About Tracy Marie | Founder of Marie & Oakley

There’s something about the coast that stays with you.

The color of the water at sunrise.
The way the light dances on the waves.
The feeling of salt in the air and sand under your feet.

Marie & Oakley was born from that feeling.

The Story

Hi, I’m Tracy—artist, jewelry maker, and the founder of Marie & Oakley.

For years, I built a career in digital marketing, helping brands grow and tell their stories. But beneath it all, I was always creating—drawn to color, texture, and the quiet beauty of handmade work.

In 2025, my husband Jayson and I made a life-changing move from Durham to Wilmington, North Carolina. Closer to the ocean. Closer to the light. Closer to the kind of inspiration that had been calling me for years.

That’s when Marie & Oakley truly came to life.

What started as a creative outlet became something more—a way to capture the colors of the sea and turn them into pieces you can wear, hold, and keep.

The Inspiration

Every piece is inspired by the coast.

Aquamarine like clear blue water.
Turquoise like sunlit shallows.
Pearls like treasures found along the shoreline.

My work is rooted in the belief that jewelry should feel personal—like a memory, a place, or a moment in time.

Some pieces are soft and subtle. Others carry a bold pop of color. But all of them are designed to feel like a little piece of the ocean you can take with you.

The Craft

Each piece is handcrafted using:

• Genuine gemstones
• Freshwater pearls
• 14k gold-filled materials for lasting quality

I focus on creating jewelry that is both dainty and distinctive—easy to wear every day, but special enough to feel like something more.

No two pieces are exactly alike, and that’s part of the beauty.

More Than Jewelry

Marie & Oakley is more than a jewelry line—it’s an extension of my creative life.

Alongside jewelry, I create watercolor art and coastal photography, all inspired by the same palette: soft blues, sea glass greens, warm sands, and sunlit pinks.

Together, they tell a larger story—one rooted in coastal living, creativity, and connection.

A Note From Me

If you’ve ever felt drawn to the ocean…
If certain colors remind you of a place you love…
If you believe the smallest details can hold meaning—

You’re in the right place.

Thank you for being here and for supporting handmade.

Much love from the coast,

Tracy Marie