What A Girl Wants boutique grows with new location in Merrick

Carissa Cillis, the brains behind What A Girl Wants women’s boutique in Wantagh, marked her 10-year anniversary last December with a splash of color. A bright pink helium "10” balloon floated above the clothing, jewelry, home decor and gift items.

At the same time, the 32-year-old businesswoman who covers bookkeeping, buying, customer service and managing five part-time employees fine-tuned plans to expand her brand. On March 10, she opened a second What A Girl Wants shop at Marissa’s Brow & Beauty Bar at 63 Merrick Ave., in Merrick.

"It’s a small space so I’ve curated everything and made it fun and visually appealing," says Cillis. "I wanted to bring in seasonal items, so it’s looking bright for spring and summer."

The partnership venture is on trend. Many salons now feature boutiques within their spaces, offering customers a value-added experience. Staff at Marissa’s cover sales of Cillis’ merchandise, which mirrors the original store.

Could Cillis see even more offshoots of the shop? "That’s the goal, but let’s see," says Cillis, of Seaford. "I’ve learned that you have to always be open to growing."

Cillis was studying business and fashion at LIM College in Manhattan and working for the previous owner of What A Girl Wants at its original Seaford location when the opportunity arose to take over the shop. She had an entrepreneurial drive. Her parents’ investment sealed the deal.

While the store’s name automatically sends the Christina Aguilera chart-topper humming through one’s head, its tagline — "A little bit of everything" — speaks volumes as well. "Customers always say that," says Cillis.

The selection of women’s apparel — tops, bottoms, dresses, beachwear, jackets and more — caters to "a classic girl look," says Cillis. "I don't go super trendy."

Beyond clothes, customizable charm bracelets and necklaces go for $60-$120, canvas and jute beach totes start around $69, and seasonal decorative ceramic dishware runs around $50 and up.

"A lot of times, people come in and they need a gift, but they have no idea what they want," says Cillis, who’s recently been doubly busy running her shop and planning her June wedding. "Our job is to try and find exactly what they didn't even know they were looking for yet."

What A Girl Wants, 1188 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, 516-809-9270, whatagirlwantsli.com.