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Two local sisters are opening a new children’s party and play space in Lindenhurst designed to help kids build confidence, kindness and creativity.
Sweet Sparkle Society is officially set to open April 1 at 125A S. Wellwood Ave., offering spa-style parties, workshops and play experiences centered around emotional growth and positive self-image.
Co-owner Cristina Gordon said the concept is built on the philosophy of cultivating beauty and strength from within.
Gordon, a former public relations executive for beauty brands, launched the venture with her sister, Angelina Cammareri, a cosmetologist. The idea grew out of their observations of how beauty marketing and social media influence young people — especially as mothers themselves.
The new space, complete with craft tables, salon stations, dressing rooms and a karaoke corner, will host spa, tea and dress-up gatherings for kids ages 3 to 14.
“The Sweet Sparkle Society offers social emotional skill building in a celebration space partnered with a licensed therapist,” Gordon said. “We want kids to feel beautiful inside and out.”
Gordon said beauty brands and social media are “confusing the narrative” for young people.
“Kids playing with skincare and the rise of social media, it’s striking a bigger conversation to be part of the solution,” she said. “We want kids to be able to be kids, dress up, get a little eyeshadow and have their hair done, but the conversation needs to be how they feel.”
The programming is supported by a curriculum created by clinical social worker Paula Eicher, who serves as head of Sweet Sparkle Society’s social emotional curriculum. Events are tailored by age group so that parties, workshops and activities help promote confidence, kindness and emotional awareness.
“We want to really promote confident conversations, confident skills and social emotional learning as kids navigate the outside world,” Gordon said.
A look inside
The space may resemble a salon from the outside, Gordon said, but the experience inside is designed to be something more meaningful.
“It’s a salon in disguise — a fun, joyful space where kids learn lessons and every child who walks in leaves feeling more confident and kinder,” she said.
Sweet Sparkle Society will host themed parties such as the Sparkle with Friendship Tea Party and Sparkle Confident Royal Party, where kids can be pampered while celebrating friendship and teamwork.
Using guided language and activities, the parties encourage kids to talk about their feelings while enjoying the experience. Mirrors are even covered until the end of the event.
“We talk about how they feel — how do you want to feel today — instead of how to look,” Gordon said. “It’s positive play.”
Party bookings are already underway and workshops are expected to begin in the last week of March.
Programs will include Friendship Lab, focused on building strong friendships and practicing kindness; Mommy & Me Sparkle Circle, a bonding experience for parents and children centered on confidence and connection; Big Feelings Workshop, which helps kids learn emotional regulation; and Social Media Safety Sparkle Class, guiding tweens and teens on confidence, boundaries and navigating social media in a healthy way.
The space will also host school break mini camps, daddy-daughter events and “mommy’s night out” gatherings.
“There will be something for everyone,” Gordon said.
Workshops will focus on specific themes and include take-home resources for parents to help continue conversations about confidence, kindness and friendship.
“Parents need to have the tools to go home and raise kids in a meaningful way that helps with all the noise,” Gordon said. “We’ll provide resources so everyone involved in raising kids can feel like the best version of themselves.”
The backstory
Gordon said the pair first began discussing the business idea about two years ago, but began seriously working toward opening the space last year.
The West Islip sisters discovered the vacant storefront on Wellwood Avenue in December while searching for a South Shore location.
Since then, they have transformed the former office space into a 1,200-square-foot party and play destination designed for both boys and girls.
“This is brought to you by real moms who are genuinely invested in making the community better,” Gordon said.
Photos courtesy of The Sweet Sparkle Society/SOLQA Media
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