About Marcela
From growing up in a home where hospitality was a way of life to owning a beloved restaurant, my journey has always centered around one thing: creating spaces where people feel loved, welcomed, and at home.
"Entertaining should be fun, not stressful. Lets find your "hosting style" together so you can shine and enjoy your event”
- Marcela
My Story
Homemaking isn't just what I do—it's who I am. Growing up in a household where my parents had people over every single weekend, I learned early that a home isn't just a place you live, but a space where memories are made and relationships are nurtured.
Unlike my older siblings, I was raised in a home alone with my parents as they enjoyed their retirement. I picked up skills in cooking, cleaning, and organization during this time.
My parents were pioneers of home transformation long before it became popular. While my father would knock down walls and tend to his amazing gardens, my mother was constantly painting, decorating, and rearranging furniture. My father used to joke that he was afraid to get up for the bathroom at night because he never knew where my mother would have moved all the furniture by morning!
A Family of Creators
My parents were flipping homes in the 70s way before it was ever popular. They would live in a home for a couple of years, transform it into an amazing property, and then sell it. I was their little helper, always learning the art of making a house into a home.
My mom & I in the early 70s
My mom and I in the Little One restaurant
Some of my happiest memories involve helping my parents in the garden, moving plants from sunny spaces into shade when the Arizona weather hit 100 degrees, bringing outdoor plants inside to survive the summer heat, and spending hours watering the garden together.
My dad had this wonderful gardening outfit—he always looked like he was stepping out of a magazine, even when he gardened, wearing crisp white shorts with a white shirt and a large gardening hat with a bandanna around his neck. Those garden days taught me that taking care of your home and surroundings could be both practical and beautiful.
Seasonal Rhythms
My mother taught me the rhythm of seasonal homemaking. Even in Arizona where we only have "hot and hotter," she would organize closets according to the weather, pulling out winter clothes to pack away and bringing out summer things. She would change bedding, shower curtains, and towels at least twice a year, transforming our home with the seasons.
These childhood experiences shaped my understanding that homemaking is both an art and a science—it requires creativity and organization, beauty and practicality, all working together to create a space where families can thrive.
"The Little One"
Former Restaurant
From Professional Kitchen to Your Home
As the owner of "The Little One," I learned what it takes to create systems that work under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintain high standards even when things get hectic. Sound familiar?
Running a restaurant taught me invaluable lessons about organization, timing, and creating memorable experiences for people. But more importantly, it reinforced what I learned growing up: that the heart of hospitality lies not in perfection, but in the love and intention you put into creating a welcoming space.
Professional Skills I Bring to Your Home:
- • Systems thinking: Creating workflows that actually work in real life
- • Time management: Maximizing efficiency without sacrificing quality
- • Presentation skills: Making everyday moments feel special
- • Problem-solving: Adapting solutions to work for your unique situation
When I transitioned from restaurant owner to homemaking educator, I realized that families need the same professional-level systems that make restaurants run smoothly. The difference is, your home should feel warm and personal, not industrial. That's where my childhood lessons in creating a welcoming home become invaluable.
Practicing What I Preach
My own Tucson home is where I put all my homemaking principles into practice. Here's a glimpse into the spaces where I live, create, and welcome others.
"I prefer creating a home, as opposed to styling a space... One can be anything you want it to be, the other follows rules and guidelines that limit you... especially when you're just starting to figure out what your style is..."
- Marcela
These spaces reflect my belief that homemaking is about creating warmth, functionality, and beauty that serves real life. Every room tells a story, every surface has a purpose, and every detail is chosen with intention—not for show, but for the joy and comfort of those who live here.
My Homemaking Philosophy
Love in Action
Every homemaking task is an opportunity to show love for your family and yourself. From meal preparation to organizing spaces, it's all about creating an environment where people feel cherished.
Systems & Soul
Efficient systems shouldn't feel cold or mechanical. The best homemaking combines practical organization with personal warmth, creating routines that feel natural and nurturing.
Growth Mindset
Homemaking is a journey, not a destination. Every day offers new opportunities to improve, adapt, and create beauty in your living space. Progress over perfection, always.
"A home should be a sanctuary—a place where your family feels safe, loved, and free to be themselves. My job is to help you create that sanctuary, one practical step at a time."
— Marcela Davila-Barley
Today in Tucson
When I'm not helping families transform their homes, you'll find me practicing what I preach in my own Tucson home. I'm constantly experimenting with new organizational systems, seasonal decorating ideas, and recipes that bring people together around the table.
Desert gardening enthusiast
Catering for Events
Currently Available!
I'm excited to have developed a comprehensive cooking and homemaking calendar for 2026, featuring seasonal menus, preparation guides, and stories from my childhood. It's my way of bringing restaurant-level meal planning to home kitchens throughout the year.
Working On...
Catering for events, seasonal homemaking and decorating workshops, and desert patio gardening workshops.