Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Massaro.
Hi Nicole, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t always picture myself owning a bridal boutique, but I always knew I wanted to do work that felt personal and meaningful. After years in the corporate world, I finally listened to that inner nudge to create something of my own. A quiet, intentional space where brides could feel genuinely comfortable and supported.
I opened Persephone’s Bridal on my own, partnering with my sister, women designers, and building a private, intentional appointment experience from the ground up.
Today, the boutique is thriving with a full calendar and a growing reputation for personalized, intentional styling. I still run most parts of the business myself, but I’m building toward a small team as we expand. It’s been a winding path, but it’s led me to work that feels genuinely meaningful and aligned.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Starting any business is scary. You’re putting your savings, your time, and a huge piece of yourself on the line without any real guarantees. When I opened the boutique, I was fully self-funded and doing everything myself, so every decision felt high stakes.
The early days were especially tough. I was juggling buying, marketing, managing appointments, all while trying to convince people to trust a brand new boutique they’d never heard of. Building visibility without a big budget takes time, and there were moments where the uncertainty was really hard.
But those challenges pushed me to get really clear on my values and the experience I wanted to create. The slower, more intentional pace, the private appointments, the thoughtful styling, those came directly from learning what mattered most during the hard parts. And as much as the process was scary, it’s also been incredibly rewarding to see the business grow into something that feels truly aligned.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Persephone’s Bridal is a bridal boutique that focuses on intentional styling and a deeply personal experience. During the week we welcome walk-ins, and on weekends we offer private appointments. This gives brides the flexibility to stop in when it fits their schedule while still preserving a calm, private experience during our busiest days.
We are a family business. I run the boutique and handle most of the operations, and my sister works alongside me as a bridal stylist and our social media manager. Having both of us involved creates a warm, grounded environment where brides feel cared for from the moment they walk in.
We partner exclusively with women-owned designers, and that is something I am very proud of. Every gown in the boutique comes from a woman-owned company, which means the artistry, craftsmanship, and values behind the pieces align with the heart of our brand.
What sets us apart is the combination of personalized service, intentional styling, and a low-pressure environment. Brides are not rotating through crowded fitting rooms or competing with noise. It is a calm space where they can genuinely breathe and feel supported. Between the two of us, we bring consistency in the experience and a shared vision for how we want brides to feel in the shop.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Persephone’s has become known as a place where brides feel comfortable being completely themselves. It is not about pressure or theatrics. It is about authenticity, ease, and finding a gown that celebrates who they are.
For readers, I want them to know that our boutique is intentionally small and intentionally personal. We offer gowns from thoughtfully selected designers, off-the-rack options, and a styling experience that feels grounding and supportive. It is a space for the bride who wants something meaningful, intentional, and refreshingly human.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I’ve always loved traditions and objects that carry meaning. Growing up in an Italian family, some of my favorite memories were just being around my relatives, especially looking through my grandmother’s old steamer trunk filled with her wedding dress and bridesmaid gowns. In America, weddings are one of the few truly ceremonial moments we have, and I think that’s why I’ve always been drawn to them. Most of my childhood memories are tied to family and those small, meaningful rituals that stick with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.persephonesbridal.com
- Instagram: @persephonesbridal
Image Credits
All images by Katherine Changlin, https://www.katherinechanglinphoto.com/
