SLAM Sessions: Alexis Hannagan on Resilience, Authenticity & Feminine Power

Every woman has a story — the highs, the lows, and all the messy, beautiful bits in between. SLAM Sessions is our way of sharing those stories, shining a light on the women in our community and the journeys that shape them.

To launch our very first Session, we’re honoured to spotlight Alexis Hannagan, founder of The Sanctuary Australia in Loftus. Alexis has spent over 14 years leading women’s retreats and workshops across the world, blending ancient wisdom and modern healing to create safe, transformative spaces. Her story is one of courage, grit, and a deep commitment to helping women reclaim their true selves.

Meet Alexis

Name: Alexis Hannagan

Business: The Sanctuary Australia

What she does: Founder, retreat leader, yoga teacher, healer

“I am passionate about empowering women to connect deeply with their inner truth and step fully into the unique feminine energy they embody.”

What inspired you to follow your path?

“My journey was shaped by trauma and learning how to heal and come out the other side. I once worked in corporate marketing at Coca-Cola, but I felt called towards something more soulful and impactful.

I immersed myself in spiritual exploration — studying Kinesiology, Kundalini and Hatha Yoga, NLP, Reiki, Mind Detox Therapy, and more — and travelled solo across India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Europe. These profound experiences crystallised my purpose: to support women in awakening their feminine power and living vibrant, authentic lives. That’s how The Sanctuary was born.”

What drives you — your “why”?

“My ‘why’ is to inspire women to live unapologetically as their true, radiant selves. I believe when women thrive, they change the world. Every day I’m driven by the vision of women reclaiming their intuition, their joy, and their leadership — creating ripple effects of love and healing in their communities and beyond.”

Biggest challenge so far?

“Losing my mum to cancer, and witnessing her suffering. I’ve committed to daily spiritual practices that help me transmute grief into power and purpose. I do it every day, no matter what. It’s one of the keys that has carried me through.”

Defining moments?

• Reaching Everest Base Camp twice gave me grit and strength.

• Losing my mum and leading her entire celebration of life showed me my capacity, purpose, and resilience. It taught me I can survive anything — and never to give up, no matter how challenging life gets.

One piece of advice to your younger self (or women starting out)?

“Don’t give your energy away freely. Be discerning. It’s ok to let people go if they’re draining you. Put yourself first — only then can you live your highest potential.”

What does connection mean to you?

“Being seen, heard, and accepted for who I am — and giving that gift to others. True connection is holding safe, non-judgemental space for one another, engaging with the intention to understand and uplift, not to perform. I live for this.”

How has community supported you?

“Immensely. After my mum passed, the first time I went out was to a SLAM Business Lunch. I was held by the women in such a safe, loving environment — grief-stricken, tender, raw, but also inspired and laughing. To be my authentic self and have sisters beside me meant the world.”

How do you hope to uplift other women?

“By being myself — no mask, no performance. By sharing my story and how I’ve healed, and living from my heart.”

Fun & Lighthearted with Alexis 🌸

• Perfect weekend: Kundalini yoga, bulletproof coffee, time in nature, music, podcasts, and cheeky fun with friends.

• Coffee or cocktail order: Bulletproof coffee, always.

• Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise and sunset.

• Favourite quote: “Keep up and you will be kept up.” — Yogi Bhajan

• Fun fact: Writes left-handed, plays tennis left-handed, but soccer right-footed and snowboards goofy.

Why We Love Alexis’ Story

Alexis shows us what it means to rise from grief and live fully in purpose. Her story is a reminder that healing isn’t about glossing over pain, but transforming it into strength, clarity, and power.

SLAM Sessions are here to celebrate women like Alexis — raw, real, and inspiring. Stay tuned for our next conversation as we continue to spotlight the incredible women of SLAM.

✨ This is just the beginning of our SLAM Sessions series. Stay tuned as we spotlight more incredible women in our community — raw, real, and inspiring. Want to share your story? Reach out — we’d love to hear from you!