About

Hi, I’m Kirsty, the owner of Paintbrush Nails.

I’m an award-winning nail artist, qualified teacher, and educator based in Callander, Stirlingshire, Scotland. Through Paintbrush Nails, I offer accredited nail training, digital learning resources, and a limited number of bespoke nail appointments.

Creativity has always been at the heart of what I do. Long before I worked professionally in the nail industry, I was experimenting with nail art as a teenager. Creativity, colour, and design had always interested me, and nails became another way to explore those interests.

That passion led me to Glasgow School of Art, where I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Silversmithing and Jewellery Design. Looking back, the connection feels quite natural. Jewellery and nails both allow people to express themselves through small details, and I still see nail design as a form of wearable art.

Alongside my career in education, I trained professionally as a nail technician and continued to develop my skills through further industry education and practical experience. What began as a creative interest became a career that allowed me to combine artistry, technical skill, and working closely with people.

Education has played an equally important role in my journey. While studying at art school, I was already working in community education, delivering creative projects and activities for young people. Over the years, I continued to develop my experience across a variety of educational settings, building the skills and knowledge that would later shape the way I teach today.

As a qualified teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience, I am passionate about helping others learn in a way that feels supportive, approachable, and achievable. I believe that high standards and professional education should never feel intimidating.

Today, my work brings together creativity, technical expertise, and education. Whether I’m creating a bespoke set of nails, developing learning resources, or teaching a complete beginner, my goal is always the same: to help people build confidence, express themselves creatively, and leave with something they’re proud of. Throughout my career, three themes have remained constant: creativity, education, and the nail industry. Paintbrush Nails brings those three passions together in a way that allows me to create, teach, and help others grow with confidence.

Paintbrush Nails is built on the belief that professionalism and excellence can sit alongside warmth, encouragement, and genuine support. Whether you’re a client or a student, my aim is to provide a high-quality experience in a welcoming environment where you feel comfortable to learn, grow, and be yourself.

What people are saying

  • I've never had a bad experience with Kirsty, always warmly welcomed which is meant I’ve come back for the last 5 years. Kirsty is really friendly, making the appointment go very quickly. Kirsty is professional too, always making sure I do the correct aftercare and book in for next appointments. The studio feels very hygienic. Kirsty has separate nail files etc for each client, everything is cleaned properly.

  • Kirsty offers the best nail service. Doing cuticle care and nail prep, then amazing nail art. Kirsty always has an amazing selection of nail art on display making it extremely difficult to pick a design! If she sees anything she thinks I'd like, she always saves it to show me later.

  • Kirsty has been doing my nails for a few years now, and I've loved every set she’s done. She always takes the time to discuss my ideas, offering great suggestions and alternatives, and never gets frustrated with my indecisiveness. The studio itself is welcoming and relaxing, creating a fantastic environment. It's clear that Kirsty maintains the highest hygiene standards, which I really appreciate. My nails are always of excellent quality, last well, and I frequently receive compliments on them. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my nails!

  • I have always felt welcomed into Kirsty’s salon. Kirsty is friendly, welcoming and has an incredible way of remembering previous colours/designs that you have had. Kirsty is great at helping someone as indecisive as me to choose designs/colours based on current nail trends. The salon is always clean & tidy and I love getting some “me time” at Paintbrush Nails!

  • I have been seeing Kirsty for years now and her level of service is impeccable. She is always up for trying out nail art inspirations that I bring to her, and is so patient when I try to verbalise more abstract concept to her - which is usually very messy, so she’s a total pro for being able to translate them into beautiful nail art!

  • I highly recommend Kirsty! She really takes care of your nails, taking time to prep and shape them beautifully. During each visit, she takes her time to understand exactly what you would like, creating beautiful, personalised looks, with an amazing selection of colours to choose from. Her home studio creates a lovely, chilled and relaxing experience. I really look forward to my appointments.

  • Kirsty does an amazing job! Show her some inspiration pictures and you can work together to create a perfect personalised look! She cares for the health of your natural nails and helps you fall in love with them. I started out with week and short nails. A year later they are long and strong! Couldn't recommend enough!!

  • I've been going to Kirsty for BIAB and she is outstanding! Her designs are unique, she always creates beautiful nails that last for weeks & has great chat too. Highly recommend!

  • Kirsty is so talented and does such a great job on every set of nails l've had from her. Make sure you get nail art too because she is so talented! Would definitely recommend!

  • Kirsty is amazing! I love going to her for my nails, she is incredibly talented with nail art and taking an idea and bringing it to life. She's really chill and you can really relax around her, plus my nails have never been in better shape now she looks after them! Can't recommend her enough.

  • I'm not usually one for getting my nails done regularly but wanted to get them done for going on my hen do and for my wedding. I found Paintbrush Nails on Instagram and was already impressed. Kirsty was so accommodating when I messaged last minute looking for an appointment and was very patient with me while I was trying to make up my mind absolutely loved both sets of nails and they lasted so well - I received so many compliments for them and have recommended Kirsty to my friends.

  • I have had two sets of biab nails with beautiful designs from Kirsty. I have had so many compliments from others and they have been strong and have worn very well. Kirsty is also lovely and friendly, answers all my questions and is a fantastic artist!

  • I had my nails done for my wedding and they were Absolutly Stunning. Kirsty took time to make sure my nails were prepped and shaped properly and I show her a couple of design ideas and they were amazing. My mum loved hers too! I can't wait to come back for my honeymoon nails!

  • There is no other nail tech quite like Kirsty! Her nail art is out of this world and she creates such a personal experience every time you visit. I couldn't recommend her enough!

  • Kirsty is amazing at what she does! She always spends time ensuring my nails are prepped and shaped exactly how I want, and her detail for applying polish is incredible. I had booked in for my wedding nails but am now a returning customer! I couldn't recommend her highly enough!

  • Absolutely love coming to see Kirsty for handpainted art on my nails! She's always up for new things and challenges. And she's also such a joy to be around!💖

  • Best nails in town. Matches my nails to every outfit I've shown. The detail and line work is out of this world.

  • In my opinion, Kirsty is the best nail artist out there. She's really friendly and inviting, you feel comfortable the minute you sit down with her. She always takes the time to understand what it is you want done and how to achieve it. Most importantly however, is that she's an incredibly skilled and wonderful nail artist. Her nail art application is next level and she can do pretty much anything you ask her to do, no matter how niche or out there. I always leave her shop in love with my nails and excited for my next appointment. No matter what your nails are like when you show up to your first appointment, she will work her magic and do wonders, and has made me love my nails which before were admittedly very unkempt. 100% recommend!!

  • Great nail artist! My wedding nails were absolutely gorgeous!!

  • Everyone already knows that Kirsty’s nails are fantastic but she is also so kind and nice to talk to, she listens to my drama every three weeks and never judges. She is really helpful and offers great advice keeping everything strictly confidential! I always look forward to my appointments and having Kirsty help me sort out my nails and my life!

  • Paintbrush Nails is a lovely intimate studio that excels in personalised services. I am always comforted to see tools such as clippers and nippers in the disinfectant solution and the file used for me separate from other client's. When I first started seeing Kirsty my natural nails were weak and I could not grow them out without flaking or breaking. 4 years later and my nails are healthy and strong.

  • Kirsty is always willing to take my ideas and inspirations and work with them to create a unique set. Every step of the way she asks for my opinion and gives her professional guidance when needed. Watching her art take form is fantastic. Kirsty does not rush the fundamentals of nail care and prep work, a step I truly believe pays a crucial part in lasting healthy nails.

  • Kirsty gets to know your personal style as well, and will always let you know about new products she has that she thinks you’ll like. With that said, she’s never pushy, and always gives you an excellent service to your specifications that are also healthy for your nails. From removal, to filing, to varnish, she is meticulous in the care she provides and I am constantly getting compliments from friends and strangers alike on my nails. Her garden studio is in picturesque Callander, and has a cosy and artistic atmosphere. It’s the perfect excuse to stop by some local shops before or after your appointment.