Da Spot NYC

As the borough’s go-to giving partner, Brooklyn Org is proud to collaborate with local businesses to spread love across our communities. We were so excited to partner with Da Spot NYC — a Brooklyn-based retail space located in City Point — to produce merch for our “Show Brooklyn Some Love” Awareness Campaign, with a portion of proceeds benefitting our work to support the borough. We spoke with Michelle Cadore, Owner and Co-Founder of Da Spot NYC about her work, her partnership with Brooklyn Org, and her love for Brooklyn.

What causes and communities are close to your hearts?

I am passionate about causes centered around economic empowerment, education, and representation. Supporting creatives of color, small business owners, and young entrepreneurs is at the heart of what I do. My roots run deep in Brooklyn, where I was raised as a first-generation Caribbean-American in Flatbush. I attended Phyl’s Academy on Tilden Avenue for elementary school, Philippa Schuyler Middle School in Bushwick, and Brooklyn Technical High School in Fort Greene. I later pursued my studies in business, spending two years at NYC College of Technology in Downtown Brooklyn before transferring to Baruch College.

Brooklyn is woven into every aspect of my life. I’ve lived in Canarsie for over 20 years, and frequented neighborhoods like Flatbush, Downtown Brooklyn, Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights for dance classes, tutoring, and family gatherings, Labor Day celebrations on Eastern Parkway and shopping trips to Kings Plaza, Flatbush Junction, Bobby’s, and Sears were staples of my upbringing.  I served as an Assistant Director for Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration for a few years before transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship in Downtown Brooklyn, grounding me in the borough’s rich culture and resilience.

Each neighborhood holds a special place in my journey: Flatbush is where I grew up, Canarsie is home, Bed-Stuy is where I served, Fort Greene and Downtown Brooklyn are where I went to school and hung out, Bushwick is where I first learned about different cultures, and Dumbo is where I turned a dream into reality by laying down the roots for my first business location. These communities have shaped my identity and inspired my mission to empower creatives, foster connections, and create opportunities for others. Having spent half of my life in Downtown Brooklyn, it feels only fitting to lay my foundation for giving back here— in a neighborhood that represents growth, opportunity, and the vibrancy that continues to inspire my work.

Why partner with Brooklyn Org?

Our partnership with Brooklyn Org began with an introduction from my dear friend Erin Clarke, a connection from both junior high school (Philippa Schuyler) and high school (Brooklyn Tech), who put our small business at the forefront. I was already familiar with Brooklyn Org’s incredible work in the community, so partnering with them felt like a perfect alignment. With a shared mission to uplift and empower the creative community in Brooklyn, our collaboration highlights the best of what we both stand for. As a platform showcasing over 150 BIPOC-owned brands, DA SPOT NYC aligns with Brooklyn Org’s dedication to celebrating local talent, fostering economic opportunities, and amplifying the borough’s rich cultural heritage. We chose Brooklyn Org for their commitment to representation, creativity, and collaboration—values that mirror our own.

Tell us about your origin story.

DA SPOT NYC was founded in 2017 by myself and two independent designers who were full-time workers and part-time dreamers, passionate about creating a platform for underrepresented creatives of color. We knew firsthand how hard it is to grow a business and gain visibility. Starting in a 100-square-foot shop in Dumbo, Brooklyn, we launched with just three brands in shop. Within six months, we housed 25 brands, and within two years, we housed 50 brands. Our mission was to create space to amplify the works of local underserved creatives, giving them brand visibility, access to economic opportunities, business resources and mentorship while fostering a collaborative creativity community.

Over the past eight years, we have grown to support over 150 brands in shop, offering everything from apparel and accessories to art and home decor, all reflecting the unique stories of their creators. As we scaled, we expanded our impact by introducing custom printing and embroidery services, serving both individuals and major clients like Lululemon, Pfizer, and the New York Knicks. Beyond retail, we’ve partnered with corporations to provide business education programs, mentorship, and training, such as the Atlanta Hawks’ “Shoot Your Shot” initiative. We also launched the Black Creatives and Culture Festival in 2021, a bi-annual event showcasing over 500 brands while fostering visibility and economic growth for creatives lacking access to storefronts. Through workshops, festivals, and retail, we’ve created a movement rooted in empowerment, collaboration, and opportunity. Driven by the spirit of collaboration, we’ve transformed from a small shop into a cultural institution that amplifies voices, supports communities, and inspires resilience, with a vision to expand our impact globally.

How do you back the borough?

At DA SPOT NYC, we “back the borough” by creating a space for over 150  indie-BIPOC-owned small businesses and creatives to thrive. From hosting creative workshops and business panels to providing mentorship and economic opportunities, we focus on building generational wealth and closing the racial wealth gap. Partnering with local organizations, schools, and brands, we ensure that the Brooklyn community has access to resources and platforms that amplify their talents. Supporting the community is essential to us because Brooklyn has given us so much, and we believe in giving back to ensure its growth and prosperity.

Supporting the community is deeply important to me because it reflects the values and experiences that have shaped my life. Growing up as a first-generation Caribbean-American in Brooklyn, I witnessed firsthand the power of community to uplift, inspire, and create opportunities where there were few. The neighborhoods that raised me—Flatbush, Canarsie, Bed-Stuy, Fort Greene, Downtown Brooklyn, and Bushwick—instilled in me the importance of giving back, creating access, and building platforms for others to succeed.

By supporting the community, I’m honoring the people and places that made me who I am. It’s about closing the gaps in economic opportunity, education, and representation, especially for underrepresented creatives and entrepreneurs. Empowering others not only strengthens individuals but also builds generational wealth, fosters collaboration, and creates a legacy of resilience and progress. For me, giving back isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a privilege to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the borough that gave me so much.

What do you love about Brooklyn?

What I love most about Brooklyn is its energy and spirit of belonging. Brooklyn is a laid-back place where creativity thrives, where cultures collide to create something vibrant and unique, and where community always comes first. It’s the borough that raised me, shaped me, and continues to inspire me every day. From the rich history of its neighborhoods to the incredible talent that calls it home, Brooklyn embodies the perfect balance of hustle and heart. It’s a place where dreams are built, voices are amplified, and people come together to create magic.

Brooklyn to you in one word?

Home.

Stay Connected To Brooklyn

Sign Up