COLIN and Mandy Causton own The Lily Pad Florist in the Five Valleys Shopping Centre. 
We spoke to Mandy and Colin about their floral dream in Stroud.
Mandy and Colin brought their love of flowers to the UK from South Africa.
“We took over The Lily Pad florist on the 01.09.2021, after relocating to the U.K. from South Africa. 
We have been involved in the floristry business for over 30 years. Mandy started her apprenticeship at the age of 15 and has continued to spread love through flowers. 
Mandy has won numerous Floristry competitions and been involved with training in the floristry world. 
Mandy owned a florist in Cape Town, South Africa for over 21 years before spreading her wings and love for flowers over the ocean to this beautiful part of the world - Stroud. 
Colin has been involved in the retail industry for over 31 years, so our partnership compliments one another. 
We have been embraced with such kindness and support from our staff and not to mention our valuable clients. 
Without them we would not be a success – teamwork makes the dream work. 
Although we have been in business for so long we still keep learning each day. 
We have been blessed with the opportunity to be creative, different and to be surrounded with beauty every day.”
What do you sell? 
“We sell emotion through flowers. There is no job too small or big for us - we don’t say no in our shop, and always have a can-do attitude. We celebrate each occasion, birthdays, anniversary, wedding, new arrival, memorial tribute and so much more. 
Life is about creating memories and sharing them through flowers. Each flower has a meaning. Each colour has a message.”
What are you best sellers? 
“Bespoke Seasonal Hand Tied Bouquets are always popular.  
There is also a growing trend moving to house plants - Living Gifts.”
What is Stroud like as a town to operate in? 
“Friendly, Creative, out of the box and forward thinking. We love that the community focuses on supporting local and takes care of Mother Nature. 
The customers we have met are passionate and proud of their community.”