Meet Bonnie McNett

We recently connected with Bonnie McNett and have shared our conversation below.

Bonnie, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

I have always lived by the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
I have been fortunate to have had my needs met as a child and adult, but I have seen what happens when people/children lack basic necessities. I value giving back. We volunteer at the NICU at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital:, the public library, the Farmer’s Market: we donate to schools, Raptor Inc., L.I.F.E. Food Pantry, Scouting troops, Loveland Stage Company, Pride groups, Black Art Speaks, the Art League of Loveland, and other non-profits

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As the owner of Whistle Stop Clay Works, I have the opportunity to meet and interact with lots of people every day.
The studio strives to create a welcoming environment for people regardless of the race, religion, ability or sexual orientation,
We have a unique space where people feel at home and are in a judgement free zone. There is a natural movement of ideas and creative energy that flows in the studio and creates invaluable connections between people. Its very exciting to see people meet others are form bonds of friendship that are bigger that the studio. Real connections for folks, which are especially critical after a relocation or the passing of a spouse. It is incredibly rewarding to to see people have meaningful interactions while creating art.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1) Being socially and mentally flexible
2) being willing to take risks and partnering with other artists/businesses
3) realizing that mistakes are learning opportunities, and not failures.

I think that folks starting on their journey should listen more and talk less: be open to the ideas and suggestions of others. Some of the best ideas or programs that we have at the studio were either directly from studio members or were the result of a conversation with a studio member.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always looking to collaborate. I think working with other businesses is super exciting and brings some freshness to both parties. I’m partnering with a plant store, several restaurants, two retail stores and a coffee shop. We all have something to offer each other. The challenge in making time to connect with others and to sort out what the collaboration looks like.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

I personally took each photograph. I verbally had permission to take each photo.

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