Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Bonner.
Hi Linda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Looking back, I realize that I’ve always been curious, always wanted to do more, experience more and accomplish more. Some have called me a human doing rather than a human being…this might be a bit true! I see opportunities everywhere and love to create.
My early life was defined by living the average, middle-class life in a family with 3 sisters. We were content, didn’t want for much, and generally happy. We were taught to be happy with what we had and play it safe. My parents believed, based on their experience, that they were protecting us from disappointment and failure.
What I’ve learned is that the disappointments, failures, and experimenting with new ideas is what helps us grow. I went to college, held leadership roles in various companies, and became an entrepreneur in my 30s. All of this was way outside the expectations I was raised with, and I know my parents didn’t really understand why I wasn’t content with the way things were.
I’ve been blessed with 3 children who are my greatest joy. I devoted myself to raising them while they were young and put many of my own needs on the back burner. I don’t mention this out of regret but as a way of explanation.
When my 1st son, Kevin, was born with Down Syndrome, I experienced sadness beyond words. This wasn’t supposed to happen to me. What did I do wrong? How can I possibly raise this baby? All I could see was despair because of his diagnosis. My life to that point had been idyllic, so this sent me to a very low place.
I struggled with depression, exhaustion, loss of self. I went through the motions, not much more. The path back to health and living was difficult and took years. I chose to isolate, which made all of this so much worse. (This is a longer story…)
Kevin had surgery as an infant, heart surgery at 10 months, diagnosed with Thyroid Disease at 15, a Pace Maker at 23, Celiac Disease at 29 along with several heart conditions. By the grace of God, we made it thorough each of these issues, and he is healthy and thriving.
My biggest life challenge has been finding opportunities and activities to give Kevin an engaged and full life. Because of his disability, I had to really work hard to find opportunities that fit both his interests and abilities. Being his advocate continues to be my most important job. People have dismissed him because of his Down Syndrome so I had to be persistent, learn to not settle for mediocre, and be his voice.
Raising a child with a disability was a job I certainly wasn’t prepared for. It took years for me to come to grips with his diagnosis and really start living again. As with any parent, there were the extremes both low and high. I ‘d love to tell you that it came easily but it really didn’t. And once my twins were born, I experienced that same uncertainty. How was I going to do this? The answer was getting to the point where I accepted help and building a community of personal and professional support. I am fiercely independent, so asking for help didn’t come easy.
It was one step forward and two steps back at times. The people that supported me on this journey helped me see that it was OK to be vulnerable and provided the encouragement I really needed.
Fast forward to today and I’ve been so blessed by this amazing child! He’s a vibrant part of his community and is now in independent living, making connections, problem-solving, and living his very best life!
When my son was 7, I had boy/girl twins! What a challenging, busy, fun, and amazing time in my life. Much of it is a blur, so I’m really glad I took lots of pictures!
When my twins were 2, I embarked on my first entrepreneurial journey and started “Kovers for Kids”. I made fun hooded towels for kids and shared them with the other moms in my Mothers of Multiples group. When they turned 3, I started my Creative Memories business teaching others to preserve precious memories by scrapbooking. I absolutely LOVED sharing the process with others and discovered how much I enjoyed teaching.
I taught scrapbooking for many years and made so many new friends. And my kids now have scrapbooks of their childhood years as a keepsake.
Along with my corporate job at Texas Instruments, where I worked until 1996, I’ve been fortunate to launch several small businesses. In addition to Kovers for Kids and Creative Memories, I started Peacock Pouches which later became Inspire Things Studio which I own with my sister, Diane Haskins. In 2023 I launched Linda Bonner Studios where I design and create custom handmade note cards and mixed media art.
I’ve been encouraged by many people since Kevin was quite young to write a book about my experiences. In August of 2022, I published Waiting on the Sunrise: Encouragement and Hope for Families and their Children with Disabilities. My purpose in publishing this book is to help, guide and encourage other parents through the phases of raising a child with a disability. In it, I provide information on the importance of self-care as a caregiver, how to find support in your own community, and how to build your own support system. I also include a Resource section for categories such as personal, education, disability services, and legal support. I want to help and encourage other parents on their journey by sharing my story, my experience, and the lessons I learned along the way.
One recent pivotal moment was when my son, Kevin, moved to his independent living community. As we said our goodbyes, he stepped back and said to me, “Look, Mom! I have new wings.” That was his way of telling me he was ready to start his life as an independent adult. It was what I needed to hear to realize I had new wings as well.
Today I’m an artist, an author, a speaker, an entrepreneur, and a disability advocate. I’m a mom, daughter, and sister, and have a blessed life filled with possibilities around every corner.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A smooth road…not exactly. As I reflect on my journey so far, I can say that one significant challenge was not believing in myself. I let doubt and fear keep me from engaging in life when I was younger. I also didn’t feel comfortable asking for help, seeing it as some kind was weakness or failure.
What I know now is that we weren’t designed to go it alone. “It takes a village” might not be far from the truth. I’ve discovered life is best done in fellowship with others.
The sadness and loneliness I experienced when my son with Down Syndrome was born was definitely a challenge. I focused so much on him and let go of tending to myself or my life. When I was a new parent, I just didn’t know any differently.
Even the small setbacks were a struggle because I didn’t have the mindset or capability to handle them. I let them get bigger and out of control. I sought help, worked hard, and ultimately found the prescription for happiness and contentment by focusing less on my troubles and more on the good things I already had in my life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been a creative from the time I was very young. I learned to cook, sew, and do crafts all through my childhood. I even made my work suits, jackets, skirts, and pants when I was in my early 30s. My mom was a wonderful seamstress, as well as my grandmother. My mom even made Barbie clothes that I still have.
My first major creative endeavor was Kover’s For Kids, when I designed and made custom hooded towels for children. This ideas was born out of necessity as my son with Down Syndrome had trouble holding a towel and drying off. With the hood, he could have his hands free to dry off. I started making them for friends and then started selling them. I still have a few of my original designs from over 30 years ago!
Next on my creative journey was Creative Memories. It was very popular in the early 90s, and I fell in love with preserving my own photos and memories and teaching it to others. I had a thriving business with weekly classes held at my house. The result is that now my kids each have scrapbooks of their school years. As phones became better than cameras, the practice of physical scrapbooking has faded.
Never without a creative project, I started Peacock Pouches in the early 2000s. I made custom zippered pouches in fun fabric, mesh tote bags, children’s fabric backpacks, and jewelry pouches. I sold my items through word of mouth and especially love creating items with custom fabrics for my customers.
Today I still make these items, with a few updates, and they are now part of “Inspired Things Studio.” My sister Diane and I started this new company to share our love of fabric, sewing, and design. Today we also make kimono-style robes, children’s ponchos, and aprons for adults and children. This business is one I’m really proud of, and it’s very special since I get to work with my sister!
I got introduced to Art-O-Mat ™ in 2018. This is what launched my career as a working artist. I create miniature art (2″ x 3″) that is now sold in Art-O-Mat machines across the country and around the world. We got one of these art-vending machines at the museum where I work, and I was so enamored with the concept. Never one for large pieces of art, I found my passion creating these miniature pieces. Since 2018 I have created over 3000 pieces of miniature art, and I’m still going strong. As of February 2023, I’ve already completed 350 pieces. My products include Petite Notes, miniature note cards with envelopes, mixed media birds, dresses, tiny cottages, and abstract art. This is something I am very proud of and plan to continue until I can’t!
I teach classes around my miniature art projects so others can enjoy this creative experience.
I must admit that my 1st love is working with paper and embellishments! Making custom note cards from scratch gives me so much joy! I launched Linda Bonner Studios in late 2022, so I could share my love of paper and more importantly to teach people about the art of the handwritten note. This business gives me an opportunity to both create and teach!
My most important accomplishment has been writing and publishing my first book in August 2022. Waiting on the Sunrise: Encouragement and Hope for Families and their Children with Disabilities was an idea I’ve had for over 20 years. I’m so proud of this book and excited to be able to share with families everywhere. In it I share my personal experience in developing the tools and resources that I needed, learning how to reach out for help and support, building a community of support, and ultimately finding joy in my journey!
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love to dance to country music… 2-step, 3-step, polka, and waltz. Waltz is my favorite!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lindabonnerstudios.com
- Instagram: @lindabonnerstudios
- Facebook: Linda Bonner Author Page, @lindabonnerstudios
Image Credits
Olivia Ogren-Hrejsa Photography
