Who she is: Christel Highland, artist

How long she’s done it: Her whole life

Stepping outside her comfort zone: Highland’s life has been a whirlwind of creativity. She spent years designing costumes and wigs for theater and film. She’s designed clothes. But this year, Highland is doing something enviable: She’s creating art for herself. The fashion designer recently began painting silk and draping fabric as therapeutic forms of self-expression. Finding herself as an artist, however, is hard work.

“People looking from the outside think creating art is so easy,” she said. “But I rarely take days off, and sometimes, I work 14 hours straight.”

Mastering the art of multi-tasking: Besides fashion design, Highland delves into sculpting, poetry, and modeling. She also has two young sons.

“My kids keep me humble, honest, hardworking, and inspired,” she said. “I didn’t know what I was capable of as an artist until I had children. I hope my work inspires them to follow their passions and choose their own path in life.”

Highland and her kids lead a simple life. They enjoy taking walks and buying fresh vegetables at the City Market. As a busy mother, she cherishes stolen moments with a cup of coffee and a fashion magazine.

No place like home: Highland loves Kansas City and appreciates the energetic art scene.

“I moved around a lot as a child, but Kansas City feels like home to me,” she said. “There is electricity in this town right now, which I find exciting.”