Tucked just down the road from Aloka, Nest is one of those rare Athens gems where community, creativity, and color all meet under one roof. Founded by two neighbors-turned-friends with a shared love for art and connection, Nest has quickly become a gathering place for students, locals, and visitors alike. Their shop welcoming, joyful, and always full of surprise. We’re thrilled to feature NEST in our Shopkeeper Spotlight series, whose passion for supporting makers and celebrating beauty aligns so naturally with our own.
Natalie + Melissa, owners
Where: Athens, GA
IG: @NestAthens
What does a great day at Nest look like?
A great day at Nest is filled with students, neighbors, and UGA visitors all discovering something special. We love being more than just a shop—we're a gathering place where people find joy between errands or browse for an hour. What makes us happiest is creating a space that feels creative, colorful, and welcoming. Surrounded by local artists and makers, we're reminded daily why we opened Nest: to support our community's creative spirit and offer everyone who walks through our doors a moment of happiness and connection.
How did Nest come to be?
Nest was born from a perfect neighbor story. Melisa and Natalie became next-door neighbors and fast friends. Natalie, a former teacher, dreamed of a gift shop helping people feather their nest. Melisa, a retired physician and UGA art major, craved creative pursuits and connections with local artists. When a Prince Avenue space became available, they knew immediately it was perfect. Six months later, they opened their doors and celebrated their first anniversary this August. The magic? Our constantly evolving collection means the shop never looks quite the same twice.
What do you want people to feel when they walk into Nest?
Joy, delight, comfort, and community. We want Nest to feel like a warm hug from Athens itself—colorful, creative, and genuinely welcoming. Whether you're a student furnishing your first apartment, a local finding the perfect gift, or a visitor wanting a piece of our town's artistic soul, we want you to feel like you belong. Every visit should offer an escape from the everyday, a chance to discover something beautiful and unexpected, and a reminder of why Athens is so special.
You have so many choices and see so much product. Why Aloka?
Aloka's commitment to sustainability, artistry, and local craftsmanship mirrors everything we value. They hand-select vintage textiles and transform them into stunningly beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. As fellow Athens business owners with global reach who stay rooted in our community, they embody the creative spirit that drives Nest. When choosing products, we ask: Is it beautiful? Unique? Does it support makers we believe in? Aloka checks every box, bringing warmth, color, and character to any space. We are so happy and honored to be able to share Aloka with our customers.