LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Something new is blooming on Bardstown Road; and it's not just a Lily, it's a new boutique.

On Bardstown Road, across from Impellizzeri's Pizza, you'll find Surprise Lily Boutique. It'll soon be one of Louisville's newest small businesses.

Clothes, jewelry, and candles sit inside the roughly 700 foot space. 

"We are really excited to bring a we call it: 'Chic, cheerful and colorful items' to the Highlands," Stephanie Reilly, the owner of Surprise Lily Boutique, said.

Surprise Lily Boutique to open in the Highlands

Stephanie Reilly has poured her time, money, and resources into building Surprise Lily Boutique.

Stephanie Reilly started the project in January. She just switched careers and is now a first-time business owner. Reilly has poured her time, money, and resources into building this dream. 

"Folks want a place to shop, they want a place to eat, they want a place to get their hair done, and I am just excited to not compete with anyone but really to enhance what is already going on in this wonderful neighborhood that we love," Reilly said.

The lifelong Highlands resident is bringing something new to Tyler Park, despite the constant cycle of change.

"I can't thank them enough, opening a very specialized business and in the face of trying times," Aaron Givhan, the Highland Commerce Guild President, said.

Givhan said at least nine business have left the Highlands this year, and soon Urban Outfitters will be joining that list. Urban Outfitters is moving to Oxmoor Mall in St. Matthews.

"It is a challenge when someone chooses to leave," Givhan said.

But, he said new businesses like Surprise Lily Boutique gives the community hope.

"We have a brand new boutique hotel. They have a swimming pool and a new eatery that's outstanding and they've created some opportunities to have community involvement," Givhan said.

Many business owners are working hard to add new entertainment options to Bardstown Road, in an effort to keep the community friendly and the neighborhood safe.

"When streets are walkable, when more people are out and about, it helps to reduce crime and helps to make the city better," Reilly said. "So, I cannot wait to continue to add to the vibrancy of this wonderful neighborhood. And the more people that are out walking, the more people that are shopping, the more people who are coming into restaurants, the better this community is going to be."

Surprise Lily Boutique to open in the Highlands

Stephanie Reilly has poured her time, money, and resources into building Surprise Lily Boutique.

Reilly named the boutique after her grandmother.

"In the Highlands and in the local area, Surprise Lilies bloom. They are beautiful pink flowers, and my grandma, the day I was born, brought a beautiful bouquet of Surprise Lilies to the hospital," Reilly said. "The nurses were flocking in, and so Surprise Lily Boutique is in honor of my grandma, who's just been an inspiration for me."

Her husband also helped design and build the furniture in the boutique. They said Surprise Lily Boutique's space used to be a bar.

Surprise Lily Boutique opens Thursday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. It is located at 1386 Bardstown Road.

The grand opening will have complimentary Kizito cookies, refreshments and a chance to win a Highlands gift basket.

The official ribbon cutting with the Highland Commerce Guild will be held on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.

"Businesses will come and go, we hope we will be here for a long time to come. But we need the community support to rally around our small businesses," Reilly said.

For more information, click here. You can follow Surprise Lily Boutique's Facebook page by clicking here.

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