In downtown Sioux Falls, two businesses have given new life to a century-old building at 1010 East 8th Street.
In 2024, Daylily Coffee and In Flower opened their respective storefronts in suites 100 and 102.
Husband and wife duo Andrew Fritz and Ariana Vandersnick founded Daylily Coffee in 2022, beginning with an e-commerce wholesale coffee bean business.
“Throughout this time we started doing pop-ups all over town and have grown organically from there,” said Vandersnick.
After growing a reputation, Fritz and Vandersnick began playing around with the idea of a physical space.
“We knew if we wanted to take more steps forward in the business, we had to open a storefront,” shared Fritz.
“We have a lot of customers who walk in with their families over the weekend, and that was something we were hoping to build—a neighborhood space.” -Ariana Vandersnick
The couple had a list of “must-haves” when shopping around for a building.
“We wanted to be central and walkable,” stated Vandersnick. “You can walk from central downtown, but we wanted it more for the locals.”
While Fritz and Vandersnick hadn’t picked a building to nestle into, they narrowed the search to neighborhood spaces.
“Our realtor had found this building, so I asked if they would be willing to lease just one side, and they said yes,” said Vandersnick.
With the lease signed and ideas brewing, it was time to make the space come alive.
“We filled it with plants, built a bar, put in a coffee roaster, made all of our tables and furniture, and inherited a huge cedar plank from Ari’s dad’s childhood, which we turned into a bench,” explained Fritz.
“We also wanted to fill the suite with color,” added Vandersnick. “Typically nine months out of the year are bleak, and we wanted our customers to experience the opposite. When you walk in, things are alive and thriving.”
For the pair, the inspiration of coffee and humans fuels the business. Daylily Coffee prides itself on sourcing the finest beans from around the world and supporting those who grow them.
“I’m inspired by the farmers and people working so hard to grow coffee,” said Fritz. “There are amazing people in the coffee industry, and I don’t think there’s enough recognition or credit given to their hard work.”
With beans from South and Central America and Africa, Fritz and Vandersnick strive to honor the work of what’s been created. They roast each coffee according to its unique attributes, bringing out the natural flavors at their core.
The team celebrates the coffee origins and focuses on our relationship with the earth and one another.
“There’s nothing wrong with grabbing a fast cup of coffee, but our idea was when you have the time, take a slower approach and enjoy,” said Vandersnick.
ROASTERS CHOICE SUBSCRIPTION
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While traditional coffee drinks are available, Daylily Coffee shines with its innovative rotating seasonal drinks, blending unexpected flavors, and bringing a fresh twist to their creations.
“We rotate our beverage menu monthly and try to go with the seasons as much as we can,” said Fritz.
The menu offers non-dairy milk options, vegan pastries, and gluten-free options.
“I wanted our food to reflect whole foods and something anyone with dietary restrictions can order,” explained Vandersnick.
With every aspect of their business, Fritz and Vandersnick are big components of sharing the good things in life and spreading kindness.
“Everything has been given to us by the earth, and we want to honor that,” Vandersnick expressed.
Across the way is a bright pink door, opening to a vibrant and playful floral business.
After spending years working in various parts of the flower world, Stephanie Thi opened In Flower during a transitional time in her life.
When the pandemic hit, Thi saw a demand for her arrangements, shipping her work nationwide.
“We grew quickly as my work began to gain traction on social media,” said Thi.
Her garage quickly transformed into a studio where Thi would fulfill orders of dried and fresh floral arrangements.
Thi wasn’t actively looking for a commercial space until she laid eyes on 1010 East 8th Street.
“I saw the building had just been renovated and it immediately caught my eye,” said Thi.
A JOURNEY OF FLORAL ENCHANTMENT
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She scheduled a tour and saw the space’s potential, but it wasn’t an immediate “yes,” shared Thi.
“It took me some time to decide if this was going to be the right move, but what sealed the deal was learning a coffee shop was opening up next door— it got my wheels turning,” she added.
Opening just in time for Valentine’s Day, the florist was ready to share her eccentric, dreamy, and retro space with Sioux Falls.
“I like to describe my style as leaning toward maximalism, but in a subtle way,” said Thi. “I wanted the space to feel fun and cool—a true reflection of myself and In Flower—and I think I’ve achieved that.”
Adorned with glistening disco balls, pink and purple shelves, various floral arrangements, and a “Dream in Flowers” neon sign, the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere captures the essence of the business.
In Flower offers daily floral deliveries—fresh and dried arrangements for events and weddings, workshops, private parties, and pop-up events.
“Customers can create their own bouquet by selecting stems from our flower bar or have us design something for you on the spot,” shared Thi.
When it comes to the process of creating bouquets, Thi allows her instincts and intuition to guide her.
While her approach to her design frequently changes, customers will notice the arrangements will always be placed in an opaque vessel.
“When an order comes in or I meet with a client, I can usually sense what they’ll love or not, and I build from there,” explained Thi. “I like to feel the energy in the moments, letting my instincts guide me and allow each arrangement to feel personal.”
“I don’t use a lot of greenery because I like to keep the focus on the colorful flowers.” -Stephanie Thi
In her work with In Flower, the florist approaches everything with playfulness and curiosity.
According to Thi, color inspires her deeply.
“I love exploring color trends and challenging people who shy away from bold colors in their everyday lives by using vibrant and unexpected palettes in my designs,” she shared.
Thi continued, “I’m always searching for interesting textures, often incorporating unusual or interesting elements into my arrangements.”
Beyond the florals, the store carries colorful vases, plants, candles, stickers, cards, and other gifts featuring smiley faces and disco balls.
The inspiration behind her retail section was to find items that paired well with florals, while also fitting the playful aesthetic that she has created.
“I’ve had the best time working on this project, and I hope it brings a bit of fun and joy to folks who stop by and decide to work with us,” expressed Thi.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Daylily Coffee
Thursday // 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday // 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday // 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
In Flower
Thursday // 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday // 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday // 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
According to the owners, their friendships and partnerships have bloomed since opening, and it’s been nothing short of beneficial.
“It’s been great working with someone who shares the same ideas and branding,” said Fritz.
Vandersnick added, “It’s both of our first spaces, so having a companion and being able to be side by side, getting some support and feedback is important.”
It has been gratifying for Fritz, Vandersnick, and Thi to see customers of In Flower and Daylily discovering one another.
“We’ve enjoyed collaborating to draw people into our spaces, and I couldn’t have asked for better neighbors,”
said Thi. “I don’t think there’s a cuter combination than coffee and flowers.”
