Ann Bailey, aka, “Mama Bailey” is the matriarch of the Bailey family and one of the founders of Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. She is known for her warmth, kindness and joy, as well as being a savvy businesswoman and mother hen to all her children, grandchildren and employees. If an entire community gives you a nickname like,” Mama,” you know you you’ve done something right.

Something many people don’t know about me: I have tons of energy and love to dance! I still have energy I have not used yet. I am wide open all of the time; sitting on the ready button!

Best present I ever got: A brand new red Cadillac!

My passion is: When I get up every morning, I get dressed and drive 6 miles to get my mail. It is a good feeling, because I still feel like I’m getting up to go to work. I have too much energy to sit around.

My best friend says I am: The best friend she has ever had.

Favorite piece of clothing in my closet: I like jackets and long skirts, that are loose and flowy, so I can move and feel comfortable.

Best accessory I have...itgoes with everything: Black pocketbook, that goes with everything. My favorite accessory years ago would be a large brim hat, that people could not see over in church. If they sat behind me in church, they would ask me to slide over so they could see the preacher.

Best vacation I ever took: When a hurricane came to Rocky Mount, and the children were little, we would pack up and head off to the mountains. That was always a fun time to get away!

I am most proud of: What the family has done with the business.

What keeps me awake at night: I am good sleeper, nothing keeps me awake! However, I used to be able to stay awake all of the time and go to work as much as I could. My motto used to be “Sleeping is wasting your life away!”

Something I cook really well: Chicken pastry and devilled eggs.

Favorite TV show: Larry King, at night and Price is Right is great too. I love to watch the news and keep up with current events.

What I had for breakfast this morning: I just open my paper and go to Central Café on Church Street. And, I get eggs, toast and coffee.

The world would be a better place if: If everyone loved their job and families and tried to preserve this world. Everyone needs more love in their hearts for each other.

The best advice from my mom: She taught to work and love hard, by showing me in her actions.

Most important item in my makeup bag: It’s got to be a mirror and some red lipstick.

I’d like to learn: In this day and age, I would like to learn to be more patient.

My last major purchase was: At Christmas time, I like to buy the grandkids games, toys, and other gifts!

My theme song is: Every song is my theme song! If I hear a song, I finish singing it and I start to jive!

What I wanted to be “when I grew up,” before I grew up: I wanted to be a secretary at Barton College, because I lovde being a business major.

Best teacher I ever had: Ms. Ligon, an English teacher that I had, who taught me how to Crochet.

Shopping: online or in person: In person! I have to see, touch and feel, to get the perfect fit!

Favorite clothing store to shop in: I have too many to count!

Words I live by: I have a lot of energy. If you don’t use, you are going to lose it! Use it every day to the fullest! Time is not made to be wasted!