We had the good fortune of connecting with Ricardo Barraza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ricardo, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Many times, in life you will encounter this question, but one should always know that giving up is Never an option, pivoting and changing direction is the answer, the challenge becomes not waiting too long to recognize when to change direction.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Melissa and I acquired an existing Bridal Store in Virginia Highlands last year and decided to move it to Buckhead and combined it with her alterations shop. Before this past year, I had been in the Hospitality business managing restaurants for over 20 years. Melissa is a talented tailoress and has had her shop for several years. We now have Suite Bridal and Custom Bridal Modifications under the same roof but ran separately. We grew from Zero to 8 staff members in less then a year, and we are still growing fast.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Dutch Monkey Donuts – despite having to drive to exit 13 on 4oo they are worth it ! Lunch at Houston’s close to Piedmont hospital, very consistent lunch and great service.
Bone Garden Cantina for cocktails and good mexican food.
Little Bear for an Excellent dinner, the best food in Atlanta right now.
The Capital Grille Buckhead for the best dry aged steak.
High Musuem
Coca Cola Museum
Piedmont Park
the bar at Osteria il Giallo in Sandy Springs for great italian
and we will cook and enjoy wine at our place, with music played on vinyl record in the background

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We moved to Atlanta in 2009, I happened to attend a BBA breakfast meeting and met Michael E. Moore, “Rainmaker and Chief Storyteller” and he was an important person, that got me involved in the community. Monday morning leadership by David Cotrell is the book that I go and read again from time to time and have given as a gift to important people in my life.

Website: www.suitebridal.com

Instagram: @suitebridal

Image Credits
Store pictures taken by robert@robertwhelandphotography.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.