Bustle started 8 years ago this August, and since then we have grown and changed a great deal. As we’ve added to our numbers, we knew we had to introduce our Shop and Media team to you. The Bustle Team is the heart of our business, and we are so excited for you to meet everyone!
Meredith Carter - I’m the creator and owner of Bustle. Friends often ask how Bustle was started and it really is sort of funny - I was at a Birthday dinner when a friend and I started talking about what I wanted to do with my career. She threw out the idea of opening a bridal shop, which had never even crossed my mind. Her comment spiked my curiosity so I did a little digging. At the time, Tiny Weddings Bham had a space in Bluff Park that they allowed me to share with them. It was really only a matter of weeks from that birthday dinner that we opened Bustle’s doors to sell “pre-loved wedding gowns” or, dresses that had been altered and cleaned. We transitioned a few years ago to exclusively selling new or sample wedding gowns off-the-rack. This is the perfect fit for Bustle because it allows us to sell gorgeous, designer gowns at a fraction of the cost. When I’m not at Bustle, you’ll probably find me at my brother’s house watching Tiny Kitchen with their 3 year old!
Cherry DeRosa — I’ve worked at Bustle as a bridal consultant for an amazing 8 years! Meredith (my daughter) had a vision for a bridal shop, and she opened Bustle within 4 months. I joined her and I’ve had such fun meeting sweet brides over the years. When I’m not working at Bustle I’m spending time with my grand babies — that’s the best! I also enjoy sitting at an outdoor restaurant sipping a cappuccino, or having dinner with my husband or shopping at At Home in Homewood.
Jessica Hammock — I’ve worked as a bridal consultant at Bustle for the past 6 years. I started working at Bustle after I purchased my wedding gown from Bustle and instantly loved Meredith and the shop! When I’m not working I’m spending time with my husband Jamey and our two sons, Levi (3) and Oliver (almost 1). I love sweets — two of my favorite places to visit are Hero Donuts and Big Spoon Creamery.
McKinley Landen— I’ve been a bridal consultant at Bustle for 2 years and I love helping brides find their perfect dress! I came to Bustle to shop for my own wedding dress and I enjoyed the experience so much. I am a full-time therapist, so I wanted something light and fun to do on the side. I have loved being able to serve brides. When I’m not working I love spending time with my husband and our two pups. We love going to Local No. 39 in Homewood — they have the best sweet tea chicken sandwiches and a fun environment!
Julianne Dean - I just started as a bridal consultant at Bustle and I’ve had so much fun helping brides find their dream wedding gowns so far! I own a balloon styling company called For Love and Loons so when I’m not at Bustle I am usually decorating different events. I also love going shopping and getting brunch with the girls. My favorite local Birmingham restaurant is VINO for amazing food, wine and art.
Lily Willis — I am new to the Bustle team and just started as a bridal consultant. I followed Bustle on Instagram and wanted to be a part of this sweet environment, especially because I had shopped here before and knew how special it was. When I’m not working at Bustle I’m most likely studying. I’m a full-time student and currently completing my Dietetic Internship and Masters of Science at Samford (I graduate in December), and then I hope to work in clinical nutrition. In my free time, ideally I would be outside by the pool or eating at my favorite restaurant, The Essential.
Laine White — I’m the Media Director for Bustle, so I get to curate our social media feed, plan photoshoots and giveaways and collaborate with my friend Claire. I am most often with my little girl, Rowan who was born in January of this year. She is quite the adventure and my husband, Tucker, and I have enjoyed every moment of parenting her so far. I also work as a manager at Breakout Birmingham and for the Breakout Games marketing team. When I’m not working you might find me at my favorite bagel shop, Homewood Bagel Company, or at Seeds Coffee.
Claire Jackson — I’m the blog manager and marketing assistant at Bustle, so I get to do fun photo shoots, write blogs, and collaborate with Laine on ideas for social media. I got my wedding dress at Bustle, and I just loved the people and the atmosphere here. I’m so glad I’ve been able to work here 3.5 years so far! I’ve also started doing real-estate photography which I really enjoy. I spend much of my time hanging with my one year old daughter, Eleanor and my husband Daniel, and we have a little boy on the way! You might also find strolling around a garden or plant shopping (my favorite is Shoppe in downtown Bham) or having coffee and pastries outside at Continental Bakery.
