A new crafting studio in Darien caters to anyone who is looking to sparkle
Growing up with a mother who owned a children’s party center, Fairfield County native Kristin McGuinness was seemingly bound to find passion rooted in creativity. McGuinness and her sister Alyssa Genovese had been planning parties for years, but dreamed of owning a space where they could host events, classes and parties. That dream came to fruition when the duo opened their first brick and mortar studio in Mount Kisco—followed later by a second studio in Rye and now a third in Darien.
Pivoting Toward Success
Having opened their Mount Kisco location at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, the sisters had to find creative ways to maintain and serve their loyal customer base. Things like outdoor driveway events and Sparkle Club Subscriptions (monthly projects and crafts sent to customers through the mail) kept the business afloat during that challenging time. As storefronts began to reopen, the sisters got back to business and were eventually able to successfully launch the two additional locations. The Darien Commons studio opened its doors in June of 2024. “Our neighbors and the community have been super welcoming,” says McGuinness. “We have loved getting to know the Darien kids.”
Options Galore
Sparklicious offers a variety of activities. Guests can make soap, lotions, lip gloss, jewelry and slime. There are also crafts like pottery and board painting. “The beauty of Sparklicious is that every party is different, you can come back and have a totally different experience from your last,” McGuinness says.
“There is truly something for everyone—adults, girls, boys, all ages.” The sisters are always adding additional seasonal offerings to their menu so there is something new each time customers return.
Creative Classes
Classes at the Darien location begin at the end of January. “Fashion for Beginners” will be offered on Tuesdays after school for third- through sixth-graders. Kids will have the opportunity to sketch, learn how to create patterns and sew using upcycled materials.
A “DIY Sparkle Club” will also be offered on Mondays for children in kindergarten through third grade. Participants can make their own keychains, water bottles, tee shirts, totes and more.
The studio is open daily for crafting and boutique drop-ins.
A Winning Combination
McGuinness and Genovese bring different strengths to their business venture. “I would say I am more an ‘ideas’ person than an artist,” says McGuinness. “I have my master’s degree in psychology and education, which definitely helps when working with children.” Her sister has a different set of equally important skills that makes them such great partners. “Alyssa was a nursery schoolteacher and is super outgoing and energetic,” explains McGuinness. They complement each other in different ways, but both clearly take after their mother.
Shining Beyond Sparklicious
McGuinness’ oldest daughter Ella, 15, was born with a rare bone marrow disorder called Severe Congenital Neutropenia. In an effort to raise awareness and grow support for research, she started a nonprofit when she was born. “We find that giving back to the community is very important,” she says. “We are a big part of the Princess Ball in Fairfield County that supports many local charities because giving back to our community is very important to us and we love to help children.”
