Meet Ava Duel | Neurodivergent Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ava Duel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ava, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea really took shape in my dorm room around 1 a.m. I’ve always worn hoodies because they make me feel safe and grounded (almost like a wearable security blanket). I also have sensory sensitivities, so I’m extremely particular about the clothes I wear. A lot of that ties back to being neurodivergent and needing specific textures and fits to feel truly comfortable. Once I became more aware of this about myself, it was incredibly freeing—and it made me wonder if others might feel the same way.

Later that same day, I dove deep into research around neurodiversity, sensory processing, and the psychology of comfort. I realized this kind of product could be genuinely helpful for others in the neurodivergent community, which makes up an estimated 15–20% of the population. That’s when I started building.

From the beginning, my motivation has been the possibility of helping people who’ve faced similar challenges. I’m working to create both a strong, supportive community and a high-quality product that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My work is all about creating clothing that actually helps people feel comfortable, starting with sensory-friendly hoodies designed specifically for the neurodivergent community. I started Nuro Apparel because I wear hoodies as a way to feel secure, and I’ve always been super sensitive to how clothing feels. Once I realized that was connected to being neurodivergent, everything started to click for me. It made me feel more understood, and I started thinking; what if other people are struggling with the same thing and don’t have something that works for them?

What makes Nuro Apparel different is that it’s designed by someone who gets it. I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, uncomfortable, and like nothing really fits right (literally and figuratively). I’m building this brand with the goal of helping people feel more confident and at ease. It’s not just about clothes; it’s about creating something that makes people feel seen.

Honestly, getting to this point hasn’t been easy. I have ADHD, Autism, OCD, and a couple more :), and while that helps me think creatively and come up with ideas, it also means I’ve had to find my own ways to stay on track. I graduated college in three years while working on this business, and there were plenty of late nights, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But I kept thinking about why I started it, and that kept me going.

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that it’s okay to take a different path. You don’t have to do things the “traditional” way for them to be meaningful or successful. I’ve also learned to really trust myself. If something feels important to me, there’s usually a reason for that, and it’s worth following (or at least looking in to).

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and Nuro Apparel, it’s that this is personal. I’m not doing this just to sell hoodies, I’m doing it because I know what it feels like to be uncomfortable in your own skin and just want something that makes you feel okay. I want Nuro Apparel to be that thing for other people. I want it to help people feel more like themselves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I probably won’t be very helpful here because I don’t like hiking (spiders) or the beach (sand), but I love getting food. Ospi in Venice is really good, and I also like going to 3rd street in Santa Monica. I spend a lot of time with my grandparents in Beverly Hills, so I would also add walking up to Rodeo/Beverly. For me, I don’t care as much about the location as I do about who I am with. I can have fun anywhere as long as I am with a friend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This might get me in trouble with my mom, but I have to give a shoutout to my dog, Darwin. We got him during one of the hardest periods of my life, and in many ways, he saved me. He’s been my rock, my constant companion, and truly my best friend (he’s sitting next to me as I write this)

Darwin loves barking, ignoring me, eating things, etc., but the comfort and joy he brings into my life outweighs all of that by miles. He has this amazing ability to pull me out of my own head, especially when I start spiraling with doubt or anxiety. He reminds me to stay grounded, and in his own way, he keeps me accountable.

There are days when I don’t feel like getting out of bed, when everything feels heavy and too much, but Darwin doesn’t really allow that. He has his own schedule, his own needs, and he forces me to show up for him, and in turn, for myself. And honestly, I’m better for it every time.

Website: https://www.nuroapparel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuroapparel/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ava-duel-67b598269

Other: Tiktok: @nuroapparel