Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Ashley Cavasino Thompson of Scottsdale

Ashley Cavasino Thompson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Ashley Cavasino, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think a big misconception about my business is that we just show up and play music. People don’t always realize how much planning, coordination, and pressure comes with being a DJ for private events. We’re not just pressing play. We’re managing timelines, reading the room, working with other vendors, and making sure the energy is right from beginning to end.

Another thing that gets misunderstood is that because we’re an all-female DJ company, people assume it’s just a cute or trendy idea. But we’re experienced professionals who know how to throw down at high-end events. We’re not just for show. We’re the real deal. Our team brings both style and substance.

And honestly, people forget how physically demanding and mentally exhausting this job can be. We’re loading gear, standing on our feet for hours, skipping bathroom breaks and meals, and constantly staying focused on keeping the atmosphere and music aligned perfectly. It’s a lot more than what you see on Instagram.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ashley, also known as DJ Desire, and I’m the founder of Desirable Entertainment. We’re a team of all-female DJs who specialize in private events, bachelorette parties, luxury weddings, and corporate functions. My DJ team and company is based in Scottsdale, AZ but I am currently working out of Las Vegas, NV so we can service both markets fully.

I started this company after I found myself getting more booking requests than I could handle on my own. I knew there were other talented women out there who just needed the right opportunity. So I built an entertainment company that connects amazing female DJs with clients who want something fresh, professional, and memorable.

What makes us stand out is the way we approach each event. It’s not just about showing up and playing music. We focus on the full experience—from our polished setups to how we carry ourselves on site to the way we keep people engaged and entertained from start to finish.

Right now, I’m working on lead generation and business development to expand our reach. Ultimately, this will help me provide even more opportunities for women to step into the world of DJ’ing private events.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Honestly, it started with my parents and siblings, and now it’s my husband. They have always believed in me, even when I wasn’t sure I could do something. Sometimes I’d doubt myself or question if I was making the right choices, but my family saw my potential from a young age. I remember my mom encouraging me to start a proper DJ business years ago, telling me how much she believed I could not only build a successful business but also help others in the industry along the way.

Today, my parents and siblings are still my biggest fans, and my husband has been my biggest cheerleader, pushing me to keep going. My family constantly reminds me that I’m capable of more than I think. Having people who see you clearly before you see yourself makes all the difference, especially when you’re building something new and trying to find your footing.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
What I miss most is my time DJ’ing on cruise ships. There was something special about the chaotic harmony of those long days, DJ’ing every night, hosting games as an entertainment host, and traveling the world all at once. Experiencing the most beautiful Caribbean oceans while meeting people from every corner of the planet was unforgettable. Every day felt the same but also completely different because of the crew, the camaraderie, and the nonstop energy. It’s a kind of connection and rhythm I haven’t found anywhere else, and honestly, I miss it.

That said, I could never go back. Now I’m juggling schedules, managing a team, and constantly thinking about the next gig. On top of that, I’m married and we’ve have built a home that we hope to grow with our own family one day. All of that comes with its own commitments and responsibilities that I love more than anything.

So even though I miss my ship life chapter, I’m really grateful for where I am now.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the DJ industry tells itself is that talent alone is enough to build a successful career. A lot of people think if you just know how to mix tracks, the gigs will come easily. But that’s not the full picture. Success comes from hard work, professionalism, networking, and business skills, not just spinning good music.

Another lie is that being a DJ is all about playing what you want or what’s trending. In reality, a great DJ knows how to read the room and put the audience first. It’s about serving the event and creating an experience for the guests, not just showing off your personal taste.

And lastly, there’s this idea that the industry is easy to break into or that it’s all glamorous. Behind the scenes, it’s a grind. You’re constantly hustling, learning, adapting, and sometimes dealing with a lot of rejection or last-minute changes. It takes serious dedication and resilience.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What false labels are you still carrying?
One false label I’m still carrying is the idea that I only got gigs because I’m a woman. Honestly, that is just not true. The time, money, and mental and physical energy I put into generating leads and building authentic clients is massive.

I wish more people understood how much work happens behind the scenes, not just to get booked but to keep delivering a top-notch experience every time. It is not handed to me because of my gender. It is earned through the grit I put into every part of my business including sales, marketing, content creation, networking, operations, research and development, information technology, and so much more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.desirableentertainmentdjs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdjdesire
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleycavasinothompson/
• Other: DJ Desire Mixes on Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/therealdjdesire/

  Google Reviews: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eHEMMfxqTgiZ4FpE9

Image Credits
Wedding Photos: Mary – @wrennphoto on Instagram

Bachelorette Party Photo: AJ – @ajsmphoto on Instagram

Silent Disco at F1 Las Vegas Photo: Gabe Ginsburg – @gabeginsberg on Instagram