Michael Bushnell
Publisher

It was standing room only at the grand opening of Lily Floral Designs in Columbus Park on Saturday morning as shop owners Lily Williams and Betsy Ford opened their brick and mortar location to the public at 922 E. 5th Street.

The newly opened space, in the Vacarro Soda Lofts building, is nestled between two other women-owned businesses, Swoon, a custom pastry and cookie shop, to the east and Cafe Cafe Cà Phê, a new Vietnamese coffee shop to the west.

A huge, brightly colored mylar-balloon arrangement by Alpha Events by Erika graced the exterior of the shop as customers lined up inside to purchase colorful flower arrangements and take advantage of grand opening specials.

Vendors on site included TC’s Fully Loaded food truck serving up some unbelievable loaded baked potatoes. Light Up Photo Booth was inside, offering custom photo portraits. Additional partner-vendors included Wasteland Society clothing and Get Linked permanent jewelry.

Columbus Park Community Council President Kate Barsotti is excited about three new, women-owned business entities opening up in the community.

“This year, 5th Street in Columbus Park has been revived by women-owned businesses,” Barsotti said. “Lily Floral Designs offers beautiful bouquets and gifts, and it’s right next door to Café Cà Phê and Swoon. We’ve become the one-stop shop for sweets and treats.”

Lily Floral Designs is now open to walk-ins from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has expanded their delivery to Tuesday through Saturday. Stop by their shop or visit online at www.lilyfloraldesigns.com.