Accessories boutique Elyse opens in Greenlawn - Newsday

Owner Elyse Parisi at her shop, Elyse, in Greenlawn. The boutique sells one-of-a-kind accessories, perfumes, candles, jewelry and more. Credit: Elyse Parisi

In 2023, Elyse Parisi, now 41, was shopping for an essential oil when a woman — notably a psychic — asked her out of the blue, " ‘When are you going to open your store?,’ " says Parisi. "It was always in the back of my head, but her saying that made it feel more real like the universe was sending signs my way, and I needed to listen."

She did. In September, Parisi debuted her eponymous boutique, Elyse, in Greenlawn, a 1,050 square-foot space with navy and pink accents and decor, she explains, that’s as if, "You took the inside of my head and put it outside." The notion of opening her own place had been marinating in her mind for a long time, says Parisi, noting that fashion is part of her DNA. She studied it in college, worked in the industry for years, including as a personal shopper at style temple Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan.

Today, she’s put her own distinct stamp on a mix of accessories including jewelry, handbags and hats along with a curated selection of small-batch candles, perfume, lotions, potions, alchemy rubs, body oils and lips balms, these housed in a separate purple-hued area that she’s dubbed "the apothecary" and describes as "witchy." A perfect environment for doing Tarot readings and candle making which she plans down the road.

Customers are encouraged to shop, browse, make a wish and take a Hershey's kiss at Elyse. Credit: Elyse Parisi

You won’t find the same old jewelry pieces here. "I’ve never been the type to go for just designer stuff. I want everyone to be different," Parisi notes. She often buys just one-of-a-kinders, the bulk of her merchandise ranging in price from $50-$150. Included in the assortment are some special antique items that she displays in her grandmother’s jewelry box. And speaking of family, her parents live in Greece for half the year, where she has visited many a boutique snagging interesting and beautiful pieces peppered throughout her collections. Handbags too, are out of the ordinary. Several from the brand Mary Frances are elaborately hand-beaded, one, a knockout, looks like an elaborate clock. There are clutches from the Simitri company that feature standout metallic fringe details.

Parisi has captured a "feel good" vibe here. She encourages shopping and hanging out in a small lounge she’s created. And there’s the neon sign that reads "Make your own magic." "I believe everybody should embrace who you are. It’s OK to not be like everyone else," says Parisi. As you leave the store, another sign urges shoppers to "Make a wish and take a kiss." That refers to the free candy kisses offered along with small glass balls filled with glitter, which, says Parisi, helps people, "keep the magic with them all the time."

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Elyse, 745 Pulaski Rd., Greenlawn, 718-915-5543 (@elyse.boutique)