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

Every woman has a story - the highs, the lows, and all the tender, powerful moments in between. SLAM Sessions is our way of honouring those stories, shining a light on the women who shape our community through their courage, wisdom, and lived experience.

To launch our very first Session, we’re proud to spotlight Alexis Hannagan, founder of The Sanctuary Australia in Loftus. For over 14 years, Alexis has led retreats and workshops across the globe, blending ancient wisdom with modern healing to create safe, transformative spaces for women. Her journey is one of resilience, intuition, and an unwavering commitment to helping women return to their true selves.

Meet Alexis

Name: Alexis Hannagan

Business: The Sanctuary Australia

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

Her energy in one line:

A powerful guide helping women reconnect with their inner truth and feminine energy.

“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?

Alexis’ journey began in the corporate world - but her heart was already elsewhere.

“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.”

She immersed herself in deep spiritual study, exploring Kinesiology, Kundalini and Hatha Yoga, NLP, Reiki, Mind Detox Therapy, and more. Travelling solo through India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Europe helped crystallise her purpose.

“These profound experiences helped me realise 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.”

Her work is anchored in helping women reclaim their intuition, joy, and leadership - creating ripple effects of healing in their communities and beyond.

Biggest challenge so far?

“Losing my mum to cancer, and witnessing her suffering.”

Alexis made a promise to herself during that time:commit to daily practices that 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?

These experiences shaped her strength and direction:

• Reaching Everest Base Camp twice

  “It gave me grit and resilience.”

  
  

• Leading her mother’s celebration of life

  “It showed me my capacity, purpose, and strength. It taught me I can survive anything - and never to give up.”

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 embodies what it means to rise through grief and live with purpose. Her journey reminds us that healing isn’t about avoiding pain - it’s about transforming it into clarity, strength, and connection.

SLAM Sessions celebrates women like Alexis - raw, real, and inspiring - women who lead from the heart and lift others as they grow.

Do you have a story to share? We’d love to feature you next.

✨ 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!