We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Linda Bonner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Linda below.

Alright, Linda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I have been a card designer since 2018. I was initially creating miniature handmade cards and envelopes, which I sold through Art-O-Mat (TM). I found out about Art-O-Mat when we got one at the local history museum where I worked. These vintage cigarette machines are refurbished to dispense original art the size of a cigarette carton! I was so enamoured and that was the beginning of my art career.

From there, I began creating full-size greeting and note cards and launched Linda Bonner Studios in 2021. I design and create cards for everyday and special occasions, holidays, sympathy, get well, congratulations, and thank you. In addition, I create custom greeting and note cards for businesses that want to celebrate their employees, clients, or volunteers.

For several years, I participated in vendor shows and craft fairs and sold my cards, miniature art, and handmade journals. After several very slow months, I knew it was time to make a change. I needed something more challenging and interesting.

It was important to me to keep designing and creating cards, to teach others, and to serve. I had several promising ideas when, during a session with my business coach, I blurted out, “I want to teach card-making to seniors”.

I was very surprised when this idea just appeared! It was the perfect combination of my criteria: Designing, Teaching, and Serving.

I had been teaching children’s summer art camp and miniature art classes. The thought of bringing creativity to senior communities through card-making was something that wasn’t being done. It was unique, and I could visualize the process and the workshops; it was empowering and invigorating! I was filled with excitement.

I researched the concept and learned so much about the benefits of creativity for seniors, including longevity, improved cognition, connection and communication, and more!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

A Creative Journey Begins
From my earliest days, creativity has been the heartbeat of my life. Growing up alongside my mom and three sisters, our home was always alive with the hum of scissors, the swirl of fabric, and the joy of making something new together. These shared moments sparked a lifelong passion that continues to shape who I am.

Turning Inspiration Into Action
As I moved into adulthood, my creative energy found new outlets. I launched Kovers For Kids, designing handmade hooded towels for children. This idea was born out of love and necessity: my son, who has Down Syndrome, struggled with standard towels after bath time. By simply adding a hood, I watched him gain independence and confidence. Soon, other parents noticed the benefits, and the hooded towels became a favorite for families seeking both function and comfort.

Building Creative Connections
My creative ventures didn’t stop there. I joined Creative Memories to teach traditional scrapbooking, helping others preserve their cherished memories with a personal touch. Later, my sister and I teamed up to create Inspired Things Studio, an online shop filled with unique, handcrafted cards, gifts, and sewn items like robes, purses, and children’s apparel. Each project was a celebration of collaboration and the joy of making something meaningful for others.

A New Chapter: Linda Bonner Studios
In 2021, I took a leap and launched Linda Bonner Studios. Although I had been designing and crafting handmade cards since 2018, opening my own online store was a dream come true. Now, I offer cards for every occasion-birthdays, holidays, weddings, new babies, get well wishes, and more. Each card is a small work of art, designed to help people celebrate life’s milestones and everyday moments.

The Power of Handmade
Handmade cards hold a special kind of magic. They offer a personal touch that mass-produced cards simply can’t match. When you receive a card crafted just for you, with a heartfelt message inside, it becomes more than a greeting-it becomes a keepsake, a memory to treasure. I know firsthand the joy of finding a card in the mailbox, and I’m grateful to share that experience with others.

Creating Keepsakes, Sharing Joy
In 2024, I added Card-Making Workshops to my list of services at Linda Bonner Studios. These workshops are delivered to seniors in their communities, from independent living to assisted living and memory care. Each participant receives a kit with all the supplies needed to create 2 cards, and the result is magical! They get an experience outside of their daily lives, engage in creative expression, and build connections! These workshops are joyful and inspiring for both the residents and me.

Participating in creative projects not only improves memory and cognition it also boosts the immune system, helps with motor skills, promotes longevity, reduces stress, and builds confidence and happiness.

Looking back, I see how each chapter of my creative journey has been woven together by love, family, and a desire to brighten someone’s day. Whether I’m teaching a class or designing a card, my goal is always the same: to inspire, to connect, and to help others celebrate the moments that matter most.

As I continue to grow Linda Bonner Studios, I invite you to join me in cherishing creativity, embracing inspiration, and sharing joy-one handmade creation at a time.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Discovering a New Path
Everything changed during a brainstorming session with my coach. Suddenly, a new direction became clear: teaching card-making workshops to seniors. This idea brought together everything I valued- creativity, connection, and service. It was the spark that ignited the beginning of Card-Making Workshops for Seniors, allowing me to continue designing and sharing my love for handmade cards while making a real difference in the lives of others.

Finding Joy in Senior Communities
In October 2024, I began offering workshops in senior living communities. From the very first session, I was captivated by the seniors and their stories. Watching them engage with the creative process, support one another, and rediscover joy and purpose reminded me why I started this journey. Their enthusiasm and camaraderie turned each workshop into a celebration of creativity and community.

A Lasting Impact
This work has become one of the most meaningful chapters of my creative journey. I am continually inspired by the resilience, wisdom, and warmth of the seniors I serve. As I look ahead, I am committed to growing these workshops and continuing to bring creativity, connection, and joy to those who need it most.

My journey has taught me that even when circumstances change, there is always a way to adapt, serve, and inspire. Creativity is not just about making things- it’s about making a difference, one handmade card and one heartfelt connection at a time.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Building a Strong Client Base
Growing my Card-Making Workshops for Seniors has been a journey built on personal connections and community involvement. There are two main ways I’ve been able to find and build a strong client base, and I’d love to share them with you.

Connecting Through In-Person Visits
The first and most important way is by visiting senior communities in person. My service is all about making real connections with seniors, so meeting face-to-face with activity and life enrichment directors is key. These directors are careful about who they invite to work with their residents, so a personal visit helps me build trust, answer their questions, and share my passion for serving seniors.

When I first started these visits, I felt a bit nervous. But I quickly discovered that many communities are actually looking for professionals to lead workshops and spend quality time with their residents. Over time, I’ve built wonderful relationships not only with the directors but also with the seniors themselves.

Growing Through Networking
The second way I’ve grown my business is by networking with others who also serve seniors. Many communities host special events where service providers can meet and learn about each other’s work. Attending these events has helped me connect with other professionals, some of whom I now partner with to bring even more creative opportunities to seniors.

I’m also an active member of NTAGS (the North Texas Area Gerontological Society) and other local groups focused on senior care. These memberships help me stay connected, learn new things, and find new ways to serve.

It’s All About Relationships
At the heart of everything I do is relationship-building. In any business, and especially in work with seniors, strong relationships are the foundation for trust, referrals, and mutual support. I’ve learned that when you lead with kindness and a genuine desire to help, people respond in amazing ways.

Building these connections has not only helped my business grow but has also filled my life with purpose and joy. I am grateful for every opportunity to serve, connect, and create lasting memories with the seniors and communities I work with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lindabonnerstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindabonnerstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Linda-Bonner-Studios/100086536440974/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=bf&trkInfo=AQFMwuICX42qWAAAAZaSEDGo0z50nbbNv2xkP_PYRjuGCgnSxEB7ovJNHzLz1OYP9Al5bTuic6vamIlpHC7kZgOcWRUJMnJjeoZ0TxngN5002qCMamdNyWz4q5SdGwhpi9Ip88c=&original_referer=&sessionRedirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Flinda-bonner-4953211a7%2F

Image Credits

Linda Bonner