Salon Spotlight: Nail Church — Where Community and Creativity Meet in Portland

Welcome to our latest TGB Salon Spotlight where we showcase salons that inspire us with their creativity, community spirit, and commitment to quality. This time, we are heading to the heart of Portland, Oregon, where Nail Church (@nailchurchpdx) is redefining what a nail salon can be. At the heart of it all is founder Chelsea Steele, whose passion and vision have transformed Nail Church into a true sanctuary for clients and artists alike.

Creating a Sanctuary

Nail Church was born out of a desire to offer something different — a safe, welcoming space for clients seeking connection and creativity. The idea took root during the COVID-19 pandemic when many salons were closed and resources were scarce. Chelsea, a seasoned nail artist, dreamed of a place that felt like home, where clients could gather, relax, and be part of a community.

“I wanted it to feel like a safe place,” she shares. “I would always joke about my salon being a nail church for people — a place to belong.”

A Childhood Dream Realized

Chelsea’s love for nails began in her earliest years.

“I played salon when I was little — painting nails and doing makeup for my mom’s friends. I would set up a little salon in the driveway,” she recalls.

Right after high school, Chelsea jumped straight into beauty school, where she focused on waxing; as gel technology advanced, she transitioned away from skin and quickly made nails into a standout service.

“Nails were not as big when I started, but as the industry evolved, I found my niche.”

From the rise of gel polish to cat-eyes and builder gel, Chelsea enjoys how there’s always something new to learn in this industry.

Building a Dream

Opening a salon is no small feat, but Nail Church’s founder had a secret weapon: her husband, a business-savvy entrepreneur with experience opening bars and restaurants. Together, they combined her nail expertise with his business acumen, blending art and strategy to create something truly special.

“It is a huge help to have that balance when creating a business — my passion for art and community paired with his knowledge of business and marketing.”

A Vision Rooted in Community

From the very beginning, Chelsea envisioned Nail Church as more than just a salon. She wanted a cozy, homey space filled with thrifted treasures and client-donated pieces, each with its own story.

“I wanted somewhere fun, where people could bring things in and feel like part of the space. It is all about building that community vibe.”

Step inside Nail Church, and you will find moody, serene decor that is the perfect backdrop for creativity. The space is thoughtfully curated with thrifted decor that feels like someone’s home, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where clients can relax and let their personalities shine. To keep the theme of community alive, Nail Church thrives on collaboration and are deeply involved in Portland’s creative scene, hosting flash art events, pop-ups, and participating in local markets.

“Everyone helps out,” Chelsea explains. “Whether it is brainstorming for fundraisers or networking at events, our team is always bringing ideas to the table.”

The Highs and Lows of Salon Ownership

Running a salon is not without its challenges. For Chelsea, the biggest hurdle is balancing business demands with maintaining close client relationships.

“You do not want to lose that client connection — that is why you do it. But, business can pull you in a million directions.” Still, the rewards are immense: “Creating the kind of community you want to have, where clients become friends and coworkers feel like family — that is the best part.”

Chelsea’s advice for aspiring salon owners? “There is an ebb and flow to the seasons. The slow times are not a sign you are doing something wrong — they are a chance to reconnect with your community and focus on what matters.”

What Makes Nail Church Special?

It is the people, the conversations, and the instantly welcoming vibe. It feels like you are hanging out with friends you have known for years — even before you sit down for your service. It is the type of place where clients ask about each other and become friends outside the salon or their find their next roommate. It is a place where the nail tech motto is “Nail Church is by the girls, for the girls. We are your best friends and your community,” and the word stranger is not in their vocabulary.

Trends and Services: What Is Hot at Nail Church

• About 70% of clients are now opting for builder gels and natural nails, favoring simple looks — think one color with chrome or cat-eye effects.
• Clients are loving natural nails due to the practicality as well as the pride of being able to boast “these are my natural nails” when being complimented on their manicure.
• Popular trends they are seeing include cat-eye and isolated chrome designs.
• Looking ahead, Nail Church predicts trends like different colors on each hand, split pea/baby green shades, and stained glass nails will take off in the next year.

Nail Church and The GelBottle Inc

The GelBottle Inc products are at the core of every Nail Church manicure.

“We use TGB builder gel as the base for every set,” Chelsea says.

Her team’s favorite TGB products include Dolly BIAB™, Silk, Cashmere, and the Sheer Simplicity Collection for layering and adding tints, as well as TGB essentials like Rubber Base and Extreme Shine Top Coat.

Regarding TGB’s impacts on Nail Church’s business, the results speak for themselves: “Everybody loves TGB and the retention. The quality is unbelievable compared to that of competitors.”

The techs love that it only takes one or two coats for full coverage, which saves time per appointment. With community at the core, they love that clients can live an active and busy lifestyle and still have beautiful nails. In fact, one of the nail techs was boasting about her ability to go rock climbing wearing TGB without a chip in sight. Lastly, the four-week retention is incredible because it means happier clients and more availability for new bookings.

Follow Nail Church’s journey and see their latest creations on Instagram @nailchurchpdx.

Interested in having your salon featured? Tag us @the_gelbottle_inc on Instagram and TikTok in your TGB creations, and tell us your story!