Meet Dorothy-Inez Deltufo

We were lucky to catch up with Dorothy-Inez Deltufo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dorothy-Inez , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience took root at an early age, right from the moment my birth mother abandoned my brother and me in an orphanage. Her departure left me heartbroken, but I learned to push forward, even when my world seemed to crumble. Growing up in a military family meant relocating every two to three years—constantly making new friends, then having to let them go, without the convenience of social media. These frequent transitions demanded that I adapt quickly, honing my ability to bounce back time and again.

My entire life has essentially been a lesson in resilience. When you embrace the truth that life is always happening for you, rather than happening to you, you discover a wellspring of inner strength that lifts you up every time you feel knocked down.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder of The Shine Collective and Sanctuary, and my purpose is to support women—especially those over 40 who are feeling burned out and overwhelmed—by offering a compassionate space to reconnect with themselves and each other. Through Life and Self Care Coaching, Soundbaths, Reiki, and personal and spiritual development programs, I help create transformative experiences that uplift and empower.

One of the things I cherish most is facilitating our Women’s Circles, held both online and in-person, where we come together as a community to share openly, support one another, and find solace in genuine connection. What makes our circles so special is the sacred, nurturing environment we cultivate; a place where women can be fully seen, heard, and encouraged to embrace their true selves without judgment.

At The Shine Collective and Sanctuary, I wholeheartedly believe in the power of shared experiences to spark healing and personal growth. My goal is to help each woman rediscover her own light, find renewed energy, and feel less alone on her journey. I’m deeply committed to offering this safe, welcoming space for all who seek it, and I’m honored to walk alongside anyone ready to reclaim their sense of vitality and belonging.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my own path, three qualities or skills stand out as the most impactful: resilience, genuine self-awareness (including spiritual awareness), and the ability to cultivate supportive connections.

Resilience was forged through constant change—being moved around in a military family and learning to adapt. Every upheaval strengthened my ability to bounce back, and that resilience still drives me today. For those just starting out, I suggest embracing challenges with a spirit of curiosity—ask what each experience can teach you rather than letting it define you. Small steps, like journaling about daily obstacles and how you navigated them, will steadily build that resilience muscle.

Genuine self-awareness was deeply intertwined with my spirituality. I realized it’s impossible to pour from an empty cup, so I had to deliberately check in with not just my emotions, needs, and boundaries, but also my connection to something greater than myself. If you’re looking to develop self-awareness, carve out moments of stillness—through meditation, breathwork, or time in nature—to really tune in. Explore what nurtures your soul and strengthens your spiritual connection, because understanding who you are on a spiritual level can be the key to unlocking profound clarity and inner peace.

Finally, cultivating supportive connections reminded me that none of us are meant to walk this path alone. Through creating spaces like The Shine Collective and Sanctuary, and hosting Women’s Circles, I discovered the transformative power of shared experiences. If you’re at the beginning of your journey, seek out like-minded people or groups—online or in-person—where you feel safe enough to share, listen, and grow together. When we uplift each other, everyone benefits.

Taken together, these three strengths—resilience, spiritual self-awareness, and supportive connection—provide a solid foundation for personal growth, compassion, and the knowledge that we’re all in this together.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

All the coaches and counselors I’ve worked with over the years have been instrumental in helping me heal from childhood traumas and cultivate genuine self-belief. Through the self-work I did with them, I discovered my passion and purpose—leading me to create spaces where others can also find healing and growth. Their support guided me toward recognizing my own resilience and potential, and for that, I’ll always be profoundly grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dorothyinez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothyinez/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorothyinez2

Image Credits

I have the rights to these images.