We were lucky to catch up with Christine Huffman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christine , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Absolutely. Expressing my creativity is just inate in me. I used to work to at a “regular job” prior to what I do now.

Christine , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Gen X’er born and raised in NYC. In the mid to late 90’s I worked in the apparel industry and worked at the headquarters for Hugo Boss, Polo Jeans, and Tommy Jeans. I was very much inspired creatively by my life of socializing and working in Manhattan.

In 2005, I moved to Los Angeles just after getting married. I decided to leave the apparel industry entirely to focus on starting a family. I also set my sights on working just part-time doing something creative. After testing the waters at becoming a sales rep for a NYC based jewelry designer friend of mine, dabbling in making organic doggie treats, participating in a couple of art shows showcasing some of my older art and photography pieces, I finally found my calling.

I came up with the concept of the vintage scarf headband. Ever since i was a teen, I loved wearing vintage scarves in my hair. However they never stayed put and were always falling off. Headbands often times were uncomfortable. I thought perhaps there was a way to make the scarf just look like a scarf but actually remain on with a comfortable headband. I worked and reworked a construction several times and finally made one that represented my initial vision. I figured if it was something I would actually wear maybe other women would too. I loved that not only was it practical to use but because I was upcycling vintage scarves I was helping the environment too. I made a few extra and decided to put them in an artisan boutique in Santa Monica to see if they would sell. To my surprise they all sold in one day. That was my lightbulb moment.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect is working with the vintage scarves themselves. They have been a staple in fashion for many generations. I meet so many people that tell me that they have a collection of them that was passed by an aunt, a grandmother or another loved one but they just end up lifeless in drawer because they don’t know what to do with them, eventually to be discarded into a landfill.

I am always in awe of each and every scarf I come across and admire the textures, the colors, the fiber content and even appreciate any blemishes and history that come along with each scarf.

My goal is to upcycle and repurpose them where they can be worn, showcased and appreciated again in a new form. There is literally zero waste! I use every part of the scarf!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

As an artist, your journey is driven by the passion of the craft. The reward comes from the connection to that personal journey and the final product of your craft. I find that the struggle comes when trying to make a living from it becomes the primary goal. For me it compromises the creative process.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.recyclicious.com
• Instagram: recyclicious

Image Credits
Sinipesa Film 1, Hotel West Hollywood, Conscious Market Coop, 1967 Supply