Meet Brian – Owner & Steward of the Land

Born and raised in Milton, Tennessee, Brian is a proud Tennessee native and lifelong outdoorsman.  With over two decades of service in the Tennessee Air National Guard, Brian brings a strong sense of duty, discipline, and heart to everything he does, including the care and upkeep of the beautiful land Creekside Crafters calls home. He also has a genuine gift for hospitality, making sure everyone who visits feels welcome, comfortable, and at ease.

Brian lives full-time on the property, tending to the working farm alongside his loyal companion, Gunther (our beloved retreat mascot). From early morning chores to late-night fence checks, he’s the quiet, steady presence keeping the farm running smoothly. His attention to detail and daily care ensure the safety, cleanliness, and serenity of the space—so guests can fully relax and enjoy their creative escape.

When he’s not working the land, you’ll likely find Brian in his woodshop—his happy place—designing and crafting one-of-a-kind pieces from reclaimed and natural wood. Inspired by a family of crafters, especially his mother, Brian developed a deep respect for handmade artistry early on. His passion for woodworking is a natural extension of that inspiration, as well as his connection to the land and love of working with his hands.

Brian shares his life with his partner, Meredith, who is a frequent and welcome presence on the farm, along with her three lovable greyhounds: Charm, Lakely, and Brax. You’ll find Meredith helping Brian with the animals and farm chores, bringing warmth and energy to the retreat with every visit.

While the retreat is designed with women in mind, Brian’s role remains behind the scenes, focused on the land and farm operations. With his kind heart, respectful nature, and unwavering work ethic, he’s a trusted and familiar face—often seen waving from a distance with Gunther at his side. Brian is proud to help create a peaceful, welcoming place where guests can unplug, connect, and craft to their heart’s content.

Meet Bonnie
CEO (Crafting Executive Officer)
Social Media Manager
Event Coordinator

Bonnie is a creative visionary, skilled organizer, and lifelong crafter with a passion for building community. Originally from Michigan, Bonnie relocated to Tennessee in 2002 and quickly fell in love with the charm, pace, and people of the South. She has served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years, currently serving in the Tennessee Air National Guard, where she and Brian became fast friends. Together, they bring a unique blend of dedication, creativity, and hospitality to the retreat experience.

With a love for all things handmade and a gift for taking care of and gathering people together, Bonnie helped create Creekside Crafters as a space where women can rest, recharge, and reconnect—with creativity, with nature, and with each other. As the retreat’s CEO (Crafting Executive Officer), Bonnie manages the events, content, and social media presence with the same attention to detail and care that she puts into her crafting.

You’ll often find her with a cup of coffee in hand, already planning her next creative project and dreaming up new ways to make each guest feel at home. Whether she’s organizing a crop weekend, snapping photos for Instagram, or greeting guests with a warm smile, Bonnie is the driving force behind the magic of Creekside.

Meet Gunther
Chief Happiness Officer (CHO)
Director of Tail Wags and Welcomes
Pawsitivity Ambassador
Resident Good Boy

Born on October 28, 2019, in Germany, Gunther began life with a big mission—training to become a TSA service dog. He underwent specialized training at the TSA Canine Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas.  While he showed great potential, and came close to earning his badge, his handlers quickly realized that Gunther’s gentle heart and kind sensitive soul was better suited for companionship than high-pressure service work.

In December 2020, Gunther found his perfect place as Brian’s loyal companion – with his calm spirit and loyal heart, Gunther is now the beloved retreat mascot at Creekside Crafters.  Whether he’s greeting guests with a wagging tail, napping in the sunshine, or chasing his favorite tennis balls across the field, Gunther brings joy and comfort to everyone he meets. 

He still carries his official TSA tattoo ~ C542 ~ as a badge of his journey, but his true calling is clear: being Brian’s best friend and watcher over the farm with unwavering devotion.