Meet Our Community Makers: DJ Jonathan Gordon Brings Disco Magic to Casa Adrià

The Event’s Vision – Empowerment Through Community

For both Poonam and Michelle, community is at the heart of everything they do. Poonam, who moved to New York in 2010, founded Maalicious Jewelry as a way to express her passion for jewelry while uplifting underrepresented artisans. Her pop-up showrooms have evolved into immersive experiences that celebrate POC-owned brands and provide a platform for artists to shine.

 “The best part of organizing events is creating spaces where people come together, connect, and support one another,” Poonam shared. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see your vision come to life and to know that your efforts are helping others find their audience and thrive.” 

Michelle’s journey from Mumbai to New York was equally transformative. Her initiative, Same Skin, emerged from a desire to create spaces where women of color feel empowered. This drive led her to start Cyclebreakers, an “anti-business conference” designed to challenge traditional business norms and encourage women to embrace their unique strengths.

 “Cyclebreakers is all about flipping the script,” Michelle explained. “We want to arm women with the tools they need to build their empires without burning out. It’s about creating a space where women can show up as their full, unapologetic selves.” 

Their shared vision brought them to Casa Duende, one of Cocoon’s most beloved event spaces in NYC. Situated in a historic East Village carriage house, Casa Duende was the perfect setting for a pop-up event focused on inclusivity, empowerment, and creativity.

Jewelry vendor at the pop up showroom Poonam and Michelle hosted at Casa Duende during summer 2024.

Why Casa Duende Was the Perfect Venue

Video Walkthrough of the pop up showrooms Michelle and Poonam hosted at Casa Duende.

Cocoon’s Support in Bringing the Vision to Life

Meet Nafisa, the Casa Manager assigned to Poonam and Michelle’s pop up showroom at Casa Duende.

More Vendors showcasing their products at the pop up showroom hosted by Michelle and Poonam at Casa Duende.

Vendors showcasing clothes at the pop up showroom Michelle and Poonam hosted at Casa Duende during summer 2024.

A Celebration of POC-Owned Brands and Female Designers

The event centered around a powerful theme: celebrating POC-owned brands and female designers. The pop-up showroom featured a curated selection of vendors, including jewelry, fashion, and wellness products—all crafted by women of color. This diverse lineup of brands embodied the spirit of the event, allowing attendees to discover new businesses and connect with the inspiring entrepreneurs behind them. For Michelle, this was the highlight of the day.

“Seeing a room full of incredible women from all walks of life come together to support one another was the best part,” she said. “It felt like throwing a party where every detail had a purpose, and everyone left feeling empowered.”

Poonam shared a similar sentiment, expressing her pride in creating a space where artists and makers could connect directly with their audience.

“Bringing people together to experience these beautiful, handcrafted products was so rewarding,” she said. “Each brand had a story to tell, and this event gave them the platform they deserved.”

The sense of community that Poonam and Michelle created extended beyond the event itself. By giving a platform to POC-owned businesses, they not only supported individual vendors but also contributed to a broader movement of empowerment and representation.

More Vendors showcasing their products at the pop up showroom hosted by Michelle and Poonam at Casa Duende.

Behind the Scenes at Casa Duende

While the event itself was a seamless experience for attendees, both Michelle and Poonam acknowledged the challenges that come with organizing such a large-scale pop-up showroom.

“The most challenging part of organizing events is juggling all the moving pieces,” Poonam said. “From coordinating with vendors to managing logistics, there’s always something that needs your attention.”

Guests say a sweet hello from Casa Duende’s Rooftop during Poonam and Michelle’s pop up showroom.

“But the reward comes when you see everything come together and know that you’ve created something special.” Michelle, who thrives on the energy of event production, echoed these sentiments.
“There’s always a moment where you’re like, ‘Where’s the DJ? Where’s the food?’ but it’s all part of the process,” she said with a laugh. “At the end of the day, it’s all worth it when you see the smiles on people’s faces and know they’re walking away with something meaningful.”

Thanks to Cocoon’s support, they were able to handle any last-minute issues with ease, ensuring the day unfolded smoothly for everyone involved. 

DJ playing music from Casa Duende’s Dj Booth during Poonam and Michelle’s pop up showroom.

More vendors showcasing jewelry during Michelle and Poonam’s pop up showroom at Casa Duende.

Looking Ahead: Future Collaborations with Cocoon

Both Poonam and Michelle are excited about future possibilities with Cocoon. Michelle envisions expanding Cyclebreakers into a larger event series, potentially hosted across multiple cities or even at an eco-conscious retreat, where women can dive deep into wellness and empowerment.

Michelle and Poonam at a fun and happy moment captured during the pop up showroom they hosted at Casa Duende.

“We’re already thinking about the next steps,” Michelle said. “I’d love to host Cyclebreakers in multiple cities, and maybe even take it to an eco-chic retreat where women can focus on everything from financial freedom to self-care.”

Poonam, too, is looking forward to more collaborations with Cocoon.

“I can’t wait to host more Maalicious events with Cocoon,” she said. “The space, the support, the energy—it all came together perfectly, and I’m excited to keep building on that for future pop-ups.”

Attendees looking at pieces displayed in the showroom hosted by Poonan and Michelle at Casa Duende.

The Impact of Community Makers Like Poonam and Michelle

At Cocoon, we’re always inspired by the incredible work of our Community Makers. Poonam and Michelle exemplify how pop-up showrooms and unconventional event spaces in NYC can foster creativity and community. Through their work, they’re building spaces that uplift marginalized communities, create opportunities for women of color, and inspire future generations.

As Poonam puts it, “It’s about creating experiences that bring people together and help them thrive—whether that’s through art, entrepreneurship, or simply connecting with others.” Michelle agrees: “At the end of the day, it’s all about empowerment—creating spaces where women can show up as their full, unapologetic selves and feel supported in their journeys.”

If you’re inspired by their story, you can follow them on their social media:

• Michelle De Souza @bombay2brooklyn
• Poonam Thimmaiah @poonamthim

Michalle and Poonam at Casa Duende’s rooftop.