Meet the Owner of Bayleaf Market!

Tucked along Six Forks Road just past 540, Bayleaf Market has become a cherished treasure for locals seeking handmade goods, fresh finds, and a warm sense of community. But at the center of this charming, front-porch-style shop is its founder, Courtney Pernell, a potter, artist, and advocate for local makers who has spent more than 20 years creating beauty with her hands and fostering connection in Raleigh.

A Dream Rooted in Creative Community

Bayleaf Market began as Courtney’s dream of creating a space where North Carolina makers could thrive and where customers could feel truly known. Today, that dream comes to life in a vibrant storefront filled with handmade gifts and fine art, including pottery, jewelry, soaps, baby items, candles, wall art, and more crafted by over 100 talented local artisans. Courtney loves inspiring her artists with new ideas, providing a vision, and seeing it come to life. One of her core focuses and one of her favorite parts of her job is maintaining strong, meaningful relationships with the makers she personally knows, supports, and proudly stands behind.

A Pantry Filled With Local Flavor

Beyond gifts and art, Bayleaf Market is a delicious stop for pantry favorites like jams, pepper jellies, local raw honey, sauces, pickled items, and fresh-roasted coffee. The fridge and freezer feature seasonal treats such as pimento cheese, chicken salad, and cobblers, along with beloved year-round staples like home-baked cookies and farm-made ice cream. When the seasons change, the market’s shelves fill with fresh produce grown by nearby farms, another way Courtney strengthens the bond between community and local agriculture.

A Cozy Space That Feels Like Home

What truly sets Bayleaf Market apart is its spirit. The cozy, welcoming space feels like stepping back in time, where neighbors gather, conversations linger, and everyone is greeted like a friend. Courtney’s belief in the magic and goodness of the world, despite the challenges she has faced, fills every corner of the shop. She pours that hope into the market, ensuring visitors feel a sense of peace, connection, and belonging the moment they walk through the door or pause to chat on the front porch.

The Heart of the Market: Courtney’s Connections

For Courtney, the best part of owning Bayleaf Market isn’t the shelves stocked with beautiful goods; it’s the people. The makers she champions, the customers she gets to know by name, and the countless conversations that weave their way into the soul of the store.

More Than a Market

Bayleaf Market is more than a shop. It’s a community hub, a celebration of local creativity, and a home away from home for anyone who steps inside. And at the heart of it all is Courtney, a maker, a connector, and the visionary who turned a lifelong belief in community into a place where everyone feels welcome.