Eastern Michigan University fashion marketing innovation major Chey Ely's altruistic nature prepared them for the creation of their magazine Detroit Undercover.
Ely said the fashion marketing innovation program introduced them to the Detroit fashion scene in 2024 and provided them with a place to learn, adapt and try new creative skills.
“Before coming to [the fashion marketing and innovation program], I didn't know how to express myself creatively,” Ely said.
In 2024, Ely began interning for Detroit is Not Dead, a Detroit-founded fashion streetwear brand created by their friend and former classmate Makayla Rybak.
Assisting others and helping them achieve their creative vision left Ely wanting more — something they could call their own.
“[Rybak] is my inspiration; she made me realize I could make something," Ely said.
Inspired by the creatives in Detroit is Not Dead, Ely dreamed up Detroit Undercover magazine. Ely said creating a magazine was a way to highlight artists in Detroit in a digestible form.
“I wanted something that channels all of my creative energy, even if it's a little out of my element,” Ely said.
Ely knew the most important aspect of creating their magazine was working with a variety of artists.
“I wanted everyone to be able to see themselves in the people I featured,” Ely said.
The first issue of Detroit Undercover focused on fashion and clothing. The issue highlights artists in the Detroit fashion scene with interviews, photo shoots and artist insights.
Ely embraced the initial trial and error process as they figured out what truly worked best for their vision.
Detroit Undercover Magazine was created to highlight local artist in Detroit. Copies of the first edition can be purchased at both the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti location of Vertex Coffee. Photo Courtesy of Chey Ely
Ely said the process of finding artists was an opportunity to expand the connections made through their internship with Detroit is Not Dead.
Artists including Yreva and Cairo's Creative were featured in the first edition of Detroit Undercover. Ely also desires to uplift those that are close to them, such as coworker and supporter Cait LeBlanc.
“The best part about the Detroit art community in music, fashion, art and all of the other things is that everyone is there to lift everyone else up,” Ely said.
Pre-sale orders helped the magazine flourish, allowing Ely to order larger shipments and eliminating shipping fees for the customer. Rybak assisted by distributing copies at markets and spreading awareness of the magazine through word of mouth in the community.
Detroit Undercover was created as a not-for-profit organization, and Ely sees it as an exploration of creativity.
“I make maybe one dollar off of every copy sold," Ely said. "I have never been a monetarily satisfied person."
Chey Ely created the Detroit Undercover Magazine in May, 2025. Photo Courtesy of Chey Ely
For the second edition of Detroit Undercover, Ely is asking for more help and staying open to collaboration. Musicians will be the highlight of the next copy, celebrating music across Detroit.
Ely is recruiting writers and plans to include a historical impact section on the birth of Motown in Detroit.
“I might not be currently growing anyone's business, but I am telling their story and making people feel empowered and aware," Ely said. "[I want to] tell interesting stories that need to be heard."
In the future, Ely wants to cover small businesses and queer- and women-owned businesses.
The next edition will be out in early 2026 with a new look. The first edition was a traditional 8.5 by 11 inches, and the second edition is set to be smaller, 9 by 7 inches. This shift in size aims to create a more compact edition that is convenient to handle.
To learn more details on the next pre-order sale for the second edition of Detroit Undercover, follow @cheywasnothere on Instagram.
