It has been a little over six years ago since Tanya Marie Aguila opened the doors to the first ONELIFE Studio in San Juan. “I wanted to create a different kind of company—one that’s for women, by women. A company that champions body positivity, love, and compassion—whatever age, shape, size, feature or ability.”
She started with a small space, few coaches and a limited number of clients. The ONELIFE Studio proposition placed emphasis on women’s empowerment, advocating health, self-care and overall transformation through Pilates and personalized fitness programs. Tanya discloses that beyond fitness and health, her aim has been to create a culture of kindness, compassion and mindfulness. It was not enough that her coaches were some of the best trained in the country, it was equally important for her that they connected with clients and shared in the same passion for empowering other women.”
Today, ONELIFE Studio is home to many women from all walks of life. It is considered a safe space for like-minded individuals to get stronger in mind, body and soul. It is a destination where clients are encouraged to practice self-love and self-care. It is a venue for finding and fully embracing imperfections and learning to focus on progress instead of being flawless. This spirit is what helped the ONELIFE brand to become the success that it is today, expanding to three other studios located in Makati, Alabang and very soon, Ortigas Center.
“I’m one of the lucky people who has been able to live out her passion,” muses the girl boss de jour. Although she does recognize that she is running a business, she anchors decisions and strategies on a deepened sense of purpose. “I always keep my purpose in mind and that’s to help women feel better and happier through transformation. When I realized the power that transformation could bring, I felt that I had to share this with others.”
Tanya also explains how happiness is rooted in both feeling and looking good. “It’s like makeup. When you are happy about how you look, you tend to be in a better mood, or more confident. When you love yourself and discover aspects about yourself that you are proud of, beauty naturally emanates. When the insides are beautiful, it is reflected outside,” she declares.
Four studios located in various parts of the city, a growing team of health professionals and a clientele that continues to increase in number, has also meant more work for Tanya and the ONELIFE Studio team. Admittedly, there are days when even a quick workout is a challenge, but the inspiring entrepreneur makes the effort to take care of herself. “At the end of the day, it’s about establishing work-life harmony. I sometimes find myself overwhelmed and it’s an active effort. I try not to think of work as work and make room in my schedule for me-time.” A day at the spa, luxuriating with a skincare routine or taking an extra 10 minutes, are what she states as examples of self-care. “I support all of that. As long as it’s true care that resonates deeply, then do it.”
Words Bianca Salonga
Photography Floyd Jhocson of Studio 100
Creative Direction Alex Manlangit
Video Producer Mina Aglipay
Videographer Kieran Punay of Studio 100
Makeup Czari Domingo using Benefit
Hair Francis Guintu
Shoot Coordination Em Camazuela
Shot on Location at ONELIFE Studio in San Juan
