The ability to be creative resides in everybody

"The ability to be creative resides in everybody." These powerful words from the Huberman Lab—Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology, and by courtesy, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine—strike at the heart of a profound truth: creativity is not reserved for a select few. It is within all of us, waiting to be activated.

Yet, for many, creativity feels abstract and elusive, as though it belongs only to artists, musicians, or fashion designers. At The Fashion Community, we are on a mission to demystify creativity, offering programs that unlock this innate ability in everyone. Creativity, after all, isn’t confined to only visual arts—it’s also about problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation. It shows up in the kitchen, in the office, in childhood interactions, it can be everywhere. Every aspect of life benefits from the activation of creativity.

Take my dear friend Michele, for example. She’s a finance genius who often says, “I wish I was creative like you.” I always respond by pointing out her incredible creativity in finding ways to make delicious meals from leftover ingredients or managing tight budgets to make big projects happen. She’s an expert at rearranging existing elements into new forms—a perfect definition of creativity.

Creativity is Universal Problem-Solving
Research confirms that creativity is a core human trait. Moments of creativity are not isolated flashes of brilliance; they are the result of our minds connecting seemingly unrelated elements into a coherent whole. This is the essence of problem-solving and innovation.

At The Fashion Community, we believe that creativity goes beyond self-expression. It’s about building resilience, fostering connection, and ultimately improving mental health. Whether we’re teaching mending to adults or introducing children to sustainable fashion practices, our goal is to help people to stay curious, exercise their creativity, realize their individual potential and live more balanced lives. Neuroscience tells us that both sides of the brain—logical and imaginative—are essential. We thrive when we balance them.

STEM to STEAM: The Role of Arts in Education
This brings me to a personal fight: we must make the arts essential in schools, not an elective. As someone who loves science, technology, engineering, and math, I know the power of integrating creativity with technical skills. Adding "A" for Arts to STEM—turning it into STEAM—is about more than semantics. Plenty of studies show that students who engage in creative subjects perform better academically and develop greater emotional intelligence.

Unfortunately, many schools still marginalize the arts, and classify it as elective. This deprives students of the chance to develop the creative thinking skills they need to navigate life’s challenges. Creativity isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

A Personal Reflection on Creativity
When I reflect on my own life, I see how creativity has shaped everything I do. I’ve seen creativity spark in classrooms when children realize they can turn discarded materials into something magical. I’ve watched adults light up when they discover their own creative superpowers. Every time this happens, it reaffirms my belief that creativity is humanity’s hidden strength.

At The Fashion Community, we offer programs that make creativity tangible for all—including and benefiting humans from all walks of life, not just those in the arts, but in every corner of life. Whether you’re reimagining leftovers into a meal, rethinking budgets, or redesigning a worn-out garment, creativity is pure problem-solving and innovation. It’s a superpower we all share, and it’s time to unleash it.



About the Author

Priscila Teixeira is an award-winning community leader, passionate educator, fashion artist, and public speaker, dedicated to empowering people through creativity and fostering meaningful change. She is the Founder and CEO of Columbus Fashion Academy, a local social enterprise transforming lives through sustainable fashion, and the Founder and Executive Director of The Fashion Community, a nonprofit human services agency committed to caring for all people through innovative programs and initiatives that cultivate creativity. With a postgraduate degree in Fashion Business and Communications, graduating cum laude, Priscila has earned recognition for her work across Brazil, Cuba and the United States, spanning roles in major corporations to small businesses. Passionate about human rights, justice, equality, inclusion, fairness, and artistic freedom; she believes adults, parents, educators, community leaders have a responsibility to guide and support children and youth. She believes our community must lead and inspire by example, showing care for people and the planet. Through her work, Priscila blends artistry and advocacy to inspire others and create a more sustainable and equitable world.