DETOUR is a curated magazine and creative redirection production house dedicated to celebrating the unexpected paths, the spontaneous ideas that build the best stories and moments. We showcase the latest in entertainment, fashion, and hospitality, guiding you to explore new experiences with the spirit of a “detourist”—someone with a curious heart, a bold vision, and a relentless desire to see the world through a creative lens (and we’re always equipped with a playlist when we do it all).
About
Designed for adventurers and the creatively inclined, DETOUR is both an inspiration and a resource.
Through our curated content, we share and build the stories and findings that awaken the imagination and spark new journeys. In addition to our magazine, we offer creative direction services, bringing fresh, innovative perspectives to projects that seek something extraordinary.
At DETOUR, we believe that life’s detours aren’t missteps but the scenic routes—the most fruitful, exciting, and transformative. It’s our own life going on tour and on that journey we realize that we made our own magic along the way.
Welcome to the detour.
Hi, I’m Neelu!
your creative redirector
My passion lies in exploring and creating at all times. Whether I’m discovering new music, practicing martial arts, dancing, traveling, or finding inspiration through new experiences, I’m always drawn to moments that spark connection. With a B.S. in Business Administration (Marketing), an M.S. in Media Ventures from Boston University, a Certificate in Interior Design and a Certificate in Footwear Product Development and Design, my background blends strategic thinking with a love for creative innovation, design, and vision.
My life has been filled with many detours—pivots and shifts that I’ve come to celebrate, each one adding meaningful substance to my story.
For every discovery I make, I’m driven to share it with the world, inspiring others to view life creatively and live it to the fullest. My career has spanned over eight years in the music and other creative industries, working with companies like Sony Music, AEG Presents, RCA Records, Blackbox, and #iVoted Festival, where I specialized in brand development, advertising, design, and production. During the pandemic, I co-founded Channel Sounds, a platform for talent discovery, editorial, and digital music festivals. Following this, I opened a coffee shop called Fuel America, an event space called Café Neelu, and a modern-day bodega called Grove Village Market—to bring people together through diverse hospitality experiences coupled with events.
From designing and producing intentional and eye-catching graphics, music videos, brand guides, and photoshoots to producing IRL cultural festivals, specialty coffee menus, streetwear fashion shows, car shows, bazaars, and other multi-sensory experiences, I strive to make each project an opportunity for connective creative storytelling. My work with varying industries, and with luxury and subculture brands, reflect a deep commitment to building unthinkable partnerships and memorable marketing stories that push boundaries and typical thinking.
To me, life is all about connecting with each other and community through what we love most–our passions and our interests—and I wish to bring those connections to life through experiences that encourage others to see the world boldly, curiously, and creatively.
