02/09/2026
On 1 September, as spring arrives, I’ll be celebrating my first anniversary as the owner of Lilly Rose Florist. It feels like the perfect moment to pause, take a breath and reflect on what has been a wonderfully creative, challenging and sometimes chaotic first year.
My journey with Lilly Rose began long before I became its owner. Having always been deeply intrigued by floristry, I popped into the shop when I first arrived in Hermanus a few years ago and met Susan, the owner at the time. We stayed in touch, and over time I began working with her on an ad-hoc basis as she came to know and trust my creative style.
Then, while my family and I were building our new home in Hermanus, Susan asked whether I would be interested in buying the business. I said yes — and looking back, the timing could not have been more wonderfully wild! I officially took over Lilly Rose on the exact same day that my family moved into our new home. Boxes, flowers, keys, children, deliveries… it was utter chaos, but also the beginning of something very special.
A year later, Lilly Rose feels increasingly like an extension of me. I have poured my love of flowers, creativity and heart into every bouquet and arrangement I create. Flowers are fleeting — and perhaps that is part of what makes them so special. They are not meant to last forever. They are meant to be enjoyed in the moment: to celebrate, comfort, surprise, remember and simply make someone smile.
For me, the most important part of what I do is the personal connection. I’m fortunate to have customers from Hermanus, across South Africa and all over the world, and one of the things I love most is being the link between someone far away and the person they love here at home. It is a privilege to help turn, “Please tell them I’m thinking of them,” into something beautiful and tangible.
This first year has also reminded me just how special our local community is. I am incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement from fellow local businesses, my customers, wonderful suppliers and friends I have made along the way — including other florists and people within our industry. Small businesses really do grow through community, kindness and people supporting one another.
And, if you haven’t yet discovered me, you’re not alone! Lilly Rose is tucked away in Oudehof Mall, Shop 5, 24 High Street — a little hidden gem that many Hermanus locals still don’t realise is there. So please come and find me, say hello and discover what I’m creating behind the scenes.
As I celebrate one year of Lilly Rose on the first day of spring, I feel excited for what lies ahead. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, trusted me with their special moments and allowed me to be part of their stories.
Here’s to another year of creativity, beautiful blooms, meaningful connections — and stopping to enjoy the flowers while they’re here.
With love,
Stephanie
Lilly Rose Florist | Oudehof Mall, Hermanus
Lilly Rose Florist Hermanus
