Hi! I’m Austin!
I started painting my nails in middle and high school when I realized it worked as a temporary deterrent from picking at my cuticles. Because of this habit and my athletic hobbies, my nails always stayed super short. Occasionally for special events I’d get acrylics or dip, and that would be really helpful…until it grew out and I just HAD to pick it off.
I first learned about builder gel a few years ago on a ‘treat yourself’ birthday whim. It was lightweight but still strong enough that I couldn’t grab at my cuticles and the success of the first month had me going back again and again until my nails grew longer than I even thought possible!
After being laid off from my corporate job and struggling to find something new, I starting learning to do my own builder gel at home as a hobby. Eventually coming to terms that I’d need to take a pay cut, I decided I’d rather do it for something I enjoy, and the corporate world had me completely aimless. I asked around, and eventually went all in on beauty school and got my license!
Opening The Nail Nest allows me to use both my corporate and prior salon experience in a way that aligns with my person-first value system and share everything I love about nails with anyone who walks in my door!
How to Find Me
The Nail Nest is inside Domni Suites, located at 208 NW 21st Ave, Ste 200 in NW Portland, with a street entrance on 21st right next to Kells Brewery. The parking lot next to Kells on the corner of 21st and Everett is available and there is street parking on the surrounding blocks. Please be aware of street signs and events where parking may be restricted.
Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your appointment time. Building entry is through a callbox to the right of the door. The Nail Nest is listed under my name, so select ‘A. Goldsmith.’ Once you have been buzzed in, there are stairs or an elevator to the second floor. Please sit in the Domni Suites lobby until I bring you back for your appointment.
Values
The Nail Nest is a community space built on the idea that getting your nails done should be a calm, enjoyable, and relaxing experience. The popularity and prominence of the nail industry in the US is directly the result of enterprising hard work from immigrants and BIPOC individuals, and it is my goal to honor that history at The Nail Nest. This salon is pro-LGBTQIA+, pro-liberation, and pro-kindness and decency where your personhood is celebrated and politics cannot be separated from art. I will not tolerate hate speech of any kind and reserve the right to refuse service to anyone whose behavior disrespects both my space and my neighbors’. I also strive to meet these same expectations and if something doesn’t feel right, I’d welcome your honesty and the chance to learn.
My studio is held to high sanitation standards and always follows state requirements. You can always expect a clean space with new or disinfected tools and implements and clean towels every time. Your nail health will always be my priority, and I will provide you with honest advice on your services and what to expect. Please let me know if you have any questions about the services I offer or need any accommodations.