There’s no better place to make children’s holiday dreams come true than Brilliant Sky Toys and Books. Formerly known as Treehouse Toys and Books when it was located in Eastwood Towne Center, Brilliant Sky has not only relocated and changed its name, it has expanded to include six new franchises throughout the United States. Besides the Okemos location, Brilliant Sky now has stores in Highland Village, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Phoenix, Arizona; Charlotte, North Carolina; Deer Park, Illinois; and Rochester Hills, Michigan.

According to store owner Brent Taylor, “We started thinking about franchising our concept about two and a half years ago. In 2008 alone, we completed five franchise deals, and we definitely plan to continue franchising Brilliant Sky. We were inspired by the success of such local companies as Two Men and a Truck® and BIGGBY COFFEE. Each Brilliant Sky is independently owned; the owners have purchased our brand and trademark, the design and layout of the store and the services of our artist, Gail Hinton, who comes in and does all the wall murals and other art work. We work with them as they stock their stores with brands we know to be exceptional. Our guidelines mandate that everything in our stores has to be of the highest quality and be healthy for children. We work with toy makers we know and trust.”

He continues, “When we decided to move, it seemed like a natural time to change our name to Brilliant Sky, which is the name used by all of the franchised stores. We closed our Eastwood Towne store in July and re-opened in Central Park Place early in September. We have increased the size of our store to 5,700 square feet, and we also have more storage and office space in this location.”

Taylor and his wife Sonia opened their first store in 2002. They had been living in Tennessee where Brent worked in logistics management; Sonia had been a registered nurse before staying home to raise their three children. Brent, an East Lansing native and Michigan State University graduate, and Sonia were looking for an opportunity to return to the area and become entrepreneurs. As parents, they knew the importance of toys in a child’s world, and they were determined to provide area families with the best the industry had to offer. Says Sonia, “We know that the best ‘toy’ is a child’s own imagination, and we wanted to provide toys that tap into that creativity.”

Brent says, “While what is ‘hot’ changes from year to year, we don’t get too wrapped up in fads. We sell toys that last. For instance, LEGO® continues to be a big seller, year after year.”

Sonia adds, “Playmobil® is another big seller. We also carry art supplies, books and wooden puzzles.”

“We have free story hours here at the store with Karrie Korrock, who was with us at the other store, and we are planning special family nights as well.”

The store features warm colors, an inviting ambiance, handsome displays and plenty of room to roam. Toys are consistently attractive, sturdy and (don’t tell the kids!) educational. However, they are never educational in a stodgy, play-with-this-it’s-good-for-you way. Everything in the store really looks like fun.

Besides the ever popular train table from the previous store, the new location features a 120-gallon salt water aquarium and, as Brent says, “more extensive art work. We have taken the aesthetic concept a step farther in this store.”

He continues, “We are excited about the new location and ready to welcome our old customers as well as new ones.”

Polka Dots Bead-A-Full Boutique

If you’re on the lookout for gifts for a slightly more mature recipient, head to Old Town and Kristin Szymusiak’s Polka Dots Bead-A-Full Boutique. This brightly colored, light-hearted little store features not only a full line of beads and everything needed to create jewelry, but also a selection of unique and artistic gift items.

Szymusiak says, “I’m originally from Battle Creek and came to Michigan State to study apparel and textiles. After I graduated, I moved to Chicago where I worked in the fashion industry. But it’s always been my dream to have my own store, so my husband and I moved back here and bought this building. We lived upstairs for five months while we renovated the building. We’ve been open now about two and a half years; I love the Old Town atmosphere and the great customers who shop here. The store sells items you don’t see anyplace else and we’re doing very well.”

According to Szymusiak, “About 60 percent of our business is beads and accessories, and the other 40 percent is the gift items we sell.”

She continues, “We have so many different kinds of beads here—there’s really something to appeal to everyone. Many of them are made right here in the store and are very intricate and unusual. My mother-in-law helps with this (in fact, she taught me how to make them), and we have a separate business called Bead Babes. We go to craft shows throughout the year to sell these special beads.

“People can come in the store and buy everything they need to make beautiful jewelry. They can either work at home or make jewelry in the store. We’re always here to help. We offer classes and are also available for things like birthday parties, girls’ night out event, we’ve even had wedding parties come in to make the jewelry for a wedding. We’re also available to host off-site parties. ”

Though the store is relatively small, it is filled to the brim with fun, funky and original pieces. Szymusiak says, “I buy things for the store that I love myself! We have things here that appeal to all ages, and our prices are very affordable.”

Shoes, purses, cards and paper goods, pre-made jewelry, home accessories and other unique items make shopping a pleasure. And the warm and enthusiastic personality of shopkeeper Kristin Szymusiak makes the whole experience a delight.

No matter who is on your gift list, shopping locally makes sense. Not only does it boost the Lansing economy, it gives you the option of some very special stores where you will be sure to find the perfect gift.

Author: Jane Whittington
Photography: Terri Shaver