Small businesses band together to encourage visitors to emerging part of downtown

When they opened selling coffee and flowers earlier this year, Daylily Coffee and In Flower became two of a growing number of independent businesses investing on the far east end of downtown.

The two businesses opened next door to each other in February at 1010 E. Eighth St., and so far, so good, the owners said.

“Our first year in our brick and mortar has been incredible,” said Ariana Vandersnick, who owns Daylily with Andrew Fritz. “We’ve been offered so much support and love, and we love being in the Whittier neighborhood.”

But they know plenty of people still haven’t discovered them yet.

This Saturday, the businesses will host a ‘Fireside Social’ event from 5 to 7 p.m. It’s envisioned as a cozy holiday event featuring treats and craft-making.

“We’ve once again partnered with In Flower, and we’ll be open all day on Saturday, serving a hot chocolate bar with fun accoutrement,” Vandersnick said. “And In Flower will be doing a DIY crafted ornament.”

Additionally, Daylily is planning an educational class around espresso — taking place from 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 14.

“We’re working on our menu for pastry and coffee ordering for Christmastime, so that will be something to look out for too,” Vandersnick said.

“This year, we’ve been able to offer traceable and equitable coffees from Colombia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, Guatemala and Brazil,” Vandersnick said. “It’s been a gift to have this space to share these coffees and stories with our community.”

In the new year, Daylily Coffee plans to line up monthly subscription coffees.

“These coffees are diverse, special, and our subscribers get first access to them,” Vandersnick said. “So if you’re looking for a gift that’s not just ‘stuff” for your coffee-loving buddies — or yourself! — consider gifting a coffee subscription.”

Next door, In Flower, has had a good first year too.

“We are still getting used to the space and the ins and out of having a brick-and-mortar space,” owner Stephanie Thi said. “We’ve spent a lot of time just trying to let people know we are here and what we offer.”

Thi said the upcoming event is the winter version of a previous summer party.

“We plan to ‘cute up’ our little back lot with a firepit and seating,” Thi said. “Daylily Coffee will be offering specialty drinks to keep you warm, and we will be having a dried floral ornament-making bar.”

In Flower is also now “in a place to take on more events and weddings,” Thi said. The business has the space and people to make it a smoother process for events.

In Flower is expanding store hours to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday for December.

On Dec. 15, In Flower has another partnership with Look’s Marketplace at Look’s location. This event is a Holiday Centerpiece Workshop at 4 p.m.; sign up here to reserve your spot.

“We are also offering holiday arrangements for delivery or pickup Dec. 23 and 24, which can also be found on our website,” Thi said.

In Flower offers daily flower orders and subscriptions, as well as events, weddings and other various decor services. The shop has a plethora of handmade, custom-dried pieces, Thi said. The store also carries “gifty things” such as candles, books, ornaments and a selection of houseplants.

“We love our space and couldn’t ask for better neighbors, and I know we are technically a little out of the way, but it’s little pockets like ours that make cities so fun,” Thi said. “There’s so much going on our little block, not just us, that I’d recommend everyone try to explore as well.”