Many women entrepreneurs will recognize themselves in Deborah Alessi’s journey. The Californian of Scottish origin had planned everything in her plans towards happiness and professional fulfillment, except the divorce from her traveling companion and business partner. A clap of thunder, a feeling of the end of the world. Her deeply human story is that of a woman at the crossroads of destinies where there is everything to rebuild. Today at the head of a thriving business in Dubai, the Maldives and the United States, with the Beverly Hills Wellness & Aesthetics Clinic, she shares her life lessons between solitary exercise of power, generosity and success. Encounter.
When your world collapses, how can you keep your footing? And what are the things you wish someone had told you?
Deborah Alessi : I never intended to travel more than ten thousand miles to Dubai and leave Beverly Hills… It was a project that I had considered with my ex-husband. I had envisioned hiring a team and commuting every month, so this sudden change was a complete shock to me. My advice to anyone wanting to take this route is to make sure you know everyone involved and judge by actions, rather than words. Many people will promise you the world, but only a minority will keep their word.
Despite my years of experience running a charity ( Face Forward International ) and a clinic in Beverly Hills, the transition to Dubai presented me with a whole new set of challenges. One of the hardest parts was not having my close friends by my side to provide the love and support I desperately needed during this time. Making important decisions without their help seemed insurmountable and a truly lonely exercise. However, thanks to their remote support and therapy, I learned to manage my emotions and heal my wounds.
It was a slow and, at times, painful journey, but little by little I began to let go of the anger and bitterness that had consumed me after the divorce. I found comfort in taking long walks with my dogs and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. The quiet moments allowed me to reflect and appreciate the beauty around me. I realized that being alone didn’t have to be scary: it could be liberating and empowering. As I rebuilt my life, I discovered new passions and interests.
What were your biggest challenges launching The Beverly Hills Wellness & Aesthetics Clinic in the UAE?
There was acclimatization to the country’s legal regime, the contrast is striking between the laws of Dubai and those of Beverly Hills. This added to the complexity of my situation. However, the most challenging part of this journey was building a team of doctors who could meet the high standards set by my clinic in the United States. I understood that there were other facilities offering cheaper services, but I firmly believed that the expertise of the doctors and the quality of the products used made a significant difference in achieving optimal results.
Convincing another audience of this proved to be a constant struggle. It was difficult to explain to potential customers and patients that neglecting a doctor’s expertise or product quality would ultimately compromise the desired outcome. Overcoming these challenges required immense determination and perseverance. I had to rely on my own resilience and belief to create a clinic that reflected the standards I had set in Beverly Hills. It was a continuous learning process, but over time I was able to build a team of exceptional doctors who shared my vision and understood the importance of providing unparalleled care.
Although the journey was undoubtedly demanding, it offered me valuable opportunities for growth and self-discovery: I learned to adapt to a new environment, navigate unfamiliar laws, and uphold the principles that were close to my heart.
Today, you are one of the essential entrepreneurs in Dubai. What do you need to know to earn your place in the sun there?
Since moving to Dubai, I have realized that networking is essential. Even with a dedicated marketing team, it’s worth attending plenty of events and dinners to expand your relationships. It’s fascinating to see how this city thrives on the power of networking! You should know that Dubai is clearly a place where the people you know can make or break your success. Moreover, in this fast-paced world, social media has taken networking to a whole new level in the UAE. Initially, I was skeptical about its impact…
However, I cannot deny that it presents a remarkable opportunity to grow both my brand and my status. A single post/interaction can open doors to new possibilities.
Dubai is an extraordinary place to live, full of countless opportunities. I firmly believe that I would not have the same prospects elsewhere. Despite the immense stress I can experience, being able to walk alone safely at 2 a.m. is truly comforting.
The Beverly Hills Wellness & Aesthetics Clinic is also located in the Maldives. What is your approach to this market?
Niyama Island was my first trip to the Maldives. There, I was blown away by the views, the spectacular landscapes and the tranquil atmosphere that reigned. This was the birth certificate of my journey towards personal development. The island resort offered a wide range of wellness experiences, including workshops, fitness classes and personalized wellness consultations. Every moment spent there was a step towards a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. It made perfect sense to bring BHWAA to this location. We can help with jet lag, sunburn and, of course, dehydration. The Maldives will always have a special place in my heart.
When I was established there… everyone thought I was crazy at first, but it’s working great now!
You are a woman perpetually on the move. What projects are you working on at the moment?
I have high aspirations, driven by the determination to take the next step in my entrepreneurial journey. Currently, I have a second location in Dubai that will open soon and I’m already planning a third! Although I would like to expand further into the Gulf region, I also think this is a good time to consider bringing in an investor. However, finding the perfect person shouldn’t be rushed: it’s like finding a life partner, which takes time and consideration.
I am determined to create my own version of a happy future, one that truly brings joy and fulfillment to my life. Even though it’s not always easy or perfect, I’m no longer ready to settle for anything other than true happiness. I made a commitment to myself to make my dreams come true. Life is never without challenges. Every day brings new opportunities for growth and success, and I am excited to embrace them with open arms. Besides chasing my dreams, I know that love will also play an important role in my beautiful life to come. I am open to welcoming love into my life, whether in the form of a partner, friends or family.
I believe love has the power to improve all aspects of life and I can’t wait to see how it plays out. Each day that passes allows me to gain more confidence in myself and my abilities. I no longer felt the need for constant noise and distractions to avoid facing my thoughts. Instead, I embraced silence and learned to appreciate inner calm. Looking back, I am grateful for the strength I gained, it taught me resilience, compassion and the power of self-love. I understood that true happiness comes from within and I am determined to never lose sight of it again.
