Culture is our core.
Our diversity is the foundation of everything we create.
we craft experiences that feel real.
Rooted in our team’s diversity of cultures, languages, and lived experiences, our work speaks in the voice of your audience, reflects their world, and meets them where they are. Our clients earn trust because audiences feel seen from the very first impression. They gain authenticity through strategies shaped by genuine cultural insight. And they gain lasting impact, because we don’t just drive engagement; we build community.
At Casa Mkali, culture is the default. Our diversity matters because creativity needs different visions. Collaboration across cultures expands what brands can achieve and who gets to feel represented in their story.
Casa Mkali means…
Fierce. Bright. Powerful.
Casa Mkali is where creativity, strategy, and culture meet.
Mkali [mm-KAH-lee]
Our name, Mkali (pronounced mm-KAH-lee), comes from Swahili and means “fierce,” “bright,” and “powerful.”
our team
Nikki Ogaard
Co-Founder
Born in New York City, Nikki started her career in luxury brand and product marketing. In 2016, she transitioned to the wellness industry when she joined Barry’s. Over the years, she has gained experience in operations, marketing, and training. With this knowledge, she founded Mkali, a creative house focused on wellness. Passionate about community, she values connection, collaboration, and the joy that fitness continues to bring to her life.
Born in New York City, Nikki started her career in luxury brand and product marketing. In 2016, she transitioned to the wellness industry when she joined Barry’s. Over the years, she has gained experience in operations, marketing, and training. With this knowledge, she founded Mkali, a creative house focused on wellness. Passionate about community, she values connection, collaboration, and the joy that fitness continues to bring to her life.
Natasha Melendez
Co-Founder
Originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico, Natasha has always had a passion for movement, adventure, and physical activity. After graduating from Syracuse University, she moved to New York City, where she discovered her true potential. Now based in Mexico City, she’s a fitness instructor at Commando Studios. Previously, she worked at Barry’s Bootcamp and Rode Cycle, and in finance transformation consulting at KPMG, as well as analyst roles at JPMorgan Chase in private and investment banking and firmwide operations.
Originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico, Natasha has always had a passion for movement, adventure, and physical activity. After graduating from Syracuse University, she moved to New York City, where she discovered her true potential. Now based in Mexico City, she’s a fitness instructor at Commando Studios. Previously, she worked at Barry’s Bootcamp and Rode Cycle, and in finance transformation consulting at KPMG, as well as analyst roles at JPMorgan Chase in private and investment banking and firmwide operations.
Fabrizio Paulido
Creative Lead
Better known as Fabz, he holds a degree in Communications and Digital Media with a specialization in Film and Social Media. Originally from Cuernavaca, he has spent the past 11 years refining his photography. In recent years, he’s focused on fitness content, developing strategies for cycling studios and helping position major wellness brands in Mexico City. His work reflects a sharp eye, creative energy, and a distinct visual voice.
Better known as Fabz, he holds a degree in Communications and Digital Media with a specialization in Film and Social Media. Originally from Cuernavaca, he has spent the past 11 years refining his photography. In recent years, he’s focused on fitness content, developing strategies for cycling studios and helping position major wellness brands in Mexico City. His work reflects a sharp eye, creative energy, and a distinct visual voice.
Monica Diaz
Marketing Coordinator
Monica Diaz brings both strategy and heart to her role as Marketing Coordinator. With a BA in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling, she’s built meaningful relationships across education, nonprofits, and wellness. A former dance instructor turned life coach, she’s led workshops and retreats that help women reconnect with themselves. Her work centers on clarity, creativity, and community, values she brings to every project.
Monica Diaz brings both strategy and heart to her role as Marketing Coordinator. With a BA in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling, she’s built meaningful relationships across education, nonprofits, and wellness. A former dance instructor turned life coach, she’s led workshops and retreats that help women reconnect with themselves. Her work centers on clarity, creativity, and community, values she brings to every project.