Flowers have long been the symbol for the coming of spring. They can spark an array of emotions and be used for many different occasions. Local floral shops are a great place to celebrate the joy of flowers year-round. Now a few months in business, Kalla Lily Floral in Spring Valley, Minn., offers beautiful floral arrangements and gifts.
At the age of 14, Kara Brenner, originally from New Hampton, Ia., started working in a flower shop. After high school she went to college at Iowa State University to earn her degree in business and entrepreneurship. Upon moving back to New Hampton, she opened a small bakery which closed due to COVID, so she got a job as a waitress.
“I was probably driving 45 minutes each way,” she explained. “It kind of got to be a lot.”
While driving around Spring Valley, Minn., after getting ice cream at Dairy Queen she saw a building for sale at 205 North Broadway.
“I saw this building was available so I just decided to give it a try,” said Denner.
The building was purchased in July 2025 with renovations being done in April and May of that year. Kalla Lily Floral officially opened their doors that August. The name came about by combining her first name Kara and her favorite flower, calla lilies.
“The community has been very supportive,” she stated. “I didn’t really know what to expect being the new kid on the block but you can definitely tell it’s been filling a void that’s been needed; especially with the funeral home here in town.”
The main part of the business is floral, focusing on birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals and special occasions of all kinds. Floral customers can order by specifying the colors or flowers they want or they can do designer’s choice. Kalla Lily Floral also has a monthly flower subscription called the Lily Pad Club. Delivery is available twice a day, morning and afternoon, for all flower orders and they typically travel a 40-mile radius from the shop. There is also a gift shop to complement the floral with seasonal displays and gift items like signs, mugs, garden tools and more.
Not only does Kalla Lily Floral provide a custom floral experience, it provides a personal one as well. Denner wants everyone to feel at home in her shop and likes to be on a first name basis with all of her customers.
“When people come in my store I want them to feel like they’re not just a customer, they’re also a friend,” said Denner. “I think my favorite part (of being a florist) is the trust the customers give me to create something beautiful and meaningful. I always say every bouquet has a story to tell so that’s kind of why we’re here … to celebrate their birthday or because someone is having bad day or because someone just lost their mom. It’s those flowers that speak when words can’t. I’m honored that the customers trust me to do that for them.”
She related that one of the challenges of operating a floral shop is thinking a season ahead. While in the midst of the Christmas season the flower suppliers wanted florists to preorder their flowers for Valentines Day.
“That was an eye opening experience to me,” she stated.
Although she is very busy with Kalla Lily Floral, Denner enjoys immersing herself in the community and is currently actively involved in working with local businesses for Spring Valley’s Spring Zing and Fling Saturday, March 21.
For more information on Kalla Lily Floral, Denner welcomes visitors during shop hours Monday-Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-12. There is also an online option for ordering at www.kallalilyblooms.com.
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