Nailgun Nelly

Start Scrappy and Stay Curious: A Day in the Life of DIY Creator Nailgun Nelly

Meet Georgia Boot Crew member Janelle Payne

There are two consistent things in Nelly’s day: coffee and chaos - and not always in that order.  As a DIY content creator, no two days look the same. Between editing for her social channels and juggling early-morning work, Nelly tries to squeeze in a garage weightlifting session before diving headfirst into the real work: building, filming, and wrangling camera gear (sometimes with the kids on board too). As a multi-tasker, Nelly’s to-do list is her daily compass, navigating the work and life balance of a mom with two boys - power tool in one hand, soccer ball in the other - it’s just another day in Nelly’s life.

If you’re just starting out in DIY or content creation, Nelly’s #1 piece of advice is to -
start scrappy and stay curious. Don’t wait until you’ve “learned it all”, because you won’t. Just start: share the journey; laugh at your mistakes; and trust in the power of trim work, a decent tripod, and of course, a reliable pair of boots.

Nelly’s relationship with Georgia Boot began like many great love stories do - through a solid recommendation. In this case, the recommendation came from her brother-in-law who swears by the Georgia Wedge Boot. Nelly tried them and was hooked. From hauling lumber to handling delicate trim work, they keep her grounded throughout the day. These boots have seen it all: RV renovations, unpredictable weather shoots, and the controlled chaos of her workshop. Nelly recently shared a story about Georgia Boot during a project.

One moment I’ll never forget? Finishing a backyard deck just as a torrential rainstorm hit. I was soaked, but my feet stayed dry — a small miracle and a big reminder that good gear matters. Walking into a hardware store in my Wedges? Instant credibility. People look at me like, “She knows what she’s doing” — and I don’t mind that one bit.

Despite all the power tools and heavy lifting, Nelly still screams when she sees a spider (every time). She’s also surprisingly good at spreadsheets, and behind every project is a color-coded, well-organized plan. Oh — and here’s one for the books: Nailgun Nelly (aka Janelle Payne) is a critical care nurse and a former State Champion chicken judger through the FFA. Nationals and all.