Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Massey.
Hi Caitlin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Alabama and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2018 when I was 20 years old. At the time, I was simply looking to step outside of my comfort zone, learn to live on my own, and figure out who I was outside of my childhood home. During that time, I helped launch Queen City Church and quickly fell in love with Cincinnati—the people, the art, and especially the food scene.
While living here, I finished school and earned my degree in Business Administration. Shortly after, I began working with the Cristian Pietoso Italian Restaurant Group as an office administrator. That role ended up being short-term because when a marketing position opened up within the company, I knew I wanted to go for it. I’ve always had a passion for marketing and storytelling, so I jumped at the opportunity to get my foot in the door and start building real experience.
Fast forward to now—over two years later—I’m still with the company as the Marketing & Brand Manager. In this role, I oversee the marketing strategy and social media accounts for Via Vite, Nicola’s, and Forno Osteria & Bar. Along the way, I’ve taught myself everything from social media management to ad campaigns, email marketing, and website design. I also took it a step further and taught myself food photography, which led me to create my own Instagram page, Glimpse (@glimpse_cincyky), where I share my photography work and creative projects.
I genuinely love the world I get to work in every day—surrounded by incredible food and an ever-evolving industry. Every day, I try to show up, keep learning, and do a little better than I did the day before.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think one of the biggest challenges has been breaking into the marketing industry without a formal background in it. It can feel intimidating and overwhelming to step into a creative field where there’s no clear-cut path, and a lot of what I’ve learned has been self-taught—through trial, error, research, and simply showing up every day to figure it out.
On top of that, there’s the constant internal battle of getting past fear and self-doubt. Putting your creative work out there, especially in such a public way, can feel really vulnerable. You worry about what people will think, if it’s good enough, or if you even belong in the space. That’s something I still have to push through daily, but over time I’ve learned to trust myself more, lean into the process, and not let those insecurities stop me from growing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my current role, I serve as the Marketing & Brand Manager for the Cristian Pietoso Italian Restaurant Group, which includes Via Vite, Nicola’s, and Forno Osteria & Bar. I oversee all things marketing—from social media strategy and content creation to ad campaigns, email marketing, website management, and everything in between. On top of that, I’ve developed a real passion for food photography, which started as a way to enhance the brand’s content and has grown into a creative outlet of its own.
What I’m most proud of is how much I’ve grown over the last few years, both personally and professionally. I’ve taken on challenges I never thought I could handle—whether that’s teaching myself new skills, overcoming self-doubt, or learning how to lead and create in a fast-paced industry. So much of what I do now, I had to figure out on my own, and I’m proud of the work I’ve put in to get to where I am.
I think what sets me apart is my adaptability and determination to figure things out, no matter what. I’ve always had a “through the roof” mentality when it comes to problem-solving—whether that means learning a new platform, troubleshooting a design issue, or stepping outside my comfort zone to deliver what’s needed. I don’t shy away from challenges; I lean into them.
Looking ahead, one area I’d love to continue growing in is my photography. I’d love to not only elevate the content I create for the restaurants I currently manage but also eventually offer food photography services to other restaurants and businesses.
What are your plans for the future?
There are definitely a lot of exciting changes happening right now. In my current role, one of the biggest things on the horizon is that Nicola’s—after 30 years—is moving to a brand-new location. It’s a huge shift for the restaurant and the city, and I’m grateful to be part of the entire process, from the creative ideas to the marketing strategy, brand development, and even the design side of things. It’s an incredible opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an iconic Cincinnati restaurant.
On a more personal level, I’m really looking forward to continuing to grow creatively, especially in photography. I’d love to deepen my skills and understanding of food photography—whether that’s learning from someone more experienced, collaborating with other restaurants, or simply having someone take a chance on me to capture their food and bring their brand to life visually. That’s a space I’d love to lean into more
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/glimpse_cincyky
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-massey
