Quietly nestled in the corner of the Blakeney Shopping Center is one of the most charming little toys stores filled with the most amazing treasures. Do you know which one I am talking about? I know you do, it is called Brilliant Sky. And it is indeed, BRILLIANT. Immediately, as you walk through the doors you are welcomed by the friendliest staff. Smiles for miles is what I call them. How can you not be happy being surrounded by all those amazing toys? Let’s chat a minute about these toys…. the selection is fantastic. To narrow the choice to one toy is almost impossible. I have toys picked out for every special occasion up the age of 10 for my boys, mind you they are only 4 – yes, that is how awesome the toy selection is! Brilliant Sky is locally owned by two amazing women, Nancy Brislin and Susan Phillips.
Nancy Brislin has been with Brilliant Sky (Blakeney) since its doors opened in 2008. As you enter the store, she takes an interest in getting to know you. I was lucky enough to have Nancy give me a personal tour and teach me about all the different toys. I was amazed at her knowledge. I was certain she had a degree in education – nope, this just comes natural to her. She is that special (in the pink and green world we call her SMARTY!) She told me her goal is to “provide the highest level of customer service and ensure every customer has a good experience shopping at Brilliant Sky.” I have to say she has exceeded her goal. Nancy has called the Charlotte area home for the past 25 years (Charlotte is lucky to have her ☺ ) She and her husband Neal have three daughters and three very spoiled dogs.
Susan Phillips joined Brilliant Sky (Blakeney) as an owner in 2014. She is the one with the most beautiful smile when walk through the door. There is nothing Susan can’t do. There is nothing Susan can’t help you with. She is the perfect addition to any toy store. She is creative, has an ability to put together anything, and loves, loves, loves toys. Her enthusiasm is contagious. She told me that when she is “not sure something is a winner she can always count on her son, Jett, to consult as an expert…!” Susan has made Charlotte her home for 14 years with her husband JB, their boys and an adorable Beagle named Bug and a lovely black lab named Delilah. 
These two amazing women are quite a team. You should stop by and meet them. I promise you will not be disappointed. Brilliant Sky is SUPER Smarty!! Nancy and Susan are SUPER SMARTY! Since the beginning, they have had a ball watching their customers grow from being rocked in the store’s rocking chair to zipping around on the Flying Turtle. They feel honored to have “played a role in the lives of people in this community by providing fun, developmentally appropriate toys, puzzles, games and books”.
I absolutely adore visiting this store. I re-live my childhood every time. It is MAGICAL!!!
Smarty Giveaway: Two (2) Smarties win a Brilliant Sky Holiday Bundle
Smarties, I have a treat for you!!!!!!! Nancy and Susan have put together a giveaway prize for the holiday. They are so amazing that they are giving two of our lucky Smarties a grab bag of toys. Handpicked by their expertise.
The Girl Giveaway includes: A Build your own Fairy Tree Kit, A Mermaid Blanket Tail and A Bedtime Stories Book.
The Boys Giveaway includes: A Shark Blanket Tail, Magnectic Mix and Match Vehicle Set, and a Bedtime Stories Book.
Each one is valued at $70-80
*This is giveaway is for one of the grab-bag of toys. One winner for the girl giveaway, one winner for the boy giveaway.
All you have to do:
1. Sign up for a Smarty newsletter
2. Like and follow Brilliant Sky on Facebook
3. Leave a comment below on what your favorite Christmas present was as a child.
XXOO Smarties!
This giveaway is coming in hot – we’ll announce this Thursday, December 22 – just in time to help Santa!
Brilliant Sky
9882-G Rea Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 542-5145
charlottenc@brilliantskytoys.com
Website
Facebook
39 comments
A Barbie house was a much-used, much-loved toy for many years as a child.
For sure a Cabbage Patch Doll, that is now played with by my daughter.
Cabbage patch kid!
Cabbage doll 😍😍
A new bike. It was a banana seat with long handles and streamers
The best present I ever got was a Barbie Dreamhouse! I wrote Santa a letter and begged him for one when I went to the mall to see him. It worked because I got it! Santa is awesome and I have the best parents ever 🙂
I loved getting a bike with the banana seat and white basket.
My barbie convertible!
Barbie house!!!!
An Ariel and Erik doll
Cabbage Patch Doll! They were hard to find and I got one. It was the biggest surprise.
Cabbage Patch Kid!
Fisher Price Doctors kit (medical bag)
My favorite Christmas present as a child was a classic Nintendo!
A bike!
My favorite toy was lite brite!
Cabbage Patch Kid!
My favorite was a sled and snow gear
I loved when my grandmother got me a bookbag and filled it with books, pencils, markers, a notebook, chapstick and a pretty outfit. Just made me feel so special.
Cabbage Patch Kid
Care Bears!
My cabbage patch kid
My She-ra doll!! After all We shared the same name:) lol
A rainbow bride record player.
A sewing machine — I still have it!
My dad built the most amazing and cherished (still to this day!) wooden doll house, outfitted with window boxes filled with the tiniest flowers. It was the most beautiful Christmas present I had ever received!
A cabbage patch doll ❤️
Raggedy Ann, I still have her 40 years later
My favorite toy was a Light Bright!
My favorite Christmas present as a child was a Cabbage Patch Kid. I will never forget running down the stairs to find one under the tree after knowing that they were sold out across the US!
My favorite Christmas present as a girl was my giant stuffed teddy bear. I still have him to this day!
A real, tiny tea set that I made everyone drink hot chocolate out of for months!
My dollhouse was the best! I gave it to my daughter 2 years ago.
Doctor kit
I had a toy called Merlin when I was a kid that I absolutely loved. It was a battery operated game that you could play tic tac toe on and serveral other games so it was perfect for road trips or when you had no one to play with.
Barbies!!
A sled and snow gear…..
My favorite Christmas present was a used pink bike that I got when I was around 11 years old. My parents didn’t have a lot of money but they always made sure we had at least one “big” present, even if it meant they had to make a few sacrifices here and there.
I don’t know why I remember it so well, maybe because I loved it that much! As a child, I didn’t mind that it was used, I was so thankful to just have one!
A cassette player