Meet Jamie Lin Wilson: Texas Strong Woman of the Month

This month’s Texas Strong Woman of the Month is my beautiful and talented, singer-songwriter friend, Jamie Lin Wilson.

Meet Jamie Lin Wilson

I met Jamie about 8 years ago, near the end of her time spent touring with Austin-based Americana band, The Gougers. Instantly, I became enamored, not only with her voice, lyrics and guitar prowess, but also with her down-to-earth hospitality and grace.

After performing with The Gougers, which she started with a friend while studying at Texas A&M, Jamie formed and began touring with popular female, folk quartet, The Trishas. Originally from my momma’s hometown of Sealy, Jamie now lives in D’Hanis, Texas, with her husband, Roy, and their three kids–Joanie, Maggie, and Thomas Roy.

Last year, she released her first full-length solo album, Holidays & Wedding Rings, which includes collaborations with other Texas singer-songwriters like Wade Bowen.

Texas Strong Woman of the Month

Favorite title(s) for yourself

I’m called a lot of things these days–mama, housewife, songwriter, among others, I’m sure. It’s hard to pick a favorite, as they are all equal parts of me.

Toughest lesson or challenge

My toughest challenge has been the mother/career balance.

I’m lucky to be surrounded by very supportive folks–from family to community–who are always willing to help me when I need a hand. But, it’s hard. It’s hard to justify leaving home to go out and play shows. Or getting a babysitter so that I can have a day or two to write.

I want to DO IT ALL, and maybe I can. But along with that comes very little sleep and a lot of guilt.

You’re catching me on a the tail end of a week away from home, leaving three kids with my husband. I arrange the sitters and the school pickups, and he does the rest. Then I come home and never want to leave again–for a little while. I want my kids to see that I followed my dream, and it became a reality.

I’m living the life I want, and for that I am thankful. But, it’s a hard line to walk–being ambitious vs. being self-serving. I want them to be proud of me, and maybe even inspired–to think that it’s normal to want to do it all. But, I want everyone to be fulfilled. It’s a constant struggle, but I think we’re doing alright.

Proudest accomplishment

This goes hand-in-hand with the “biggest challenge” question. I’m proud to be able to show my kids that the sky is the limit. Do what you love, and love what you do. I’m excited to see what they choose for their life, and the gifts that God gives them.

Role models or mentors

My parents have been married for 43 years in August and still love each other so deliberately.

I wonder every day how they raised four intelligent, independent and ambitious kids who are all still so close. I think back and remember where they gave us the lead, and when they took it back–and the moments where we thought we were in charge, but they were there, being our safety net.

The stories they have are great. I love watching my dad watch my mom, with such pride. And I love watching her listen to him tell stories, even when she knows he’s exaggerating. My dad is 66 and still ropes steers as often as he can (weekly, for sure).

My mom still rides horses and babysits her grandkids almost every single time we need her (she has 12 of them). They’re sharp, funny, creative, and honest–and I’m lucky to have them. They set a great example for everyone they meet, and they love endlessly.

Best advice for newbies

As a mother: Take all advice with a grain of salt and follow your instincts. Get to know each baby as an individual, and follow their lead. No two babies are the same.

When all else fails, hug.

As a traveling songwriter: Keep a journal. There are so many things I’ve done that I don’t remember well, and I wish I could go back and relive it sometimes.

How you’re building community

Here in my little town, it’s pretty easy to get involved in things. I don’t have much consistency to be able to devote a lot of time, but I do make the time to build friendships with other women in the community. We pick up each other’s kids, deliver food when there’s an illness or new baby, and we build each other up when we need it.

It’s the same with the friends I’ve met in the music world. It’s easy to assume that everyone else doing what you do is competition, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.

We help each other and love each other. We send each other songs, asking if they’re done or not. We help each other get gigs and give contacts, and we advertise shows for one another. It’s a big world, and there’s room for everyone. And the more good music there is, the better the scene will be.

Quote or verse you live by

You know, I don’t really have something like that. I just try to do good, make people happy, make myself happy and not take anything for granted. If I can do that, and teach my children the same, then I’ll consider it a win.

Favorite nonprofit(s) you support

Bluebonnet Children’s Advocacy Center in Hondo is a favorite. It’s a local center here in Medina County for women and children to seek shelter from abusive relationships.

We donate to them now, but I look forward to when I have the time to really volunteer with them.