Yoga teacher Katherine Freeland first discovered The Factory in 2020 while exploring Franklin with her family. Standing in The Grand Hall, she thought, “This place would be an amazing home for a yoga studio.” After moving from NYC with a remote job organizing international teacher trainings, she decided in 2024 to pour her energy fully into the local yoga scene. Just a month later, she joined the opening team at Ground Floor Yoga and felt that dream realized. When the studio faced closure a year later, she couldn’t ignore the call to step forward and create a true yogic sanctuary for Middle Tennessee. She partnered with her student and now business partner, Ashlyn Meneguzzi, co-founder of Franklin’s Bristol Development Group, known for creating thoughtful, community-centered spaces. 

Stepping in off the alley, you feel it immediately: Ground Floor Yoga’s energy is different. “It’s a place to feel at peace, where all the teachers are so grounded,” says Treesi, a dedicated member. Since the management shift in May, Katherine and Ashlyn have worked to reimagine the studio as a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming community space that feels like coming home. It’s spacious, light-filled, and industrial-chic, softened by joyful flowers, the scent of incense, and a gently trickling fountain. A neon sign at the entry greets you: “Yoga is steady and joyful”—a reflection of the modern yet deeply rooted approach Katherine and her team bring to the ancient practice. 

“Whether you’re new to yoga or have decades of experience, Ground Floor is a place to land, grow, and transform,” Katherine says. “Yoga helps clear away tension and whatever blocks us from joy. It’s the practice of tending to our inner flame—through movement, breath, sound, and stillness—so we can shine brighter in the world. Yoga is for everyone, and we hope all of Franklin finds their way here to fill their cup.” 

“We have been carefully listening to feedback,” Ashlyn said, “One of the first things we did was adjust the pricing to be more inclusive.”

The teaching team offers a variety of styles, from strong vinyasa flows to restorative and meditation-based classes, united by a shared intention. “Yoga generates peace and harmony and allows us to feel more connected to our purest self,” says Eddie Wynne. Samantha Dahlstrand adds, “We’re holding space for others to have their own journey to themselves, through themselves.” Richa Kapoor shares, “Yoga’s holistic approach transforms lives, nurturing mind, body, and spirit.” Karen Dunne, who has taught for more than 30 years, reflects, “I teach yoga for community, connection, and care. It’s compassion for self, which becomes kindness to the world.”

Ground Floor students are equally diverse—parents, seniors, professionals, longtime locals, newcomers, and even children all find a yoga home here. “It’s great to have a place in Franklin so steeped in the authentic tradition of yoga,” says Lesley, another member.

“We feel a tremendous privilege in nurturing goodness in the world,” Katherine says. “When I see someone tap into their courage, grace, and balance—or watch a tear roll down their cheek after practice because they’ve been truly moved—I know we are creating something meaningful.”