our team
Courtney Pernell
founder and owner
As a potter and artist in Raleigh for more than 20 years, Courtney Pernell has created a space where local makers are supported, and the community is engaged and connected. Bayleaf Market is the culmination of a lifelong belief that we need a place to gather and feel known, and we need to feel part of our local community. Despite facing many difficulties, Courtney still believes the world has magic and goodness, and she wants you to feel that peace when you visit the market. She loves getting to know her makers and customers, and most enjoys the conversations she gets to have with them!
Tori Shelton
Tori is a NC native and has been at Bayleaf since the fall of 2023, when she first started selling her pottery with us. She loves a good to-do list, creating pottery on the wheel, a cup of hot tea, and being in the mountains or searching for treasure on the beach. After being a stay at home mom of three kids for many years, she loves this fun chapter!
Joel Tesch
Joel is a full-time artist whose vibrant work has captivated collectors across the US, UK, and Asia. A native of Raleigh, NC, Joel’s journey has taken him from Atlanta to San Francisco, London, and back to the Raleigh in 2021, where he now lives with his wife and three daughters. A proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, he has made his mark in the local art scene through gallery exhibits, markets, and festivals. Joel’s artistic practice revolves around three core themes: pop art figures and portraits, abstract works, and evocative landscapes. While his subject matter varies, his signature style remains constant, defined by bold colors, striking contrasts, and a sense of fluid movement. These elements come together to create art that invites viewers into a world of both familiarity and mystery.
Erica Pigage
I’m not just an employee at Bayleaf Market, I’m a maker too! I’m the owner and creator behind Port and Starbird, one of a kind, hand made baby items since 2013.
I’m originally from the Jersey shore but have called Raleigh home since 2002. I live in Raleigh with my husband, Dan, and our dogs When I’m not sewing I love spending time with friends, seeing live music and just hanging out with Dan and the dogs.
Sarah McDade
Sarah McDade is a native Raleigh-ite. After spending much time working in the restaurant industry, followed by assistant teaching, she now works at Bayleaf and enjoys creating polymer clay earrings, miniatures, magnets and charms with a popular food theme. She loves working at the shop and chatting with our amazing customers! Sarah also has a deep love for the NC mountains where she spends time with her family whenever she can.
Sarah O’Connor
Sarah started working at Bayleaf in July 2025. She loves traveling with her husband and three daughters, listening to live music, relaxing on the beach and tackling a big organizing project!
She’s a NC native, but has traveled around and lived in 9 different states. She’s happy to be settled for good in Raleigh.