Tell me a little about yourself

I’m Alexis Hannagan, founder of The Sanctuary Australia, a boutique Womens Retreat centre based in Loftus, Sydney, with events held globally. I am passionate about empowering women to connect deeply with their inner truth and to step fully into the unique feminine energy they embody. My work blends ancient yogic wisdom, transformational retreats, healing modalities & bio hacking to create safe, loving spaces where women can awaken, heal, and transform. I have been teaching for over 14 years and have had the incredible privilege of leading retreats and workshops across the world—from Bali to India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Europe, Thailand. My goal is always to hold a compassionate yet challenging space where people can rise up to their highest selves and live with clarity, purpose, and joy.

What inspired you to follow your career or business path?

My journey was shaped by my deep commitment to personal growth and authentic living through going through trauma and working out how to heal and come out the other end. Before stepping into my true calling, I worked in corporate roles like at Coca Cola in Marketing, but I felt a calling towards something more soulful and impactful. That led me to immerse myself in spiritual exploration—studying Kinesiology, Kundalini and Hatha yoga, NLP, Parts Work, Reiki, Mind Detox Therapy and taking courageous solo journeys, like attending the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage in India and living there. These profound experiences crystallized my purpose: to support women in awakening their feminine power and living aligned, vibrant lives. The combination of my spiritual teachings, global travels, and real-world experience inspired me to create The Sanctuary—a place where women can experience transformation in mind, body, and spirit.

What’s your “why” — the thing that drives you every day?

My “why” is to inspire and mobilise women to live unapologetically as their true, radiant, multidimensional selves. In a world that often pulls us away from authenticity and connection, I want to help women reclaim their power, intuition, and joy. Every day, I am driven by the vision of women awakening to their highest potential and creating ripple effects of healing, leadership, and love in their communities and beyond. I believe when women thrive—unapologetically themselves—they change the world. This purpose fuels my passion to keep evolving, teaching, and holding sacred space for transformation.

What has been your biggest challenge so far, and how did you overcome it?

Losing my mum to cancer and seeing her suffer immensely through patriarchal abuse. I overcome it recently as I am committed to my daily spiritual fitness and wellness practices which has allowed me to transmute the suffering into power and purpose. I do it every day no matter what! I believe this is one of the keys.

Is there a defining moment that shaped who you are today?

I think reaching Everest base camp twice has given me grit and strength.

Also losing my mum but organising her entire celebration of life and leading it cemented my power and purpose here on earth. Showing me I truly am capable of anything. And to never give up no matter how challenging my life gets.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self (or another woman starting out)?

Do not give your energy away freely. Be very discerning on if someone is draining or adding to your energy. It’s ok to let people go, you must put yourself as number one in order to live your highest potential and not have regrets.

What does “connection” mean to you?

Being seen and heard and accepted for who I am and giving this to another. A safe non judgemental space. Truly holding space for each other, not thinking “when is it my time to talk” but engaging with the intention to understand this persons journey and love them for who they are, their imperfect and messy self whilst seeing their highest potential and calling this out in them. I live for this!

How has being part of a community (whether SLAM or elsewhere) supported you?

It has supported me immensely, I recently went Out the house for the first time since losing mum suddenly. I was held by the women in a safe loving accepting environment at the business lunch and we held one another, grief stricken, tender, raw, vulnerable, inspired, laughing; it was all welcome. It meant the world to me to be able to be my authentic self and have sisters by my side.

How do you hope to inspire or uplift other women?

By simply being me; my true self. No putting on a mask and performing. By speaking about my own journey and the ways that I’ve healed myself and got unstuck. By living from my heart.

What does your perfect weekend look like?

It usually begins with an early morning Kundalini yoga practice, where I set my intentions and invite calm, clarity, and energy for the day ahead. I adore my home made bulletproof drink consisting of organic hot coffee, MCT coconut oil, collagen, mushroom powder blended. I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s a gentle walk in nature or simply sitting somewhere peaceful to soak in the sun and fresh air. I’m seriously always Listening to music that moves my soul and often podcasts that open my mind.

Im a Gemini so when I’m balanced and relaxed i love having funnn and being cheeky. Im currently single so I actually do love the be “flirty” in an innocent and playful way when I’m in the mood if theres an interesting man around.

I love having parties. I miss that, I recently said to a few friends I’ll be organising a fun party soon when I feel abit better.

Coffee or cocktail order?

Bulletproof coffee always. I don’t really drink alcohol

Favourite quote, book, or podcast?

Keep up and you will be kept up. Yogi Bhajan.

Funny fact about you?

I write left handed, play tennis left handed, play soccer right footed, snow board goofy. I used to beat my brothers friends in arm wrestles as a girl hehe

If you may need support, book a free clarity call with Alexis or one of the team HERE.