We were lucky to catch up with Desirée Maultsby recently and have shared our conversation below.
Desirée, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
On a hot and humid afternoon in Tucson, amidst the monsoon season’s unexpected moisture, I found myself at a community college gym. My reason for being there had nothing to do with athleticism but was centered around telling the story of a young, 21-year-old male athlete, a first-generation student who began his educational journey with assessment scores below those of an incoming high school student. I had just completed my first major presentation to a crowd of 300 college and university staff at an annual higher education symposium. My focus was on the myriad obstacles students face, including financial hardship, health and housing issues, lack of support, and language barriers, and how a single thought can propel them towards a vision of something new.
As I wrapped up my presentation, the applause from the audience filled the room, and in the sea of faces, I locked eyes with several individuals who silently mouthed, “Thank you.” This moment was incredibly significant for me, not just because of the immediate feedback but because it connected to a visualization exercise I had done four months prior with my executive business coach. In that session, I vividly imagined celebrating a successful moment in the future, specifically envisioning an audience applauding after a presentation I had given.
The encouragement from that coaching session had filled me with hope and inspiration, which was timely as I soon received an invitation from the vice president of my department to present on first-generation students to colleagues across Tucson and Arizona. This opportunity was my first big project, and I approached it with a mix of insecurity and excitement, armed with curiosity and a sense of groundedness. Alongside a local workforce program manager, we co-presented material that highlighted how food and income insecurity could negatively impact the academic success of adult learners living within challenging social ecosystems. Preparing for this event involved coordinating audio/visual content, facility setup, and creating an engaging slide deck.
Standing on that stage, I felt an intense connection not just to the audience of colleagues but also to the students whose stories I was sharing. Like them, I had experienced a thought that led to a vision and then to inspired action. This presentation was a pivotal moment for me, signifying my transformation from a caterpillar into a butterfly, ready to embark on new adventures. Following this transformative experience, I resigned from my position, eager to explore where my next leap of faith would take me. This journey has since led me to life-changing spaces, introduced me to incredible people, and expanded my capacity to embrace even bigger leaps of faith with confidence. It was this spirit of transformation and empowerment that inspired me to establish the Sacred Circle Institute, a place dedicated to fostering growth, healing, and community, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my mission to support and empower others.
Desirée, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
In 2018, I founded Sacred Circle Institute with a vision to create a sanctuary where every woman, regardless of her journey, could find support, empowerment, and transformation. Our world can be overwhelming, and too many of us face challenges in silence — be it navigating life transitions, dealing with complex relationship dynamics, searching for purpose, or simply longing for a deeper connection with ourselves and others. At Sacred Circle Institute, we’re here to say you don’t have to walk this path alone.
Our mission is woven from my experiences and learnings, both from my Master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology at Sophia University and over twenty years practicing somatic healing. We offer a range of nurturing services, from personal consultations and soulful retreats to workshops that empower through creativity and innovation. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every woman can find her voice and path to healing.
Hearing from women who’ve transformed through our circles, workshops, and retreats inspires me every day. They’ve found strength in vulnerability, courage in community, and joy in self-discovery. Their stories are a testament to the power of the safe, sacred spaces we foster at Sacred Circle Institute.
We strive to make our services accessible to all. Whether you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or in transition, we offer sliding scale rates, online events, and a community that meets you exactly where you are. Our goal is to eliminate barriers so every woman can receive the support she needs.
I also bring my passion for holistic wellness to my role as a Spiritual Wellness Provider at Canyon Ranch Resort in Tucson, Arizona, where we champion a holistic approach to health and happiness. This work complements my mission at Sacred Circle Institute, allowing me to share insights and stories that motivate and inspire.
If you’re seeking a community where authenticity, creativity, and unconditional love are not just valued but lived, we invite you to join us. Let’s embark on a journey of healing and wholeness together. Reach out, share your story, and discover how we can support you in finding your unique path to wellness and fulfillment.
Welcome to Sacred Circle Institute, where every woman’s journey is honored, and every step forward is celebrated. Let’s connect and explore how we can walk this path of transformation together.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
“In September 2022, I faced an unexpected turning point in my career: I was laid off due to my position being eliminated. In that moment, though, instead of panic, I felt a wave of relief wash over me, accompanied by a thought whispering, ‘thank goodness.’ This feeling of liberation wasn’t out of nowhere. Just the day before, a curious energy had stirred within me, prompting me to take a personal day to explore these new, burgeoning emotions.
I spent that day in a state of reflection, meditating by the pool in my yard, gazing into the water. It was during this time that I felt a profound calling. It was as if people were reaching out, seeking my support. Amidst this contemplation, visions of three paintings emerged, vivid and insistent. Driven by this inspiration, I purchased painting supplies and surrendered to the process of process painting, a technique I was introduced to during my graduate studies. This method allowed me to paint freely, guided by the colors and my intuition, without judgment.
As I painted, memories of my time learning this modality resurfaced, reminding me of its power to heal and transform. With my paintings as a testament, I made a spontaneous decision to invite others to join me on this journey. Without a venue or even a detailed plan, I trusted in the pull of this creative calling. I connected with Stewart Cubley, the founder of The Painting Experience, and dove back into my expressive arts training.
This leap of faith led to the creation of the Creative Dream Circle in Tucson, a free offering that ran for 18 months at The Drawing Studio. What began as one of the most financially destabilizing and confusing periods in my professional life has blossomed into a profoundly beautiful pivot. It’s been a journey of transformation, not just for myself, but for our community, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.
How’d you meet your business partner?
At a nonprofit event, a fortunate meeting unfolded between me and Kalisha. From our initial conversation, it was clear we had much in common, especially our commitment to empowering women through transformative processes. Kalisha, at the time, was leading an online women’s circle and serving as the Director of Circle Training at a nonprofit organization. Her dedication to fostering empowerment resonated deeply with me.
Intrigued by our aligned visions, I encouraged Kalisha to participate in an online weekend training, led by seasoned experts in our field. This training not only enriched her knowledge but also deepened our connection. We kept in touch, sharing insights from our spiritual and personal growth journeys. It was during these exchanges that we discovered even more areas where our paths overlapped.
As Kalisha completed a significant milestone in her spiritual development and started to explore new ways to support women in her network, she felt a pull towards collaboration. The timing was serendipitous. She sought a partner whose mission, values, and goals aligned with her own, to fulfill a greater need within the community.
Deciding to merge our efforts, we ventured to see how our independently and collaboratively created work could intertwine. This exploration led us to discover a niche for Sacred Circle Institute. We’ve created an overarching container that embraces and amplifies our unique contributions, fostering a community where our services touch the hearts and souls of those drawn to our work. Together, we’ve formed a partnership that enriches our offerings and extends our reach, providing a sanctuary for transformation and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sacredcircleinstitute.com/
- Instagram: @sacedcircleinstitute
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sacredcircleinstitute
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sacred-circle-institute/