“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
-Jim Ryun
As you come across the causeway headed to wonderful Chincoteague Island the following ideas might pop into your head:
“What are we going to do first?”
“I wonder if the ponies are out?”
“What are we going to eat?
“I cannot wait to relax and have some fun!”
As you contemplate the above and much more, take into consideration that beyond the attractions and eateries there are some very awesome shops to check out. One of the shops on the island is Sandy Sky’s. I may be biased because my best friend owns this shop but it is seriously the cutest. I will however let you be the final judge of that.
Who is Skylar?
Skylar Geminiani is a wife, mother and business owner. She graduated with her Bachelors in Fine Art with a painting track in December of 2017 from Salisbury University, GO GULLS. Before that she earned her Associates in Business Management. That part is not hard to tell; she is the most business savvy woman I have ever met. When you ask her at what age did she begin her art passion she will tell you 3-4 years old. She will also tell you about her kindergarten years when she drew a cat that was featured in the yearbook. She is her own biggest critic and she still has qualms about the cat drawing. Apparently she has never seen me draw a cat!
How it all began….
Back story with Skylar and I! We worked at the same restaurant and the rest is history. Remember I might be biased. Over the years I have watched, literally, one of my really good friends pour her blood, sweat and tears into her art. Again, literally. I have been in “awe” of her work and how she transforms something so simple into something so breathtaking. We can both look at the same object but she has already transformed it in her head into something creative and amazing. It baffles my semi-creative mind.
As time goes on she continues to find things that she can warp and sell. It started out in the comfort of her own home. She would make things, post them to Facebook and followers would ask her “how much?” The more she would make, the more she would sell and then that turned into custom orders. She entertained this side hustle while she was attending college and working at the restaurant. She would like to thank the Red Bull company for all of their hard work in helping her multi-task! (Plum is her favorite)
Dream to Reality
As the orders flew in and out she knew she needed to expand past her living room and craft room. So in April of 2019 she cut the ribbon on her brand new shop located in front of Comfort Suites. Sandy Sky’s was a dream but that day it became a reality. That was a proud day for all of us. Skylar’s dreams were finally coming true!
4211 Main Street Chincoteague, Virginia 23336
The Real Boss
There is no doubt when you ask her who the real boss of Sandy Sky’s is, she will tell you River.
While being the boss man is a taxing job, he does it with grace and poise. You could probably say that he is also her biggest motivator alongside her husband. He is quite the employee with re-arranging the shop and making sure his mom is on her toes always.
He comes to work with her everyday and I am willing to bet the locals stop by only to see him sometimes, sorry Skylar. However, if you need a dose of blue eyed, happy giggles stop in! He will not disappoint and seeing as he is running around now, he will probably welcome you at the door.
Biggest Accomplishments
Aside from opening her shop, which would be her biggest accomplishment, Skylar has also stolen the United States with her replica love chairs. When you visit Chincoteague, VA be sure to head to Robert Reed Park and get your picture taken in, in front of, or on top of the LOVE chairs. These chairs have become a staple in this little town. They have seen proposals, pregnancy announcements, family photographs, weddings and so much more. When you are done getting your picture taken stop into Sandy Sky’s to get your own personal mini chair set!
The “Mini Love Chairs” have been a top seller for Skylar since she started making them in 2015. Her husband, Geno, would like to take full credit of this idea (I’ll let her dispute that). She has since sold over 400 sets of chairs. 400 families touched by her creation. 400 families have the chairs that I am sure tell them a story of a time when they visited Chincoteague, Va. She didn’t stop at these mini sets of chairs though, she had another idea. The LOVE chairs are now a Christmas ornament for your Christmas tree and boy have they taken off! You can also get the wreath attachment so you remain festive with your love chairs during the holiday season as well.
In addition to her LOVE chairs and ornaments she has created Oyster Trees. These Christmas themed trees are made from oyster shells that her father, Stanley, donated to her from his own business. Always thank a water man when you see one, they provide the yummy seafood that can be purchased or eaten at any of the restaurants on this island. Her coordinate signs have also been a big seller as well. So big that she also created crab ornaments with the Chincoteague coordinates on those as well.
Keeping a shop up and running is no easy task. While 90% of her shop is all hand-made crafts and gifts she has also partnered with other businesses who sell in her shop. She has hand-made soaps from Old Whaling Company, cute stud earrings from Periwinkle, unique hand-bags from Spartina 449 and more. In addition she also makes custom shirts, can coolers, vinyl stickers for businesses, cars and windows, as well as commission items. She has put her special touch on a lot of wedding decorations, including all of the decorations from my own wedding.
Photos by Chelsea Megan Photography
Like I said in the beginning….I AM BIASED.
Next time you visit Chincoteague Island Virginia make sure you stop in to check out her shop, say hello to River. If you don’t buy anything else at least pick up a set of LOVE chairs because then you’ll have a constant reminder of our little island and the great fun that you had here.
A Story Without Words 
This is amazing. And i couldn’t agree more! Love my amazing daughter in law and my grandson! My son is a lucky man!
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We love Sandy Sky’s!! We stop in every time we visit Chincoteague and usually end of purchasing something unique from her shop! Do yourself a favor and stop by, you won’t be disappointed!
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I have known Skyler since she was a tiny baby. Her grandfather was very gifted in painting. I am so glad she is sharing her beautiful talent with every one. I think the piece about her was great but there is a lot more about her.
She is very caring about her family and always has a beautiful smile. Once she meets you she never forgets you, and does her very best to please everyone. Her art and shop shows how she loves people and her work
She has worked very hard to make her dream come true. Geno and River have completed her dream.
Thanks Skyler for pursuing your talent and sharing it with every one.
Keep up the great work.
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Skylar is amazing!
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I’m proud to say that I am one of the 400 that have the Love chairs! I know Skylar will sell many more sets from her adorable store! Sky, I knew you when you were selling them on Facebook, at Chatties and at Blue Crab! Your hard work and dedication to your crafting is clear to see, and opening your own shop is something you must be very proud of! I’m proud of you!
Wishing you many happy and prosperous years!
I’m looking forward to seeing you and River soon!
Sue Johnstonbaugh
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Skylar is such a sweetheart! I enjoyed meeting her. She is as sweet as she is talented! I admire her positive outlook, along with her great shop! Here’s wishing “Sandy’s Sky” a very successful second season. Gayle Shaw
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So happy for your success. You have worked hard for this,but we know River is the boss. But what a cutie. Praying for your continued success in the shop as well as being a new mother. The shop is great but I come in mostly to see River and get kisses.
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