Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Catania.
Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, where I also went to school to study Fashion Design and Production, as well as, Business Marketing. My years there taught me everything from construction and sewing to design theory and styling — but more than that, they taught me how to take a creative vision and bring it to life.
After graduation, life took me somewhere completely new. My partner and I decided to move to Jackson, Tennessee, where his family lives. It was a big change from Boston — slower pace, smaller city — but I was determined to find a place where I could still use my creativity.
There was only one job I was truly interested in: working at Rina’s Bridal Boutique in Jackson. The boutique had such an elegant, heartfelt reputation, and something about it just spoke to me. Even though they didn’t have any job openings, I decided to take a chance and send an email anyway. I shared my experience in design, sewing, styling, and marketing, and explained what I could bring to their team.
That one email changed everything.
Rina responded, and after meeting with her, I was offered the position of assistant manager and marketing manager. From the very beginning, I felt at home. My background in design and marketing allowed me to step right into the role, and Rina and I connected instantly — like we had known each other for years.
We shared the same vision, the same values, and the same love for helping brides feel beautiful. What started as a job quickly turned into a partnership built on creativity, trust, and friendship.
After some time in Jackson, I started to feel pulled toward a bigger city again. I told Rina that I was planning to move to Nashville, and without missing a beat, she looked at me and said, “Okay… So we’re gonna do it?”
I knew exactly what she meant — she wanted to open a second location together. I was in complete shock, but deep down, I knew it was meant to be.
Once I officially moved to Nashville, we spent about six months searching for the perfect space, creating a business plan, and building every detail of what would become our next chapter. And in May 2025, we opened the doors to Rina Nicole Bridal Atelier in Nashville, Tennessee.
Our Nashville location represents everything I’ve ever dreamed of — a space where creativity meets craftsmanship, where every bride feels seen and celebrated, and where design meets emotion.
At Rina Nicole Bridal Atelier, we specialize in in-house alterations, custom bridal looks, and personalized fittings that transform each gown into something truly one-of-a-kind. Whether it’s a full custom design or perfecting the fit of a gown a bride already loves, our goal is always the same — to make her feel her absolute best.
Looking back, it’s wild to think that all of this began with one bold email and a shared vision. Rina and I took a chance on each other, and it’s grown into something more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.
Every day I get to do what I love — creating, styling, and being part of a bride’s most meaningful moments — and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any new venture, it definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth ride — but every challenge has taught me something valuable.
The biggest struggle in the very beginning was finding the perfect location. Nashville is such a large and fast-growing city, and I wanted to make sure our boutique was in a spot that felt both accessible and welcoming. I spent months looking for the right balance — a space that could reach as many brides as possible while still feeling intimate and true to our brand. It took time, patience, and a lot of back-and-forth, but once we found it, I knew it was meant to be.
The second challenge, which I think every small business can relate to, has been finding and growing our audience. Nashville has an incredible bridal community, but standing out and connecting with the right brides takes constant effort, creativity, and consistency.
Even so, I’m proud to say that in just six months of being open, we’ve already seen amazing growth. Social media marketing and bridal events have been so rewarding, and we’re building a loyal community of brides who trust us with one of the most important moments of their lives.
Every obstacle we’ve faced has ultimately pushed us to grow, refine, and strengthen what we do. I’ve learned that challenges aren’t setbacks — they’re part of the process of building something meaningful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Rina Nicole Bridal Atelier, we specialize in bridal alterations, custom design, and creating personalized experiences for every bride who walks through our doors. Whether a gown is purchased from us or brought in, our mission is the same — to make it fit flawlessly and feel completely one-of-a-kind.
What truly sets us apart from other bridal shops in the area is our in-house alterations. Most boutiques have stylists who sell gowns without knowing the full ins and outs of how a dress will move, fit, and transform through tailoring. At Rina Nicole Bridal, we bridge that gap. Our team includes skilled seamstresses and alteration specialists who work directly with each bride, guiding her from the very first try-on to the final fitting. We don’t just sell gowns — we shape them to each woman’s vision and body.
We’ve also become increasingly known in the Nashville area for our vintage gown repurposing. Brides bring us sentimental heirloom dresses — often worn by their mothers or grandmothers — and we reimagine them into modern designs that still honor their original story. It’s one of the most meaningful parts of what we do, blending tradition with craftsmanship and creativity.
Another aspect that makes us unique is the strength of our foundation. Our sister store, Rina’s Bridal Boutique in Jackson, Tennessee, has been serving brides for over 15 years. We’ve carried that same level of expertise, artistry, and trusted reputation into Nashville, allowing us to combine small-town care with big-city elegance.
Altogether, Rina Nicole Bridal Atelier offers something truly special — a seamless, elevated bridal experience where every gown is treated as a work of art and every bride feels seen, confident, and beautifully herself.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
For me, the most important quality behind my success has been authenticity. I genuinely care about every bride who walks through our doors — not just about how her dress fits, but about how she feels in it.
I take the time to listen, to understand her story, and to make sure her experience feels personal and meaningful from start to finish. I think that honest connection is what truly sets us apart. Brides can sense when something is real — when you’re fully invested in making their moment special — and that’s what creates trust.
At the end of the day, this business isn’t just about gowns; it’s about people. Being authentic, kind, and fully present with each bride has not only helped me grow professionally, but it’s also what makes what I do so fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rinasbridal.com/nashville-atelier
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinanicolebridal/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rina-Nicole-Bridal-Atelier-61573814013811/
