Despite today’s competitive business environment, numerous female entrepreneurs have achieved remarkable career success. Among them is Dr. Catrina Holman Reese, a Charlotte-based, multi-award-winning entrepreneur and wedding planner.
Dr. Catrina has more than 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, wedding planner, officiant, and certified life and business coach.
Founder & CEO at Catrina Reese, LLC
Dr. Catrina is the founder and CEO of Catrina Reese, LLC, a well-known wedding planning firm. Catrina Reese, LLC offers Wedding Planning, Day of Wedding Coordination, Pre & Post Marital Coaching and Business Consultation. Under Dr. Catrina’s leadership, Catrina Reese, LLC has grown to become one of the leading firms providing wedding planning services.
Business and Professional Development Coach
Dr. Catrina has made a name for herself as a business and professional development coach. She provides professional development coaching and business coaching services to clients locally and globally. As a business and professional development coach, she has assisted many professionals and entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in today’s fiercely competitive business world.
Speaking Engagements
Dr. Catrina has established a notable speaking presence, delivering numerous presentations locally and globally. She has been selected as a Keynote Speaker for the Next Gen Women’s Leadership, Empowerment & Development Summit (L.E.A.D.) 2027 in New York City.
Literary Contributions
Dr. Catrina has authored several books available on Amazon. Her recent works include It’s Time to Change Your Language and the Wedding Officiant Training Workbook. On September 2, 2026, she officially launched a transformational women’s book club for It’s Time to Change Your Language. This is more than a book club. It is a space for growth, healing, honest conversation, reflection, encouragement, and transformation.
Awards & Recognitions
Dr. Catrina’s outstanding contributions to her industry have earned her numerous honors, including the 2017 Radio Personality of the Year, the 2019 ACHI Magazine Award, the 2021 Motivator Maven Award, the 2021 Power Up Summit Award, the 2025 Quality Business Award, and the 2025 DWAP Award. Her most recent honors include an honorary Doctorate in Christian Leadership and Business from Kingdom Minded Christian University and a nomination for the 2026 Novi Awards in the Women Breaking Barriers category.
A Story of Inspiration and Empowerment
Pelé, a Brazilian football icon, once said, “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” Dr. Catrina’s journey exemplifies this brilliantly.
“I’ve been blessed by coaches, mentors, and professional programs that support my growth and push me to go beyond the box,” she shared. “Being surrounded by people who are willing to share knowledge and experiences has been immensely beneficial; learning from seasoned leaders and entrepreneurs has given me insight into developing a brand, increasing my impact, and continuing to grow as a person and a professional.”
Dr. Catrina’s journey is a testament to the fact that success comes to those who embrace challenges. Like many entrepreneurs and creatives, her journey has included challenges, unexpected changes, and moments where perseverance was required. Her creative pivots and resilient leadership during COVID-19 kept her business alive and set a strong example for future entrepreneurs.
“One of the biggest tests of resilience came when COVID-19 impacted the world; weddings were postponed, plans shifted, and many couples were navigating uncertainty during what was supposed to be one of the happiest times of their lives,” she said. “During that time, I had to adapt quickly, assist couples through unexpected changes, and find new methods to continue serving others; that season strengthened my ability to remain dedicated to my objective even when circumstances changed.”
The significance of entrepreneurial role models like Dr. Catrina in today’s competitive corporate environment cannot be overstated. They not only demonstrate what is feasible but also provide a roadmap for others starting from scratch.
Dr. Catrina’s story is especially inspiring for young women seeking to build businesses rooted in passion, innovation, and perseverance.
She offers the following advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and wedding planners:
“For those who are just starting out, my advice is to understand that obstacles will come, sometimes unexpectedly, but they don’t have to prevent you from moving forward. Often those moments are where your creativity, strength, and determination grow the most.
Seek out mentors, remain open to learning, and surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow. Success rarely happens in isolation. The relationships we build and the knowledge we acquire from others often become some of the most effective tools in our journey.”
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