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

Hi Michelle Desouza, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

In a world where our worth often seems to hinge on the accolades we collect, I envisioned creating a sanctuary for women—especially women of color—where they could celebrate their “non-achievements”: the overlooked, the unspoken, and the real. These moments, which may never find a place on a resume, are woven into the fabric of our lives and are undeniably vital.

This vision was never just about starting another business; it was about creating a community for women striving to break free from generational cycles that have kept them stuck.

When one woman courageously shares her truth about breaking away from societal expectations to live authentically, she ignites a spark that can set off a revolution of liberation, reminding us that we’re not falling behind—we’re simply redefining fulfillment on our own terms.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Same Skin is a company that focuses on the non-achievement-based needs of modern women. We curate holistic wellness events and shopping marketplaces that highlight brands founded by women of color. Our mission is simple: to equip women of color with skills to build generational health and wealth, own their voices, and take up space.

The journey to Same Skin wasn’t laid out in a meticulous business plan. Instead, it emerged from a personal response to my grief and guilt journey—I lost my dad to cancer and hadn’t spent the last decade with him because I was busy prioritizing my career. My story begins at 18when I moved from India to the U.S. to study. I dove headfirst into the corporate aviation world and spent over a decade navigating this male-dominated industry, never taking breaks because I believed I would fall behind. As an immigrant woman, I relentlessly pursued societal success, often at the expense of my health and relationships.

What sets us apart is our signature event, Cyclebreakers—an annual energetic conference designed for female founders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who crave genuine, organic connections. It’s the antithesis of those lifeless, outdated business conferences we’ve all experienced. Women are already well-versed in the art of the hustle, navigating a world where we often have to work twice as hard just to be seen as equals. What we truly need—now more than ever—are spaces rooted in our rest and resilience, where we can gather to pause, restore, and receive.

Cyclebreakers is more than just an event; it’s a transformative journey where attendees can peel back the layers of their ambitions and uncover their true driving forces. It’s all about making the path to healing and self-discovery less daunting and more accessible to the modern woman.

Beyond Cyclebreakers, Same Skin offers a variety of virtual and IRL monthly “playdates” designed to connect with your inner child and spark joy: hands-on workshops, tarot readings, sound baths, somatic classes, and more. Each event is crafted not only for relaxation and enjoyment but also to strengthen the bonds within our community—an essential element of our collective empowerment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I’d plan my week around carbs! My friends and I curate the best girls’ dates in New York, and it fuels our souls. Here are some of my favorite spots to indulge.

To Eat:

  • Bangkok Supper Club: Thai cuisine with a twist, celebrating Bangkok’s late-night food scene. My current favorites? The Goi, Uni and Crab Tartlet, and a Coconut Pandan dessert I can’t stop dreaming about.
  • Bungalow: Indian fare that brings back nostalgia with a nod to “vintage India.” The perfect ambiance for a fancy dinner or catching up with a big group of friends. Their Michelin-star chef delivers flavors that still feel like home. Don’t miss the Lamb Seekh Kabab, Chicken Biryani, and Rose Kulfi.
  • Pastis: I always thought French food was stuffy—until I ate here. Traditional French fare with NYC charm. My favorite hobby is sipping an espresso martini and digging into mac and cheese at the bar.
  • Sigiri: Unpretentious Sri Lankan cuisine that’s both spicy and delicious.
  • Bonnie’s: Cantonese-American cuisine in Brooklyn, where they whip up a fantastic “Cacio e Pepe Lo Mein.”
  • Little Grenjai: Inspired by Bangkok’s bustling pushcarts, is a husband and wife team that began serving Pad Thai from a converted hot dog cart at pop-ups across Brooklyn. Every dish offers a spicy, transportive experience for anyone craving the vibrant flavors of Bangkok without leaving New York.

To Grab a Drink: Bar Melo, Bar Nena, Romeo’s

To Check Out:
Like every New Yorker, I gravitate toward non-touristy things. I love crafting experiences based on what’s happening in the city: a ceramics class with Turmeric Times, meditation at The Well, acupuncture at WTHN, or an infrared sauna session at Higher Dose, followed by vintage shopping in Brooklyn. Sometimes, a cozy night in on the couch is unbeatable!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Absolutely, my deepest gratitude goes out to the women in my circle who so openly shared their vulnerabilities with me during one of the most challenging periods of my life. While I navigated the raw grief of loss these women became my sanctuary.

These women didn’t just offer words of sympathy; they opened up about their own struggles and paths to healing, revealing that vulnerability is not a weakness but a profound strength. Their courage and authenticity illuminated my journey through grief, guiding me toward healing within a nurturing community rather than isolation. Their support was and continues to be a gift I hope to pay forward.

Website: https://sameskincommunity.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bombay2brooklyn/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-desouza-449220278/

Image Credits
Olivia Steuer Damora Regala

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.