I like to say I’m a scavenger—always on the hunt for special pieces—so whether a local artisan or a craftsman across the globe, I’m constantly looking for the unique and the beautiful.ANN HARTLEY
the back story
Ann’s love of travel and adventure have been imprinted on her since an early age. Through her travels, she began to shape a sense of style and culture that eventually culminated into her first retail store… Ann Hartley… A successful boutique on Lovers Lane in Dallas, TX. She quickly morphed into creating her own wholesale line of clothing, manufactured in Indonesia called WaHaLa Art to Wear—which sold all over the world.
In 1983 she and George married and began their adventure—working in the oil biz, BBQ restaurants, insurance—all the while owning and operating Ann Hartley and WaHaLa. Three wonderfully talented children arrived, and their life as parents began. After a while, they decided to “live their dream” and raise their babies at the beach. So in 1997 they moved to 30A—where they've been a strong part of the 30A community ever since.
The Hartleys purchased the Seagrove Village Market Cafe, a beloved local "dive" in 1999. They opened George’s at Alys Beach in 2008 and La Cocina Mexican Grill and Bar a year later, two thriving businesses and local favorites known all over the US. In 2015, they sold George’s and LaCocina in an attempt to retire—it didn’t work, as they quickly found out retirement wasn't for them. So, Ann decided to jump back into the retail business to open Ann Hartley Alys Beach.
The shop was a rich experience of edited collections from around the world—fabulous clothing, jewelry, home furnishings and gifts, all in a shop that is full of love and energy. It was about collecting wonderful statement pieces for you and your home. Hand embroidered tablecloths, colonial Mexican antiques, pottery, religious art, carved wood saints—all from San Miguel. Gorgeous hand embroidered linens and pillows from Marrakech. Bronze sculptures from Mali, fabrics from the Ivory Coast, silk velvet pillows from Uzbekistan—all treasures from around the world. Ann wanted her friends and customers to be prepared to travel the world, and fall in love with the unexpected.
And, now in 2020...a new adventure is being imagined. Keep in touch to find out what's next.
Feature Article about Ann Hartley in the Alys Gazzette.
Please enjoy reading a recent article about Ann to learn more about her inspiration for the shop, her background in retail, and her deep love of travel.
Shopping Paris with Ann Hartley
Shopping Paris with Ann Hartley is a hands-on shopping companion service that takes savvy shoppers to the most charming boutiques in the world. It’s a service for people who love to shop. Whether it’s fashion or antiques, you’ll be escorted to the best shopping Paris and Marrakech have to offer. From world-class department stores and trendy boutiques to vintage shops, bargain basements and outdoor bazaars.
