Conversations with MaryKate McCarroll

Today we’d like to introduce you to MaryKate McCarroll.

Hi MaryKate, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Bloom Bridal is truly a family dream come to life—my mom, sister, and I own it together, which makes the journey even more meaningful. My sister and I have been obsessed with wedding gowns since we were little girls. Our mom used to buy us every issue of The Knot magazine, and we’d spend hours going through each dress, drawing big hearts over the ones we loved and Xs through the ones we didn’t. We watched every episode of Say Yes to the Dress, designed our own gowns by cutting up old dance costumes and dress-up clothes, and hosted fashion shows down the hallways of our home.

We always dreamed of owning a store together but never really believed it could become our reality. We each pursued different careers—marketing, bridal, healthcare—until one day, our mom decided she was ready to leave the corporate world and help us finally bring our dream to life.

Fast forward to today, and we’re running a bridal boutique that feels like a second home to us. It’s been a journey full of growth, grit, and a lot of fun—but doing it alongside my mom and sister makes it all the more special. For us, it’s not just about the dresses—it’s about connection, story, and helping women feel beautiful during one of the most meaningful seasons of their lives.

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?
We knew how to pick out a great wedding dress—we’d been obsessed with gowns our whole lives. But we knew nothing about actually opening and running a business. That side of things was (and still is) one of our biggest challenges. Navigating leases, inventory buying, branding, legal details, taxes—it was all brand new territory. We’ve had to learn on the fly and make mistakes along the way, but we’re getting better every day.

At the same time, we were juggling full-time jobs—nursing shifts, corporate work, and everything in between—while trying to build this from the ground up. It often felt like we were sprinting in every direction at once but every challenge has only made us stronger. We’ve learned how to pivot, communicate better as a team, and trust the vision we set from the beginning. The hard days make the wins feel that much sweeter!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We own Bloom Bridal in Nashville that’s all about creating a deeply personal, elevated, and welcoming experience for brides. We specialize in curating a collection of gowns that feel modern yet timeless, romantic with a bit of edge—pieces that reflect the individuality of each bride. Every dress in our store is handpicked with intention, and we’re constantly thinking about how to bring fresh energy into the bridal space without losing the magic and tradition.

We’re probably best known for the atmosphere we’ve created—warm, relaxed, stylish, and a little bit nostalgic. Brides often tell us they feel instantly comfortable in our space, like they’re shopping with their sisters or their best friends. That means everything to us.

What sets us apart is how personal we’ve made this business. We’re not a big-box bridal shop—we’re a small, family-owned studio run by three women who genuinely love what we do. Every bride who walks in becomes part of our story, and we take the time to get to know her and celebrate her style. We’re hands-on in every part of the process—from choosing the dresses and styling appointments to decorating the studio and running the behind the scenes.

What does success mean to you?
I define success by the look on a bride’s face when she simply can’t stop staring at herself in the mirror—when you can see her confidence shift and she feels more beautiful than she ever has in her life. That moment, when everything clicks and she sees herself as a bride for the first time, is everything. Nothing will ever beat that feeling for me. That’s when I know we’ve done our job, and done it well.

Pricing:

• The price point of our gowns range from $3,000-$12,000.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bloombridalnashville.com
• Instagram: bloombridalnashville