By Nadine Shaalan

Kylie and Katie Weiss sat side-by-side on the couch; Katie’s feet soaking in a warm, bubbling tub, while an attendant cradled Kylie’s foot in his hands, filing her toenails. The twins looked relaxed, maybe a little distracted. They were, after all, preening for this afternoon’s big event: Their 5th birthday bash.

Meanwhile, a party of 10 sat giggling in a semicircle of tall director’s chairs, alternately talking with each other, mugging for the camera and stealing glances in the mirror, careful all the while not to muss their freshly sprayed and sparkled up-dos. The attendants went round and round, applying polish, hair spray, the final touches.

This is Sweet & Sassy, a world of pink and purple, sparkles and ribbons. A place where little girls can do what many little girls dream of doing (be a pop star, a princess, a model) and some things they never imagined. This spa/boutique/party-place handles a simple hair trim for Daddy’s little girl, and offers packages for a special day out for Mom’s pampered princess or a “sleepover at the spa” for parties up to 30.

“You should see the next party,” Manager Donna Daly tells us. “They are getting chocolate facials.” And while two parties and several individuals were simultaneously pampered, the staff hustled back and forth, remaining impossibly organized and cheerful. Several parents, delighted to stay out of the way, sat back to marvel at the transformations.

The party planners dressed the girls up in gowns of billowing tule and taffeta and with makeup successfully applied, the girls slid down off their chairs to put on the show. As music thumped, the girls emerged one by one through the beaded curtain, excitement propelling them quickly toward the end of the catwalk, as the announcer introduced each with a short bio. The reality of it all made one or two reach for mama’s apron strings, but most beamed and struck poses for grinning parents. 

We complimented one of the beauty queens on her elegant look. She flashed a smile and gently stroked the faux fur trim of her gown with both hands, careful to keep her fingers spread wide so as not to mess her manicure. io

Contact the writer at nadine [at] ioanthem.com.