How Good Day Darling became Portland’s permanent jewelry destination

Published 4:00 am Friday, July 24, 2026

Accessories should be made to last, dare we say, forever.

That’s why this Portland entrepreneur launched a brand built on permanent jewelry, so you know it won’t go anywhere — unless you really want it to.

In 2022, Taylor Goodell opened Good Day Darling in Portland and is opening a second location in Bend this month.

Good Day Darling, 917 N.W. Overton St., is the stop for an accessory lover looking for a lasting memory, whether that be curating a personalized item with charms or choosing a permanent piece of bling.

Permanent jewelry is a custom-fit, clasp-less chain that is welded directly onto your body and is made of precious metals. It’s less permanent than, say, a tattoo. It removes the traditional closure, allowing you to wear a seamless piece throughout your daily activities.

It can still break, of course, but repairs are free.

The rise of “zapped” permanent jewelry brought a modern twist to the centuries-old tradition of wearing meaningful, lasting symbols.

Catbird helped bring the trend into the spotlight in 2017 with its “Forever Bracelet” and the introduction of the phrase “Get Zapped.”

While the micro-welded style is a recent innovation, the idea of jewelry designed to represent an unbreakable bond has existed for generations. This concept was famously reflected in Cartier “Love Bracelet,” whose 1969 design featured a locking mechanism that required a special screwdriver, turning the bracelet into a lasting symbol of commitment.

“Before I started my business, I didn’t honestly wear a ton of jewelry. I was never like a jewelry-obsessed girl,” Goodell said.

Her background in fashion stems from her childhood, when she would use a sewing machine to bring her designs to life.

She didn’t focus on postsecondary education and instead dove into dental assisting — a career she held for 10 years before launching her business. She worked in pediatrics and initially started her jewelry gig as a side hustle.

The Charm Bar — where guests can choose charms for bracelets, necklaces and more — reminds her of her youth making custom creations. There are thousands of charms to choose from.

She found inspiration through social media, watching a rise in permanent jewelry.

Since she never wore much jewelry herself, she thought it would make for the perfect accessory. It’s something she wouldn’t have to think about taking on or off.

There was just one problem: Nobody in Portland offered the service.

“Maybe I could start doing it?” she remembers thinking.

At the start of 2022, Goodell partnered with a friend who was launching a spa for services like tooth gems and hair tinsel — an ideal spot for her own glitzy offerings. Just months later, she launched her business.

The demand proved strong, and she was fully booked within the first week.

“We have in our bio ‘the OG’ because we really were the first ones,” she said of being the first dedicated permanent jewelry brand in Portland.

Goodell learned most everything from Facebook groups, from how to do permanent jewelry to where to find supplies and how to turn it into a business. Her dad is a professional welder, so he helped her learn how to weld the jewelry together. Friends, family and her hubby soon became her practice dummies.

“I feel like I learn something new every day. I definitely don’t have it all figured out,” she said when asked about running a business. “But, you know, I’m still in business; things are still going. So, that’s a good sign.”

Much of her business is built on providing an experience. Customers get to leave her store with a charming piece of jewelry, but most people coming in are looking to create a memory and a moment.

This could be a mother-daughter coming in for a matching accessory, or a bachelorette party commemorating the special occasion, or tourists stopping by the Rose City looking to symbolize their journey.

“I love it. I don’t ever want to stop doing it,” Goodell said of owning Good Day Darling.

Oftentimes, you’ll still find her working in the shop, even as the owner. She said it’s fun, so she wants to be a part of the whole process.

“It’s great to love what you do,” she said.

For those interested, visit gooddaydarling.com to book an appointment or party. Walk-ins are always welcome. Customers can order items online as well.