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Photo courtesy of Bailey’s Fine Jewelry
Editor’s note: Mama Ann Bailey passed away Feb. 16 at the age of 100.
A Raleigh treasure, Mama Ann Bailey’s “get up and go” is still full throttle—living proof that age is just a number, and hers is unlisted. “I always said my middle name was ‘Go’—and I meant it. I didn’t sit still long enough to get old. … I only have one speed: fast, fast, fast. Sitting around just never suited me.”
Turning triple digits in late June, the Bailey’s Fine Jewelry co-founder and Nash County’s first female business owner is taking stock at 100. Thanks to Mama Ann’s grit (read: orphaned at an early age), hustle and razor-sharp business sense—plus a legendary partnership with her late husband Clyde Sr., a master watchmaker—what started as one 11-foot-wide storefront has grown into a five-store NC legacy and LA studio to boot. Clearly, when love and hustle link up, the grind goes golden.
No one builds an empire—or lives a life—like Mama Ann’s without picking up some timeless tea along the way. Here, the centenarian legend shares her tried-and-true truths—straight from the source.
“If the Lord gives you a good day, you better not waste it. I tried to make each day count for something.”
“I never was much of a drinker—I think that helped me make it this far. That and staying out of other people’s business.”
“Back when I used to work, I always said, I get to go to work. Most people complain and say they have to go to work.”
“I’ve always said, ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead.’ I like to live life to the fullest.”
“I loved the jewelry business, I loved helping customers, and I loved loading our store with beautiful jewelry. I’ve always said you can’t sell for an empty wagon.”
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What a legacy! Thank you for sharing this story of a local lady who worked hard and made a good name for herself.