Sometimes life takes unexpected directions, revealing your hidden skills and talents. That was the case for Betina Goldstein, the San Diego-born Mexican-American woman who never thought she'd go from pursuing a career in television to becoming one of the most prestigious nail technicians in the world of beauty and fashion.
Her story began in 2008, when she moved to New York City to find work in the entertainment industry. Her first opportunity came with an internship at Saturday Night Live, one of the most emblematic and longest-running TV shows in the US. There, she embraced all manner of challenges and tasks, including painting the nails of 27 models. Goldstein enjoyed the process, surprising herself considering that she'd never spent a considerable amount of time at a nail salon and had never done nail art.
"I began practicing on my own nails because, at the time, I didn't have anyone else to practice with."
Without knowing it, that moment became a key part of her career and future.
After discovering a passion for nail art, a colleague of Goldstein suggested she share her work on social media. Goldstein began taking her work to Instagram, creating an online portfolio, all the while building an international audience. While her beginnings in nail art were not traditional, they set the stage for what was to come, with her work having a signature flair for colors, designs, dimensions, and innovative ideas that highlight her creative and entertaining vision.
Nowadays, Goldstein's client list is expansive and includes names like Zoë Kravitz, Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman, and Bella Hadid, with all of them becoming her loyal customers. She's also become the official nail artist for Chanel, a prestigious job that she treasures and values.
Goldstein's personal style blends original elements. It features unexpected blends of colors, stamps, and 3D printed textures. Unlike other popular nail art trends that prioritize artificial nail extensions for their bombastic results, Goldstein prefers to use short and healthy nails, accessorizing them with high-quality products that prevent damaging and weakening the nail and cuticle.
This philosophy has made her one of the most notorious and treasured nail technicians, with customers appreciating the fact that their nails will remain healthy while boasting some gorgeous and eye-catching designs.
"I'm inspired by life and nature. For example, the mackerel fish design was inspired by the fishing trips I took with my dad and brother when I was little. It was a way to remember those moments and, in a way, process what they meant to me."
In 2024, Goldstein grew her business, jumping into the world of accessories. She launched Doublemoss Jewelry, her own jewelry brand, boasting pearl rings, chains, and more. Her designs look like an extension of her nail art, with all elements vibrantly and efficiently complementing each other.
Goldstein's impact lies beyond shoots, red carpets, and prestigious celebrity events. With over 400,000 Instagram followers, she has managed to go viral with her creations, with her most popular posts ranging from miniature ketchup packets to cigarrettes, all on a canvas of beautiful manicures. Her innovations are known for their creativity and inspire admiration and curiosity. All of her followers are asking themselves the same question: How does she do it?