The things people dream up never cease to amaze me, equally amazing is the variety of dreams I’ve seen brought to fruition as of late.  My current source of fascination is a new storefront in Main Street at Exton called Sweet & Sassy; a full service salon and spa designed and sized exclusively for children, that’s right – children.  Ilyce Cohen is the energetic owner of Sweet & Sassy, a franchise based out of Southlake Texas.  She’s also the young mother of two little girls who would undoubtedly give their tiny eyeteeth (if they have them yet) to come to work with mommy every day.  Ilyce says of her diminutive clientele “they’re not just coming in to get their hair cut, it’s a total salon experience.”

          Just like an adult salon and spa, Sweet & Sassy offers a plethora of services like shampoo, cut and style out, boys cuts, baby’s first cut and even updo’s and braiding for formal occasions.  Enthusiastic patrons are cloaked in plush terry robes and a conglomeration of fuzzy, fluffy or feathered flip-flops while enjoying authentic manicures / pedicures and even chocolate facials.   Unlike an adult salon there’s no cuticle cutting, hair dyeing or waxing since the age of the average Sweet & Sassy patron is approximately three to thirteen.  The only metal implements used are during professional ear piercing which takes place in a big cushy pink chair made solely for that purpose. Salon hair services even have all types and colors of  hair extensions which the girls get to keep, sheer and sparkly makeup makeup application and of course everyone gets a glitter star on their cheek in their color of choice.  I meant to get one before I left but was so distracted by the make-it-yourself lip gloss, body lotion and ice cream sugar scrub stations in the center of the store that I promptly forgot.  Betcha I stood there for a good five minutes debating how ridiculous I’d look mixing up some cotton candy flavored lip gloss and a double scoop of root beer sugar scrub.  Hey I’m not that old yet. 

         Sweet & Sassy has an innovative menu of different Spa & Glam Girl Packages, we’re not just talking birthday parties here.  To name a few of the most popular there’s “Diva for a Day” where the girls enjoy an hour and a half of spa heaven, then there’s “Party Princess” complete with cake, coronation and sparkling tiara.  Unforgettable Party Packages have names like “Rockin’ Pop Star”, “A Night on the Red Carpet” which comes with lots of paparazzi and a photo of each girl made into a magazine cover.  Sweet & Sassy’s  “All Dressed Up and Runway to Go”  is a really cool package where petite partygoers flood the dressing room to pick out a costume from overflowing chests of girly stuff.  Then  they head over to the miniature mirrored salon counters to have their hair styled and sheer sparkly makeup done.  Lastly it’s over to the manicure stations and miniature pedicure tubs, Sweet & Sassy knows how to put the final polish on a girls’ first mani / pedi with a warm strawberry lotion hand massage and their choice of free ring and toe ring.  Bear in mind that while the erstwhile darlings are being fully engaged by Ilyce’s party planners – mom can roam around about a million other stores within strolling distance.  See where I’m going with this?

         After being properly primed for their first big entrance the mini-models burst through a heavy silver-beaded curtain and onto the raised runway from which they can admire their petite performances live on the big screen TV hanging down from the ceiling.  What’s a party like that if you can’t immortalize it?  Always mindful of the unforgettable party credo, Ilyce makes sure that everyone gets not just their own performance on DVD but also a group photo to take home.  Sweet & Sassy also conducts “Girls Rule” Workshops for Girl Scout, Adventure Princesses and yes even Sports Teams.  10% off all salon services on Tuesdays, and they’ll even teach your little darlings how to mind their manners and even give them a shot at becoming a Sweet & Sassy party coordinator. 

         Ilyce maintains “there’s no one out who really does what we do, at the level we do it.”  She’s definitely got a good point there, gosh I can’t even think of an adult salon that keeps a limousine parked outside.  Yes you are reading correctly; Sweet & Sassy’s hot pink “Party Girls To Go” limo service is available to pick your tiny revelers up, roll out a red carpet upon their arrival (no lie) and drape them with a feathered boa as soon as they exit.

         If you’re more of the mind to take something with you Sweet & Sassy has gift cards available and will put together custom gift baskets from their absolutely loaded retail boutique in the front of the store.  It’s a mind boggling array – just like Ilyce says “any birthday present you’d ever want to give a kid complete with free gift-wrapping.”  Moms can pick up all kinds of nifty little things from personal and decorative accessories to jewelry, clothing and webkins.  Just in time for that yearly event most awaited by parents: back to school.  Hey kids, look at the bright side – you’ve never looked better stepping off of that bus.  Remember now; it’s more than a salon – it’s a celebration. 

          My honest opinion?  Cute as all get out – even I have to admit it.  However isn’t that just what today’s already beleaguered single mothers and pressuredsincepreschool little girls need huh?  Sorry but really now, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?!  Think I’m making this up?  Alrite smarty-pants, see for yourself!………Sweet and Sassy