Lifestyle

MY POTTERY PASSION: HOW I MAKE TIME FOR CREATIVITY

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When you’re juggling a high-pressure real estate career, filming a hit Netflix show, and trying to maintain some semblance of a personal life, finding time for creativity might seem impossible. But here’s something most people don’t know about me – I’m absolutely obsessed with pottery. There’s something magical about taking a lump of clay and transforming it into something beautiful. It’s the complete opposite of my fast-paced LA life, and that’s exactly why I love it.

Finding My Clay Journey

Between showing multi-million dollar properties and managing drama on Selling Sunset, I needed something that was just for me. No cameras, no clients, just my hands and the wheel. It’s my form of meditation – except instead of sitting still (which my ADHD brain struggles with!), I’m creating something beautiful.

Why Pottery?

– It forces me to slow down

– You can’t check your phone with clay-covered hands

– There’s something so grounding about working with earth

– Every piece tells a story

– It’s a skill that takes patience (something I’m still working on!)

Making Time for Creativity

People always ask how I fit pottery into my crazy schedule. The truth? You don’t find time – you make it. Just like I block time for important client meetings, I schedule my pottery sessions. It’s non-negotiable me-time.

My Pottery Schedule:

– Early morning sessions before showings (6 AM is so peaceful in the studio!)

– Sunday afternoons when I’m not hosting open houses

– Quick throwing sessions between filming breaks

– Late-night studio time when I need to decompress

Current Pottery Projects:

– Making custom vessels for my home staging projects

– Creating unique closing gifts for special clients

– Working on a set of dinner plates for Romain and me

– Experimenting with different glazing techniques

The Learning Curve

Full disclosure – my first attempts at pottery were hilariously bad. But just like in real estate, success comes with practice. I’ve learned to embrace the imperfections. Sometimes the “flaws” end up being the most beautiful parts of a piece.

Studio Essentials I Can't Live Without:

– My favorite throwing tools

– A good apron (clay gets EVERYWHERE)

– Comfortable stool (proper posture is key)

– Inspiration notebook

– Hand cream (clay can be drying!)

How Pottery Has Made Me Better at Business

Surprisingly, pottery has taught me valuable lessons that apply to my career:

– Patience is essential

– Sometimes you need to start over

– Every piece is unique (just like every property)

– The importance of strong foundations

– Beauty in imperfection

The ADHD Factor

For someone with ADHD, pottery is actually perfect because:

– It requires full focus

– Provides immediate tactile feedback

– Has clear steps to follow

– Shows visible progress

– Combines creativity with structure

Tips for Pottery Beginners:

1. Start with hand-building before wheel throwing

2. Take basic classes to learn proper techniques

3. Don’t expect perfection

4. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy

5. Be patient with yourself

What's in My Pottery Bag:

Balancing Creativity and Career

I’ve learned that making time for creativity isn’t selfish – it’s necessary. When I’m at the wheel, I’m not thinking about property listings or camera angles. I’m just present in the moment, and that mental break makes me better at everything else I do.

Future Pottery Goals:

– Setting up a small studio at home

– Mastering crystalline glazes

– Creating a collection of unique pieces for staging

– Teaching Romain (he’s resistant but I’ll convince him!)

Remember:

Whether it’s pottery, painting, or any other creative outlet, making time for creativity isn’t just about the end product – it’s about giving yourself permission to explore, learn, and grow outside of your comfort zone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MARY BONNET
Mary Bonnet is most notably recognized for her role on Netflix’s Emmy-Nominated, MTV Award-Winning hit series “Selling Sunset.” As Vice President of The Oppenheim Group, Mary is a prominent figure in the world of luxury real estate in LA, with total sales of $140M+ to date. Named as one of the most powerful women on reality TV, Mary is garnering attention as an advocate for empowering women.

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