Nicole Natiello

Owner, Founder

• Email: [email protected]

Nicole “Nikki” – Founder & Owner

Originally from Pittsburgh, Nicole “Nikki” is a nurse by trade, but her passion for homes and hospitality began much earlier—helping her mother with renovation projects, design, and hands-on home improvement from a young age. That early foundation, paired with her deep love for travel, design, and creating meaningful spaces, eventually sparked the vision for Once Upon A Beach Vacation Rentals.

Nearly a decade ago, Nikki took a leap of faith, leaving behind her healthcare career to build a boutique vacation rental management company from the ground up on the island she fell in love with—Anna Maria. What started as a one-woman operation quickly grew into a trusted brand built on dedication, heart, and a commitment to excellence. She created Once Upon A Beach not just as a business, but as a way to help guests make lasting memories, and homeowners feel peace of mind and pride in their properties.

Nikki’s passion is rooted in providing exceptional experiences, cultivating a sense of home for both her guests and her team, and leading with integrity, creativity, and care. As a woman entrepreneur and mother, she’s proud to be a role model for her daughter, showing her that dreams, determination, and hard work can create something truly special.

Whether she’s exploring new destinations, dining somewhere delicious, embarking on her next adventure, or simply soaking up the sun on the water—Nikki cherishes the kind of moments she strives to create for others. Her love for island living and being on the water is at the heart of the Once Upon A Beach experience, where every stay is more than a vacation—it’s a story waiting to be written.