On an early Saturday in January, Brooklyn Ramsey and a group of her friends gather at Sweet and Sassy in Draper.
It's a special occasion, Brooklyn's 10th birthday, and they are ready for the royal treatment. Brooklyn and her friends head to the back of the store first, where they get dressed up in runway garb. Once they're all in costume, the girls head to Glam Central, where they can choose from four party up-dos, receive a makeup application and get their nails painted. With glitter glinting in their hair, the girls are ready for their big moment — a walk down the runway.
Brooklyn said the experience was better than she anticipated.
"I was feeling like I wondered if it would be fun or not and then I came in and I was like 'Wow — this is awesome!"' she said.
Brooklyn and her friends were some of the first customers at Sweet and Sassy in Draper. The business, located at 280 E. 12300 South, serves a triple purpose as a salon, spa and party place for girls up to age 14. It also has a retail store full of girl-themed items.
"We offer full-service up-dos, cuts, highlights, glamour parties or we can be a draw for girls to come in and get a pedicure and toe ring or get their nails painted," said Kathie Warnock, who owns the business with her husband, Brent. "It's a fun, wholesome place for girls to come in and get pampered."
Sweet and Sassy offers six different party packages ranging in price from $169 to $399. Party themes include All Dressed Up and Runway to Go, Perfect Princess, Rockin' Pop Star, A Night on the Red Carpet, Sassy Spa Girl and Late Night at the Spa. Most include a makeup application, hair up-dos, dressing up and party take-homes. Girls can also make their own lotion, jewelry or flip-flops for an additional fee or be picked up in a limo for $125.
"It's a lifetime memory for girls to come in and have a party," Kathie said, noting that many moms also voice their desire for such a party as they watch their daughters enjoy themselves.
If girls would like to experience Sweet and Sassy but don't necessarily want a party, the business offers several different packages from Diva for a Day which includes a haircut, shampoo, full style, makeup application mini-manicure, mini-pedicure and mini-facial for $59.95 to the Glittery Glam Express for $19.95 which includes a party up-do, mini-manicure and makeup application.
The community has embraced the salon with open arms thus far, store manager Sue Christensen said.
"The response has been overwhelming," she said. "People can come in and capture their own experiences. It's an easy thing to promote."
An important aspect of the business is reaching out to those in the community who may not have means to afford a party at Sweet and Sassy. Christensen plans to pair with four charitable organizations in Salt Lake County to find such girls and provide at least one party a month free of charge.
"It's a fun place we want everyone to benefit from," she said.
The idea for the business came when Kathie and Brent were searching for an idea to start their own business. They traveled to Texas, where Sweet and Sassy is headquartered, and took a tour of a store there. They fell in love with the idea and decided to open a franchise location in Draper. The store officially opened its doors Dec. 26, and a grand opening celebration was held Jan. 12 and 13.
One of Kathie's favorite things is observing how girls respond to their royal treatment.
"I enjoy watching (the girls') reaction to the day," she said. "We even had a grandpa up dancing on the stage. Everyone catches on to the excitement."
Brooklyn's mother, Karen Ramsey of South Jordan, said she stumbled upon Sweet and Sassy while taking her dog to the vet. She knew her daughter's birthday was coming up, so she researched the business online and decided it would be an ideal party location.
"I enjoy just seeing the girls get so excited and seeing them get pampered," she said. "I couldn't do (Brooklyn's) hair like that. They take care of the cake and everything."
Ramsey said Sweet and Sassy is also good because it appeals to the "tweens" — the girls who aren't children anymore but haven't become teenagers yet.
Brooklyn's friend, Madisen Greenburg, 9, said she liked getting glamorized at the party.
"I like trying on the clothes and getting my hair and makeup done," she said.
Friend Emily Gwilliam, 9, said she chose to wear her pink sequin dress because she likes pink.
"I like getting my hair done," she said, then added she was "sort of excited and nervous" to walk down the runway.
To reserve a party time or for more information about Sweet and Sassy, interested individuals can call 495-BDAY (2329) or visit www.sweetandsassy.com. The business is located in the Draper Southgate Shopping Center, 280 E. 12300 South, Suite 118. A 10 percent discount and free invitations are offered for parties occurring Monday through Thursday.
Christensen said the store is a good way to give special treatment.
"It's an opportunity to pamper the girls and their moms," she said. "It's a custom experience. When I see the little girls out on the runway, they get so excited."
E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com