We recently had the chance to connect with Margaret Dowling-Murphy and have shared our conversation below.
Margaret, 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 are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I often have to remind myself that, in the last 5 years, I have built up an entire business and started another one, all while working other jobs and raising 3 kids. We all tend to forget to celebrate our wins, and I’m guilty of that, especially when I don’t reach my sales goals or my social media isn’t growing as fast as I want. It’s so easy to focus on what is NOT going well that it’s good to shift the spotlight to what IS working well. I literally started from scratch after making a career pivot, and now I’m exhibiting and selling my art. Most importantly, I’ve been able to build something around my kids, and they are my greatest source of pride.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In 2020, I was looking for a new way to make a living that was more flexible because my kids were young. My husband, Kevin, returned to woodworking and began selling some of it locally. I saw an opportunity to collaborate with him and expand our offerings as part of a larger business, which became Murphy Wood Art, which is mostly rustic art. Over the next few years, we honed our skills, collaborated on pieces, and scaled our business beyond friends and family. We picked up some interest from different news outlets, which helped to get our story out to more people. I started participating in exhibits and, this past April, I spun off my own brand, Dowling Murphy Art, where I feature my expanding offerings of canvas art and prints.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband, Kevin, has been an unwavering support through it all. Whenever I doubt myself, he is the first to remind me what I’ve accomplished and why it’s worth continuing. His support ranges from encouraging pep talks to building display cases and studio space. He even converted some of his workspace for me, a true sign of love.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I come close to giving up a few times a day, but I’m also stubbornly determined. I’ve gotten caught in downpours at outdoor events, had exhibits where nothing sold, and have ruined plenty of pieces during the learning process. I have driven myself to the point of exhaustion, failed dozens of times, and faced seemingly endless plateaus when my bank balance dwindled down to almost nothing. Creativity is not an on-demand process and hard work does not guarantee success. In fact, I’m not totally sure what it is that keeps me going – maybe it’s the love I have for creating. I may take breaks to recalibrate and refocus, but I haven’t given up yet. I hope I never have to.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that collaboration is more powerful than competition. I say all the time, “High tides raise all boats.” In my opinion, people can accomplish more when they work together, and one person’s success doesn’t necessarily take away from someone else. Some people believe gatekeeping is a way of safeguarding their own success, but I believe that we can build each other up. When I meet other creators, I am eager to recommend them, answer questions, share ideas, and connect them with other people in my network. If you put goodness out into the world, I believe it comes back. Plus, it’s just more joyful to exist in a state of sharing and encouragement rather than one of fear and competitiveness.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
If the day ends in a “y,” then I know I’m out of my depth! Every single day, I’m doing things I haven’t done before: raising kids, navigating adolescence with my own kids, learning new aspects of a business, and facing life stages with which I have no experience. We all are. Life is all about living outside our realm of comfort and expertise. The question is, “How WELL do we operate when we are out of our depth?”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DowlingMurphy.Art
- Instagram: @Magsdmartwork
- Facebook: @DowlingMurphyArt
- Other: Companion Website: www.MurphyWoodArt.com
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