Explore the French Countryside at White Bliss Gifts

Anne Sauri is leading a blissful existence in Manasquan in the form of White Bliss Gifts & Home Accessories, her European-inspired boutique at 16A Broad St.

That serene state is certainly helped by the fragrant aroma of her shop — lavender, almond, vanilla, lemon verbena — as well as the inviting decor, complete with French antiques displayed with colorful Provence fabrics and French table linens, gleaming chandeliers, toiletries, imported jams and spreads and more.

The 600-square-foot boutique was opened by the 45-year-old Manasquan resident four years ago, and named White Bliss because, “I love monochromatic colors like whites, creams and beiges, and I’m following my bliss,” said Sauri, a member of the Manasquan Chamber of Commerce.

You feel as if you're in a French sitting room when you enter the quaint store elegantly appointed and bursting with items. Tables displayed with toiletries, stationery, colorful French fabric and foodstuffs are perched on two enormous wool floral rugs atop hardwood floors, all lit by gleaming chandeliers and tract lighting.  

It's enough to wonder if Sauri has a background as an interior decorator. In fact, she was a health-care professional for years.

“Since I’ve been 10 years old, I have always dreamed of having my own store,” said Sauri, who said her former career included trips to France, which she fell "in love with.

"I decided when I turned 40 it was time to open my shop and follow my dream — I wrote my business plan, and White Bliss was born.”  

Selecting Manasquan for her locale was a no-brainer, Sauri said. “It is such a great family community.  I grew up in a town that was small, and I wanted that same feel. Manasquan is a place where all the kids ride their bikes to school, and at every home football game the school has a parade down Main Street —Manasquan is the epitome of small-town America.”

Eclectic Offerings

What separates the boutique from other venues in the area?

“White Bliss is a small European-inspired gift shop where shabby chic meets the French countryside. We try to go out of our way for customers and make them feel comfortable. We want each customer to be taken away for a little while from his or her hectic lives,” said Sauri.

White Bliss' stock is eclectic, with Provence coated tablecloths, Beatriz Ball metal tableware, antique furniture, Galway crystal, hand-blown glass sea creatures, Edmond Fallot mustards, one-of-a-kind hand painted clamshells, L’Epicurien confits, wedding accessories – even elaborately decorated flip flops.

Soap and essential oils by Gianna Rose Atelier, France, are available, as are body lotions, creams and perfume by Lollia USA. Inspired to cook? Dress it up with printed Provence cotton hostess’ aprons or silicone kitchen gloves with playfully printed cloth cuffs.

Sauri does her best business in the summer. “May and June have been much better than in past years,” said Sauri. “As with any beach town, we are always happy when the summer comes along,” saying popular summer items are French food offerings such as jams, pestos and mustard, as well as wedding items.

The vivacious boutique owner is discreet and won’t name names, but she does allow she has several celebrities from Manasquan, Sea Girt and Spring Lake who patronize her shop. Celebrities — and non-celebrities as well — may peruse the boutique’s website, but items aren’t available for purchase via the site.  A monthly newsletter compiled by White Bliss and Gatherings also enlightens the customers to stock and store happenings.

It’s Sauri’s desire to keep her patrons content, and White Bliss will accommodate any special order.  

A Daily 'Adventure'

Sauri enjoys the personal relationship she has with customers. 

"I love to hear stories of places they have traveled or where they are from,” she said. “We love when customers come in and tell us about how they used one of our products — it inspires us to see how someone decorates and also gives us new ideas.”

Will Sauri be doing this is in five, 10 years?

“Yes, I can see me doing this for five or 10 years more. There are times — especially in this economy — I think ‘Did I make the right decision to leave the corporate world?,’ but then a customer comes and says ‘What a beautiful store you have,’ and it makes me know I am doing what I was meant to do. I love what I am doing and everyday is a new adventure.”

White Bliss is open during the summer, Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 732-223-6009, or visit www.whiteblissboutique.com.