We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chrys Bonnay-Lewis. Check out our conversation below.
Chrys, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time when I’m creating. Doing so is my salvation, and sometimes I create just for the sake of creating, with no real goal in mind—just an exercise to settle my mind and let the creativity flow.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Chrys from Chrys’ Porcelain. I am a potter, artist, teacher, small business owner, and a lover of all things art and design. Chrys’ Porcelain is a small ceramic studio where I offer private one-on-one pottery lessons, both on the potter’s wheel and off.
I also host “Pot Parties,” a fun experience where you can visit my studio, create with clay, and enjoy a party all at the same time. “Pot Parties” is a registered trademark of Chrys’ Porcelain and is available for private events, date nights, family nights, girls’ and/or family nights, etc. Pot Parties are available to book through Airbnb experiences or by contacting me directly—email or text. The studio can host up to 6 guests at a time and up to 30 at your location.
I have been a maker my entire life and a potter for over 30 years. All my wares are crafted from Porcelain or contain a porcelain element in each piece.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was hard of hearing, and this wasn’t recognized until I was about eight years old. I underwent several surgeries during my childhood to improve my hearing, and despite this challenge, I was not held back in school. However, because I couldn’t hear well, I missed out on learning phonics like my peers, which put me behind academically. This struggle led me to believe that I was less intelligent than others. It wasn’t until I attended college that I discovered I was actually a creative problem solver with intelligence. This realization opened up doors for me that I had not previously thought possible.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I fear that my hearing loss often causes me to miss important information. I still struggle with hearing and worry that I don’t always receive all the important information being conveyed. I also worry that I’m too loud when speaking due to the hearing loss.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is the real me. I don’t know how to be anything other than myself, which I think has turned out to be a pretty cool lady with a lot of creative energy.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Creating art is a skill that develops over time through practice. Few people can produce a masterpiece the first time they pick up a paintbrush, drawing materials, or clay. It requires patience and an understanding that the process is often more important than the finished result. Being creative is a life skill that benefits all aspects of a person’s life. Art is everywhere—from the programs we watch on television to the content we see on the internet and in advertisements. Art is not just drawing and painting; it’s all around us and impacts our daily lives more than we realize.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrysporcelain/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrys-bonnay-lewis-48753221/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrysbonnaylewis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chrysporcelain
- Other: https://www.airbnb.com/hosting/listings/experience/3832453/view-your-experience
