Sienna ("Shenna") Aguilar is a Filipina woman living and playing on Gubbi Gubbi Land in Southeast Queensland. She helps purpose-led women and gender diverse people tune back into their bodies, building the self-trust and capacity to pursue what matters without abandoning themselves along the way. Through coaching, practical tools and BJJ-informed mindful movement, Sienna helps clients shift from hesitation to grounded clarity.
We often talk about the importance of women’s mental health and wellbeing. Why do you think it’s important to support both mind and body to maintain a healthy balance between mental and physical health?
As someone who's faced burnout more than once from work I cared so much about, I've learned firsthand how high-functioning anxiety and imposter syndrome don't just live in the mind but also show up in the body. If only thinking my way out of doubt, stress and overwhelm worked, I would've cracked the code way before I burnt out!
Thoughts and emotions have physiological responses, whether pleasurable or 'undesirable', such as tension in our shoulders or stomach. Over the years through trauma-informed practices and studying to become a Feminine Embodiment Coach, I've found that learning to notice and pause in the discomfort can teach my nervous system it's safe enough to hold big feelings. This allows my body to process experiences with compassion rather than stay stuck in ruminating or overthinking, and better take care of my own needs alongside others. My coaching reflects this approach to build that muscle of tuning into the body so you can get to the heart of what's important to you and take grounded action from there.
We're also social creatures so our wellbeing isn't just an individual pursuit but rather is shaped by the conditions and environments we're in. When we zoom out to broader social factors that impact women's health, from economic insecurity or caring for multiple generations, to having women's pain taken seriously, these determinants all impact both mental and physical health.
That's why I'm committed to working alongside others to foster cultures of collective care, where we normalise rest and recovery as part of being human in a living, breathing body. As women founders and professionals, we're very good at getting sh*t done - imagine if we (me included!) matched the quality of our work with the quality of our rest more. How might future generations of women and gender diverse folks show up after us?
You’re a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, what are some transferable skills that you’ve learnt from Jiu Jitsu that have been helpful to your business?
I've gained so many transferrable skills from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and that's why it underpins the framework of my business and especially my group and organisational programs!
Find the path of least resistance. BJJ is traditionally a self-defence martial art that uses technique and leverage so that a smaller, physically weaker person can defend themselves against a bigger stronger opponent. Taking the metaphor of business challenges as the 'opponent', of which there are so many expected and unexpected challenges, where can I let go of forcing an outcome and intentionally adapt instead? It also reminds me to tune into my strengths, and that the things I'm good at are what can fill my business with ease. What if some things could actually be easy?
I can handle being with discomfort and I can do hard things. BJJ is all about getting into a dominant position to attack and ultimately win the match. This of course means that sometimes you're the hammer and sometimes you're the nail, being put into very uncomfortable positions (literally, and with consent!). Staying calm enough to feel and think your way through and know you'll be okay is a valuable lesson on resilience.
Can I be proud of myself no matter the outcome? This was a lesson I learned only very recently returning to BJJ competition after a serious injury. Actually understanding that someone will win, someone will lose, and my abilities are still good either way. It's a very live lesson where even if something may seem like a mistake or failure, it doesn't take away from what I'm good at and what I'm here to do.
What is it about starting a business that both scares and excites you?
Creating a lifestyle where I really get to choose how I spend my time and energy both scares and excites me. I've always loved the idea of aligning my strengths and interests with what the world needs and what people would gladly pay for. Building a business around that is a new and exciting vehicle for me to do so. And without the security and ready made structure of a 9-to-5 job, it definitely feels risky to bet on myself!
Luckily I've designed and accessed tools to help me ground myself in the process..! Of course, knowing what's grounding and good for us is one thing; embodying the lessons I've gained on is another thing. For me, it's an everyday practice and skill to keep strengthening.
What is your personal wellbeing routine? Are there non-negotiables on your list, and how do you manage your time around those?
A peer suggested the idea of "romanticising" my life to create "glimmers" where I can be present, without having an agenda or somewhere to get to. This year I've been having slow mornings in bed without rushing first thing. Not having kids definitely helps manage that slower start!
My non-negotiable has been going to the beach twice a week for some quiet and (at least some) phone-free time. Intentionally living somewhere close to a small beach was a choice I'm lucky I can make. It's also near my local library, so as I'm in this early phase of launching my business, I want to normalise a routine where I can embed quiet, mindful time in nature and work flexibly, taking action the same day. That's why I find public community spaces so valuable!
What are the three most important pieces of advice that you’ve learnt about starting a business?
- Just put stuff out there before it’s perfect then iterate as you go. All feedback is data (not a reflection of your worth), so get feedback early. – Nuggets of wisdom from so many different mentors, including Alicent and Emmagness!
- You want to be working towards replacing the income level you would have had working a corporate job if not more, so keep that in mind. – Jeanette Cheah, CEO and Co-founder of HEX
- Imposter syndrome is so gender-based (almost all women face it and almost no men do) – instead of internalising the doubt, wouldn’t you want to tear it down? – From Steve MacDonald, a supportive male mentor and coach
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