Anna & Bailey

We first met 20 years ago in high school. In New Zealand, where we’re originally from. One would say the relationship has been a continuous evolution. Anna is currently residing in Auckland and Bailey in Sydney, but our friendship remains strong as ever. Other than our husbands, there is no one we know better than each other.

The ways in which we are different are also the reason we’re complementary. Bailey is cautious, and Anna pushes the envelope a little further—both of which are incredibly important attributes to ensure a sustainable but growing business. Having a friendship means we’re able to bring a deeper understanding of the other’s vantage point, and maintain a deep reverence for each other’s strengths.

BAINA came about from our shared desire to breathe life into something that was seasonless, something we could speak to authentically. Bathing was something we both connected with. Our collective dream for BAINA is to create a heritage brand that is synonymous with timeless design, quality, and integrity.

Being founders, it is very easy to be “on” all the time; so the physical act of shutting out the world, lighting a candle, and relaxing in a bath is essential to keeping Bailey balanced. For Anna, sleep is really important especially now with a one year-old.

We both love the Bioactive Mask and, when we’re bathing, we will always pause to apply it and continue to soak as the treatment takes effect. The steam from the hot bath water opens your pores and is met with gentle exfoliation. We both notice an enhanced complexion after the final rinse.

There was certainly a time when we viewed more as better but, now, our interpretation has changed: wearing less makeup and having a clearer, healthier mind, body and skin is beautiful.

We feel most alive in nature, whether on top of a mountain, immersed in native bush or on a beach, being among the elements feels restorative and right. It has been a really busy year for BAINA and the thrill that has come with that has been truly exciting, however we’re conscious that a certain level of burnout can sneak up on you. We are currently calling in time to pause and reflect, and moments of calm to connect with our individual needs and find ways to re-energize.

That is why we’re both letting go of perfection and self-endowed pressure. We place an immense amount of pressure on ourselves to be everything to everyone, but we need to acknowledge that this is an impossible standard and work on being kinder to ourselves.

At the moment, we’re really focused on the present and taking one year at a time. However, we hope in a decade that we’re fulfilled, challenged, evolved and, most importantly, happy. Our best advice is to lead with authenticity. One of our favorite quotes by Marianne Moore is, “Your thorns are the best part of you.”

 BAINA co-founders Anna Fahey and Bailey Meredith, photographed by Holly Sarah Burgess.