Chai Diaspora – Editorial Storytelling & Cultural Voice
The Project:
Chai Diaspora – a digital magazine I founded to explore culture, lifestyle, travel, food, and fiction through the lens of the global Indian diaspora.
The Ask:
Create an editorial platform that delivers authentic, culture-driven storytelling while balancing long-form editorial, lifestyle features, and personal narratives. The challenge: craft a voice that feels warm, inclusive, and contemporary, appealing both to diaspora readers and a wider global audience.
The Idea/Approach:
I built Chai Diaspora as both editor and lead writer, overseeing the full editorial process:
Shaped a distinct editorial voice rooted in cultural nuance and global relevance.
Wrote and edited long-form essays, lifestyle features, and creative fiction.
Developed a publishing calendar and content strategy that kept the magazine consistent and engaging.
Positioned the magazine as a storytelling space that bridges cultures—blending nostalgia, identity, and modern diaspora experiences.
The Work:
Editorial Essays: Explored cultural identity, migration, and diaspora experiences.
Lifestyle & Culture Features: Covered topics like food, fashion, and travel with a storytelling-first approach.
Fiction Writing: Published original short stories inspired by Indian settings and diaspora nostalgia.
Editorial Direction: Managed all aspects of brand identity, from design feel to content categories.
The Impact:
Built an editorial brand that highlights underrepresented cultural voices.
Established Chai Diaspora as a platform for creative expression and cultural connection.
Demonstrated ability to lead long-form editorial projects with storytelling depth.
Showcased versatility in shifting between editorial, lifestyle, and creative writing styles.