The 13th of September 2013 was when LilyLou’s of Ambleside opened, but this wasn’t the start of the journey for owner Joanne Dann. Originally from Cheshire, Joanne’s journey started as a trainee florist in 1986 with her gaining City & Guilds at the Welsh college of horticulture and working her way up the floral ladder up until she moved to the Lake District in 2006.

Named after her daughter Lily Lousia, Joanne decided to open her own florist in Ambleside, originally it was a small location on St Mary’s Lane, but after the business went from strength to strength, the shop required more space and then in May 2019, LilyLou’s relocated to a larger premises just around the corner. The new premises has a large bespoke walk-in refrigerated unit to keep all of the flowers at a regulated temperature, double fronted window areas for larger displays and a good-sized work area for the expanding work load and to accommodate her fellow colleague’s.

Joanne’s passion for floristry saw her gain her a first in a Batchelor of Arts in floral art at Myerscough College and she encourages her fellow colleagues to continue their knowledge of the industry. Also, Joanne has a passion for the environment and shows this by trying to be more sustainable within the business by trying to ensure that as much of the packaging and product’s used is either recyclable, bio-degradable or made from recycled products. The next step is an electric vehicle.

Everyone at LilyLou’s is proud to be accepted into the Good Florist Guide.