Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Ortega.
Karla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My artistic journey has always been rooted in love—for culture, for family, and for community. I began painting bottles as a simple, heartfelt way to express myself, blending colors, textures, and stories that felt deeply personal. What started as a creative outlet quickly blossomed into something more meaningful—a way to preserve traditions, celebrate identity, and connect with others.
I owe my artistic path to my father, an art and music professor who instilled in me a deep love for creativity and the belief that art is meant to connect people. That lesson stayed with me throughout my years as an educator, where I used art as a tool to reach my students, build trust, and celebrate their diverse voices. Teaching taught me empathy, patience, and the power of storytelling—and art was always at the heart of that work. I’ve always believed that art has the power to touch hearts and open doors.
Now, alongside my children—Patrick and Mery, both incredible young artists themselves—I continue this creative path. Watching them explore mixed media and develop their own artistic voices fills me with pride and hope. Our home is often covered in paint splatters, ideas, and joy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Today, I’ve embraced an uplifting change in my career by working for a nonprofit organization called Hispanic Alliance—an environment where I continue to serve my community in meaningful ways. Through it all, my art remains a powerful thread in my life. It’s how I celebrate my culture, uplift others, and build connections across language, age, and background. Creativity continues to guide my path, and sharing it with others is one of the greatest joys of my life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many artists, my path has been full of twists, pauses, and moments of doubt. Balancing a demanding career in education, raising a family, and finding time and space to create hasn’t always been easy. There were years when art had to take a backseat, squeezed into the margins of busy days. But even in those moments, the creative spark never left—it just waited patiently until I was ready to let it lead again.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to believe in the value of my work—not just as a hobby, but as something worthy of being shared and celebrated. Like many immigrant families, we were taught to push forward, work hard, and keep moving. Slowing down to make art, to reflect, and to express myself felt almost like a luxury. But over time, I realized that art is work—it’s healing work, it’s cultural work, and it’s powerful.
This past year brought a whole new kind of challenge when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease—rheumatoid arthritis. For weeks, I was sick and in pain, unsure of what was happening to my body. Finally getting a diagnosis was both a relief and a reckoning. Contrary to what many people think, RA isn’t like regular arthritis—it’s a chronic, debilitating condition that affects my ability to do the things I used to do without a second thought. Some days, the pain or fatigue can stop me from painting altogether.
Navigating this diagnosis while also transitioning into a full-time career outside of the classroom has required a lot of adjustment. Shifting into a new role, with new responsibilities, has been both exciting and overwhelming at times. I’ve had to redefine what balance looks like—learning to pace myself, to honor my body’s needs, and to make space for creativity in a way that fits into this new rhythm of life. I’ve come to understand that I may not be able to paint with the same intensity or frequency as before, but that doesn’t take away from the power or purpose of my art.
What keeps me going is the deep belief that creativity doesn’t disappear—it evolves. Even in the pauses, even in the quiet, it’s still there. Every challenge along the way has shaped me into someone more resilient, more grounded, and more open to the unexpected beauty that can come from change.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth—but it’s been real, and it’s been worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My artistic work centers around something beautifully unexpected—glassware. I specialize in hand-painted bottles and custom glass pieces that transform everyday objects into one-of-a-kind works of art. Each piece is unique, and every brushstroke carries intention, meaning, and joy. What I love most is creating custom designs inspired by my clients’ visions. Whether it’s for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, or just because—if you can imagine it, I can bring it to life on glass.
One of the things I’m most proud of is being a vendor at the Charleston City Market. It’s an incredible honor to showcase my work in such a historic and vibrant place. Being there has opened so many doors for me—it’s been the window through which I’ve been able to share my art with people from all over the world. There’s something really special about connecting with someone in person, sharing the story behind a piece, and watching their eyes light up when they see a bottle or glass that speaks to them. Additionally, I’m especially proud to have received a plaque from Charleston’s Mayor, William Cogswell, certifying me as a Charleston artisan. This means that every piece I create now carries the stamp of a truly unique, handmade item from the heart of Charleston.
What sets me apart from others is the canvas I use. While I do occasionally paint on traditional surfaces like canvas, my heart belongs to glass—especially bottles. Wine, champagne, and liquor bottles become my storytelling space. I also paint everyday glassware like wine glasses, beer mugs, shot glasses, and more. My work is not only decorative—it’s often functional, too. It’s art you can display, use, gift, and cherish.
So whether you’re looking for a keepsake to celebrate a milestone or a personalized gift that shows someone just how much you care, I’ve got you. Every piece I create is crafted with love, inspired by culture, and meant to bring beauty into everyday life.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories—hands down—is Christmas. It was pure magic in our home, and so much of that magic came from my dad’s incredible creativity. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, not just because of the lights and gifts, but because of the way my dad transformed our home into a wonderland of imagination and joy.
He would spend days building and painting beautiful wooden sleds, carefully placing them outside as part of his holiday display. Inside, he’d create the most enchanting little town under the Christmas tree—complete with tiny trains, miniature houses, snow-covered trees, and glowing lights. Every detail was thought out with so much love, and every year felt like stepping into a storybook.
Those memories are so dear to me because they were more than decorations—they were expressions of love, of creativity, and of the joy that comes from making something special for others. It was through those magical holiday moments that I first learned how powerful art could be in bringing people together and creating wonder. That spirit still inspires me today in everything I create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karlas-custom-creations.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karla.custom.creations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karla.custom.creations
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@karlacustomcreations
