his creativity and built his tolerance for heat; and his unexpected beginnings in a sauna introduced him to the art of Aufguss. Each step naturally led him to become the Aufguss Master he is today.

Aufguss Sessions: Now Offered Daily at Bota Bota

Evens and his team now offer regular Aufguss sessions in our beautiful City Sauna. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements to experience this immersive ritual in our new big sauna, launching with the opening of the second vessel in 2026.