Small business spotlight: On a Lark

Decades of experience in fashion and jewelry – in iconic but now closed Northport spaces Studio East and Gemport – have come together in On a Lark, a new venture on Larkfield Road looking to make fashionable clothes accessible to women of all ages.

Huntington resident Diana Bellino brings her knowledge of clothes buying and “all things retail” to On a Lark after working for 20 years at Studio East. She curates a selection of popular boutique brands at the East Northport location, including tops, sweaters, shackets (a shirt jacket), capes, and casual coordinates.

Susan Cormier, whose family owned Gemport on 25A for over 43 years, worked at Tudor Jewelers on Main Street in Northport Village before setting out on her own. She knew Diane from Studio East and the two have teamed up now, at On a Lark. A longtime gemologist, Susan has a display of jewelry at the store, but focuses mostly on custom and repair work, as well as appraisals for estates, liquidations and homeowners’ insurance.

As the ladies approach their one-year anniversary at On a Lark, they continue to grow their presence both on site and on social media. Diana and Susan are nurturing a sense of community by offering in-store workshops and taking part in charitable events, and love to offer a personalized shopping experience to their customers. Diana recently added some holiday glow to Larkfield Road via the shop windows, which passersby appear to appreciate, she said.

Diana shops for clothes that would appeal to women anywhere from age 20 and up; her oldest client is a stylish 92-year-old. While the store focuses on clothing, Diana carries some things on consignment, including bags and jewelry, home decor and candles. One of her most popular non-clothing items is a faux succulent plant that doubles as a diffuser.

She and Susan envision On a Lark as a place where a woman can get a top for a night out, as well as an outfit for her daughter; where you can buy a friend a gift, whether it be a sweater or a candle (or both), and take something home for yourself.

While they admittedly had a slow start acclimating to their new space, the duo are looking to gain traction as they grow their audience. “People are finding us now,” Diane said. On a Lark is located at 165 Larkfield Road, next to the Religious Goods store, in the “Natural Remedies” storefront. Just look for the pretty window display.

The store is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm, Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and on Sunday, December 12 and 19, from 12 to 4pm. They are offering 20% off sale clothing and accessories through Saturday, December 4.