Bonnie Alexander
Originally, I met Bonnie Alexander at a private wine country party and could not help but notice her fabulous style! Bonnie is the epitome of the new and elusive fashion term, wine country chic. With a combination of her own designs and ferreting out creative apparel and accessories in boutiques all over the country, she brings together a sense of style all her own…that other 50+ers, like myself, find inspirational.
When I shared with one winemaker in the area that I was going to be doing a profile on Bonnie, I was told that, even if you couldn’t see her, you could always find Bonnie at Chateau St. Jean by following her infectious laughter.
But, although I will beg her to take me under her wing for the “wine country” section of my wardrobe, that is not why I wanted to talk more closely with her. It was hearing about the employment choice she made! And, I recently caught up with her at a local patisserie.
At 50+ Bonnie feels that life is better and has more balance. To achieve that balance, Bonnie made a tough decision. It took her three years of soul searching and she describes the process to be as “difficult as pulling your body through a keyhole.” After 25 years of working her way up at Chateau St. Jean winery, in the tasting room, in public relations, handling hospitality for visiting V.I.P.s, and then directing the winery’s events, she decided that although she loved working at the winery, she needed a little more time to pursue her other creative talents. As a result, she traded the responsibilities that engaged her on evenings and weekends, and went to work on the administrative side of the business with the self-assigned title of “Director of First Impressions.” With all her experience, she brings a level of expertise that would be impossible to find in anyone else! And, I congratulate her because many of us don’t think in terms of anything but bigger, longer, and more, in terms of our careers. Bonnie knew that those things she had put on hold, due to long hours, were screaming to be released and went for it! Good for her, and maybe this is something you’ll want to think about when you are reviewing your own careers.
So, what is Bonnie up to with the gift she gave herself…more time. When you are as creative and have as much energy as she does, there is rarely just one thing that bubbles to the surface. She grows her own lavender to make sachets; she makes beeswax candles, origami ornaments, jewelry and soft, sculpted Spirit Horses…all to be sold at local craft faires. She and her husband are currently remodeling their home and she is currently planning a big, country western themed birthday party for him, complete with line dancing lessons.
She also receives great pleasure from volunteering with the http://www.egret.org)”>Bouverie Preserve (http://www.egret.org), a 500 acre preserve in Glen Ellen, California, that focuses on involving third and fourth grade children in preserving our environment. Bonnie loves working with the kids and is constantly reenergized by their enthusiasm.
When I asked Bonnie what she liked about being 50+ she said, “I really like who I’ve become. I feel polished by the experiences of my life and I feel calmer.” Her father always said, “It’s a good life if you know how to live it.” And, Bonnie now knows exactly what he meant!
Come and visit Bonnie and taste the delicious wines at Chateau St. Jean!
