An Inspired Chat with Megan Wimberley

Megan Wimberley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Megan , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I think people generally understand that I’m really busy between my work with Cowgirl Artists of America (CGA) and my own art career, but I honestly don’t think it’s something you can fully understand without spending a few days in my shoes. During CGA’s first enrollment, 140 people joined, and it hit me hard that I had to be savvy and forward-thinking about every single element—from newsletter sign-ups, to marketing for shows, to templates and designs. It can be hard to discipline yourself to always think this way, but I constantly remind myself that what I do today can set me up for either failure or success in the future.

Sometimes people assume there’s a big team behind CGA, but they don’t realize how much I’m doing day to day. For a few years, I wasn’t able to paint very much, and that really took a toll on me. I’ve been approaching things with more mindfulness now, making sure my art practice and business get primary focus at times. In the beginning, they were always secondary, and that left me feeling sad—like I was failing as an artist. There was just so much to manage for CGA that I didn’t know how to handle it all.

Now, with several years under my belt, I have stronger systems in place and am able to paint much more, while also moving things forward with CGA. It was definitely a sacrifice, but I’m glad I made it. Today it’s really about being mindful, having a solid strategy and plan, and checking in with that plan often. I’m learning to say no to things that don’t align and to be realistic about what I can accomplish as a mere mortal. I used to push myself way too hard, which left me sick, depressed, and exhausted, with no time to simply be human.

It takes constant vigilance, a clear plan, and a lot of hard work—but I think I’m doing much better now at balancing my time and juggling multiple responsibilities. I think a lot of us are just trying to balance big dreams with real life, and I’m grateful to share that journey with people.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Megan Wimberley, a contemporary Western and wildlife artist, and the founder of Cowgirl Artists of America (CGA). Over the last 10 years, I’ve developed a style that’s truly my own: bold, colorful realism grounded in anatomical correctness and detail. I’m known for this bold, colorful style and and telling stories of the human–animal connection and experience.

Through my work with CGA, I strive to bring more recognition to female Western artists and makers, while also helping artists grow their careers and approach their work with a business mindset. While our mission is to increase recognition for female Western artists, we also believe we are better together, so men are welcome as members too. This and the fact that we have artists at every stage of their careers, from new business owners to world-renowned professionals, really sets CGA apart. We serve our members and accomplish our mission through thoughtful strategy and long-term initiatives.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
This is such an interesting question, and as someone who cares a lot about self-development I really love it. For much of my life, I was a hard worker to the extreme. I often put my well-being, desires, and even my gut instincts aside in order to keep the peace or make others happy. I thought if I worked hard enough, things would fall into place.

What I’ve released is the need to play small and please everyone. I’ve learned that my energy is valuable, and I don’t have to give it to people or situations that don’t honor kindness and respect. What I’m keeping — and leaning into more than ever — is open, curious communication, confidence in who I am, and the courage to live into my values. If that doesn’t please everyone, that’s okay. Life is too short. As Mary Oliver said, “tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Hang in there, kiddo. I know it feels really hard right now and everything feels crazy and tumultuous. It’s not fair what you’re dealing with, but you’re doing an amazing job. You’ll build a really beautiful life — one you’ll be proud of. I can’t wait for you to see it.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I didn’t want to just guess at this one, so I actually took a little poll of my closest friends. They told me that I care deeply about people and about doing the right thing. That I try to be a good example, and that I’m thoughtful in how I approach my businesses and my efforts to make a difference for women in Western art. They said I care about justice, that I take time to think through all sides of a situation, and that I’m a caring and loyal friend.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I think it’s human nature to feel defensive about being wrong. We’re wired to want to protect ourselves from that. But that’s just ego, and it holds us back; both as individuals and as a species. One of the most powerful things I’ve learned is that it’s okay to be wrong. What’s not okay is realizing I’m wrong and then choosing to dig my heels in.

That’s hard, because sometimes the things we believed or the actions we took hurt other people, and that makes us even more defensive. Most of us aren’t trying to be harmful on purpose, so facing the fact that we were wrong can feel unbearable. But if you can take a breath, lean into that discomfort, and stay curious, the world opens up.

At the heart of it, it’s about becoming comfortable, or at least tolerant, of internal discomfort. If we can sit with that and still approach each other, and the world’s challenges, with kindness and curiosity, it would make a huge difference. Not just in the world, but in who we are as people.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Brittany Colt

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