Jalisco highland agave fields at golden hour

THE FOUNDING SPIRITS

AMIGOS

Three lives. One spirit. Every bottle a handshake.

The Vision Behind LĒLA

Our Founder

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Founder of LĒLA Tequila · Entrepreneur · Visionary

Shay Atluru

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Shay Atluru is an accomplished entrepreneur, engineer, and visionary with more than 30 years of experience building businesses, leading teams, and turning ambitious ideas into reality. A Vanderbilt University graduate, Shay built a successful career in engineering, construction, and business development before bringing his passion for creativity and craftsmanship into the world of premium tequila.

As the founder of LĒLA Tequila, Shay set out to create something beyond an exceptional spirit—a brand that celebrates authenticity, tradition, meaningful connections, and the people behind every bottle.

Known for his creativity, relentless work ethic, and adventurous personality, Shay approaches life with the belief that great things happen when passion meets purpose. Through LĒLA, he brings together Mexican tequila-making heritage and his entrepreneurial spirit to create something truly special.

The Hands Behind LÉLA

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LÉLA is not a distillery. It is a promise kept between three people who believed that tequila should carry the name of the land, the hands, and the intention behind it. These are their stories.

Logistics & Productions

Javier A. Rodríguez

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Four Generations of Heritage. A Passion for Tequila. A Legacy of Authenticity.

For Javier A. Rodríguez, tequila is more than a spirit—it's a connection to family, culture, and tradition. With four generations of family history behind him, Javier brings a deep appreciation for Mexican heritage, craftsmanship, and the experiences that bring people together.

His passion for exceptional tequila extends beyond LĒLA, with favorites including 7 Leguas, Ateo, Aldez, and Don Montes. When in Guadalajara, you'll likely find him enjoying a meal at La Docena or spending time at Cheleros. And when it comes to music, No Doubt is always a favorite.

Javier values intelligence, creativity, hard work, and a good sense of humor. When he first met Shay, he saw someone intelligent, funny, a little insane, hardworking, and creative—a combination that would make for an unforgettable partnership.

Above all, Javier believes life is about embracing the unexpected, learning from challenges, and continuing to move forward. It's a philosophy he hopes to pass down to his children, summed up in two simple words:

“Shit happens.”

For Javier, those words aren't about giving up. They're about accepting what life throws your way, keeping your perspective, and never letting setbacks define your future.

Logistics & Production

Jorge Esqueda Navarro

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Five Generations of Heritage. A Passion for Tequila. A Life Defined by Authenticity.

For Jorge Esqueda Navarro, tequila is more than a spirit—it's a reflection of heritage, identity, and the experiences that shape who we are. As the eldest member of the fifth generation of his family that he has known personally, Jorge carries a deep appreciation for tradition, family history, and the importance of preserving what makes each generation unique.

His passion for exceptional tequila is reflected in his favorites: SIN ORIGEN, 7 Leguas, and Tapatío. But LĒLA holds a particularly meaningful place in his heart because, as Jorge puts it, it's something that contains a part of him.

When he's not immersed in the world of tequila, Jorge enjoys spending time at his favorite restaurant, La Noche Azul, or grabbing a drink at Mascusia. His taste in music leans toward alternative rock, particularly the sounds of the 1990s, with bands like Tool, Deftones, Rage Against the Machine, Radiohead, and Korn among his favorites.

When Jorge first met Shay, two qualities immediately stood out: his creativity and his hardworking nature. These characteristics helped establish a connection built on shared ambition and a willingness to bring new ideas to life.

Beyond tequila and business, Jorge believes that life's greatest value isn't measured in money or material success, but in the moments we experience and the people we share them with. It's a philosophy he hopes his daughters will carry throughout their lives.

His words to live by:

"In the blind race for money, we surrender our very existence, oblivious to the fact that time is the only irreplaceable currency—and that its inevitable passage destroys bodies, memories, and affections."

For Jorge, this is more than a quote. It's a reminder to live intentionally, cherish the people who matter, and recognize that while money can be earned again, time can never be recovered.

Logistics & Production

Guadalupe Torres Gómez

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Four Generations of Heritage. A Love for Tequila. A Passion for Life and Tradition.

For Guadalupe Torres Gómez, tequila is more than a spirit—it's a celebration of Mexican heritage, family traditions, and the connections that bring people together. Representing the fourth generation of the family, Guadalupe carries a deep appreciation for the culture, craftsmanship, and history that make tequila such an important part of Mexico's identity.

Guadalupe's passion for quality tequila is reflected in three personal favorites: Ocho, Terraneo, and Don Montes. Each represents an appreciation for the unique flavors, traditions, and craftsmanship behind exceptional tequila.

When it comes to enjoying Guadalajara, Guadalupe's favorite restaurant is La Chata, a place known for its traditional Mexican cuisine. While there isn't one particular bar that stands above the rest, Guadalupe appreciates the experiences, conversations, and memories that come from spending time with good company.

Music is another important part of Guadalupe's life, with a taste that spans nearly every genre. From regional Mexican music to rock and pop, Guadalupe enjoys a little bit of everything, embracing the different sounds and styles that make each experience unique.

When Guadalupe first met Shay, his personality made an immediate impression. He was someone who genuinely enjoyed everything he was doing, approached life with tremendous passion, had a great sense of humor, and was just a little crazy in the best possible way. That combination of enthusiasm, energy, and authenticity made him someone impossible to forget.

For Guadalupe, life is about appreciating where you come from, enjoying what you do, and surrounding yourself with people who bring passion and happiness into every moment. It's a philosophy that reflects the same spirit of tradition, connection, and celebration found in every bottle of LĒLA.

Logistics & Production

Alejandra Nieto

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Four Generations of Heritage. A Passion for Tequila. A Love for Life and Connection.

For Alejandra Nieto, tequila is more than a spirit—it's a celebration of Mexican culture, family traditions, and the moments that bring people together. With roots spanning approximately four generations, Alejandra carries an appreciation for the heritage, authenticity, and craftsmanship that make tequila so special.

Her favorite tequilas include José Cuervo Tradicional, Maestro Dobel, and Centenario, each reflecting her appreciation for Mexico's rich tequila-making traditions.

When enjoying Guadalajara, Alejandra loves dining at Alcalde Restaurant and spending time at Gallo Altanero or Axno. Her taste in music includes a special love for One Direction, bringing a fun and energetic side to her personality.

When Alejandra first met Shay, she immediately noticed his rockstar personality. Friendly, kind, funny, witty, and full of enthusiasm, Shay made a lasting impression through his energy and genuine connection with others.

For Alejandra, LĒLA Tequila represents more than a premium spirit. It embodies the joy of bringing people together, celebrating life's special moments, and honoring the traditions that make every experience meaningful.

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