ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DESI ADAME

What did you like most about the Club?

My favorite thing about the Boys & Girls Club was the people. The staff was always so welcoming, and I truly felt like they cared about what was going on in my life. They didn’t just support me, they constantly encouraged me to grow, challenge myself, and become the best version of myself.

I also loved that the Club exposed us to experiences and programs that were completely different from what we were doing in school. They challenged us to think outside the box, try new things, and see possibilities for ourselves that we may not have otherwise considered.

Which programs did you participate in?
Honestly, I participated in any and every program I could! I was involved in SMART Girls, Youth of the Year, Keystone Club, Money Matters, and so many other opportunities. Through the Boys & Girls Club, I even had the incredible opportunity to travel to Europe! An experience I’ll never forget.

What have you been up to since graduating from high school?

After high school, I went straight to cosmetology school and began my career as a professional hairstylist. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible salons, photo shoots, fashion shows & high-end clientele while continuing to grow as both a stylist and an entrepreneur.

A couple of years ago, I opened I DEUX (“I Do”), an intimate event venue in Scottsdale specializing in weddings and other small celebrations. More recently, I took over the former dental space connected to my venue and began transforming it into Studio 82, a collection of boutique-style rental studios for beauty, wellness, and creative professionals.

Somewhere in the middle of building businesses and pursuing my career, I also married my high school sweetheart—who I actually met through the Boys & Girls Club! Today, we have three beautiful children together. Looking back, it’s pretty incredible to see just how much of my life, both personally and professionally, has roots in the Boys & Girls Club.