Anne Marie - The Creative One

Loves

Interior design. I love creating spaces that feel personal, unique and special, each object telling a story. I have a real passion for crafts and handmade items – and huge respect for the artisans who make them.

Nature. I’m the dreamer and traveller, exploring and finding peace in the beauty of this world. I get joy from simple things: sunrises and sunsets, rain on my face, watching the waves roll in on a windy day, seeing a new bloom in the garden. 

Her Story

Since leaving Ireland in my late teens, I’ve travelled and worked all over the world. As my husband and I moved around, we found ourselves always creating a home. 

I’ve done major property re-models: from restoring a 1901 Old Manse on the shores of Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland to its original Edwardian glory, to sourcing everything I could from the 1950s era for a cute cottage in Carmel-by-the-Sea – including unique exterior lights rescued from a 1950s ocean liner, complete with nicks and dents from their nautical journeys. 

I lost my husband suddenly, way too prematurely. He was Scottish and proud of it. We shared a love of the Celtic rituals, tradition, music, dancing, stories, poetry, humour, and the incredibly beautiful, rugged land. He was a teacher and a wonderful storyteller, passionate about life. 

Baileo is my way of honouring his memory, and my mum and dad’s too. Throughout our lives, our connection to our family and homeland was strong. Our homes reflected this, with elements that reminded us of our roots. We know what it feels like to be far away and to crave that connection to stay in touch with who we are. This is why we are creating Baileo – for people like us.



Role at Baileo

Tracking down unique and authentic items, curating our products, building partnerships, and ensuring our customer experience is a great one. Also telling the world what we do and why (aka marketing and communications).

Lives

In a quirky, one-of-a-kind 1950’s adobe house close to the Pacific Ocean in beautiful Carmel, California. It’s Steinbeck country, the home of one of my favourite authors. The nearby Santa Lucia mountains remind me of my sister Lucia. 

It’s my little piece of heaven and a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley and New York, where I worked in marketing and communications for many years. I love snuggling by the fire with my wonderful dog, Rocket, listening to the chatter of friends and family, or being still in the silence.

Stories and storytelling. Words have such power to move people: to touch their hearts, open their minds and fire their imagination.

My dog Rocket. A rescue dog with so much love to give and who helped me through some of the most difficult times of my life.

What does heritage mean to you? 

Heritage is our traditions, rituals, customs and values. For me, it’s the wonder of our ancient kingdoms, myths and legends and the scents and sounds that stir our hearts. It’s the hum and lilt of a harp, a fiddle, or a tin whistle, and a jig, a reel and a river dance. It’s the words and language that are unique to us, and the amazing symbols and imagery that represent our past and present.

What makes you feel at home?

Home is not just a place - it’s about who you’re with and how you feel. It’s that feeling of true connection and comfort, where you can be yourself and know that you are loved just because you’re you.

What do you want Baileo to be?

A place where people can connect to their heritage and their roots. Where they can learn a little, laugh a lot, discover treasures, share their stories, be inspired and feel like they belong. 

A place that helps others. Where you can find that special Celtic “something” for all of life’s major moments, including times of need when saying or giving the right thing can mean so much. 

A place that supports people and artists of all abilities and ages, giving them a platform to showcase their talent and make a living.