Meet Irismar Adames

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irismar Adames and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irismar, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting Alkys_Treasure really began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many people, that period gave me time to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with my creative side. Creating became a source of peace, joy, and an outlet during such an uncertain time. I realized I love taking ordinary items and turning them into something personal and meaningful.

What started as a creative escape evolved into Alkys_Treasure, a brand that embodies self-expression and celebrates the beauty in everyday things. My brand represents growth, transformation, and finding value in every chapter of life. That’s why I use butterflies and a treasure chest as my symbols.

The butterfly symbolizes transformation, growth, and becoming a new version of yourself. It reflects my personal journey and how challenges, experiences, and even difficult seasons can lead to something beautiful.

The treasure chest represents the treasures we carry within us, our talents, creativity, memories, and the unique things that make us who we are. It also represents the handmade treasures I create for others. When you open a treasure chest, you never know what beautiful gem you’ll get. And I believe people are the same way. We all have something valuable inside us.

My Brand is my story, my creativity, and my purpose. Alkys_Treasure has become more than just a business. It’s a lifestyle, and honestly, a doorway. What started as a name has turned into opportunities I didn’t even know were possible. Connections, conversations, and spaces I wouldn’t have stepped into before. It’s not just what I sell, it’s what it’s opened up for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I graduated from Touro College with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Human Services. Shortly after, I began working as a youth leader in an after-school program, which is where I discovered my true passion for working with children and families. What started as a first role quickly became a calling rooted in connection, consistency, and community impact.
Over the past 7+ years, I’ve grown within the after-school space and currently serve as a supervisor for a nonprofit organization. In this role, I’ve been able to support not only students but also families navigating real-life challenges. I also serve as an Outreach Coordinator, where I’ve built partnerships and collaborations to bring essential resources into the communities we serve. That work has ranged from securing supplies for programs to helping families recover from unexpected crises, including those impacted by fire or loss.
Alongside my professional work, I co-founded Fundación Moisés es la Esperanza with my mother. Our mission is to support underprivileged children in the Dominican Republic by providing school supplies, backpacks, and educational resources. What started as a shared dream has become a deeply personal commitment to making sure children feel seen, supported, and equipped for their future.
This work is not just something I do, it is something I am called to. As a Bronx resident, I understand firsthand the barriers many families face when it comes to access and opportunity. My goal has always been to make sure every young person I work with feels like their circumstances do not define their potential.
Of course, the journey has not been easy. Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities can be overwhelming, and learning to separate work from personal life has been a challenge. But I stay grounded in my purpose and faith, and I remind myself why I started. That strength keeps me going.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stop minimizing myself. For a long time, I struggled with fear, especially around public speaking and visibility. But over time, I’ve realized that my voice is part of my responsibility, especially for the children and families I serve.
I often think of something my great friend Sharif King always tells me: “You’re already doing it.” That reminder helped me stop waiting for permission and start owning the impact I’ve already been making.
At the core of my journey is this: I am a Dominican Latina woman committed to education, community, and creating lasting impact. I want the world to see not just my accomplishments, but the intention behind them, every step taken to leave meaningful footprints for the next generation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
NYC, the city that never sleeps!
Any travel itinerary with me has to involve history. Besides science, history has always been one of my favorite subjects because I love learning about the culture and stories behind the places I visit. So for a New York experience, I would definitely include iconic cultural and historical stops like museums throughout the city, whether it’s art, history, or interactive exhibits that bring the past to life.
A must-see would be The Lion King on Broadway. There’s something about Broadway in New York that feels like stepping into the heart of storytelling, creativity, and culture all at once.
For food, I would make sure to include Dominican spots that feel like home. I would recommend places like Malecon and Ajo y Oregano, where the flavors truly represent the culture and comfort of Dominican cuisine.
I also love anything creative and hands-on, so I would definitely include activities like sip and paint, pottery making, or any art-based workshop. I think those experiences are a fun way to connect, relax, and create memories while exploring the city.
Overall, my goal would be to mix culture, history, food, and creativity, so my best friend could experience New York in a way that feels both exciting and meaningful.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, God, for guiding my steps even when I couldn’t see the full path.
My mother, for teaching me resilience through her strength and the way she’s navigated life with grace and perseverance.
My best friend, for being the clearest mirror in my life, always reminding me of who I am at my highest and also holding space for me at my lowest.
I also want to shout out my mentor, Dr. Yvette Morgan, who saw my vision in community work before I had the words to fully express it. She helped me understand that what I once thought were just ideas were actually meaningful work with real impact. Through her guidance, I began to fully step into my purpose in community building and service.

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Image Credits
Madelaine Abreu Photography