our story
meet jill
An entrepreneur and designer with an eye for the meaningful, Jill Arden Lukeman is the founder of the Mariner & the Muse and Arden’s, a beloved coastal café in Rowayton, Connecticut). Known for creating spaces that feel layered and soulful, Jill’s work bridges hospitality, design, and community.
Jill leads the creative vision and business strategy for The Mariner & The Muse, guiding its brand direction and long-term growth.
A mother of young things and lover of old ones, she brings a sentimental reverence for the past to everything she touches. Her intuitive approach blends history and imagination; finding beauty in the stories objects carry and the way they shape the feeling of a home.
meet maria
Born in Russia and raised in Singapore, Maria brings a cosmopolitan and romantic spirit to her role as partner at The Mariner & The Muse. She instinctively balances refinement with ease, pairing old-world craftsmanship with a modern, feminine sensibility.
With a background in hospitality, styling, and event design, Maria leads operations and creative execution at The Mariner & The Muse.
Her work translates the brand’s storytelling into tangible form — from the atmosphere of a space to the details that define it. Guided by a global lens and artful precision, she brings a sense of elegance and ease to every project she undertakes.