By Sarah Opdahl

Mary Lou Viola is simply “over the moon” to have purchased Sleeping Beauty Floral early this year, formerly The Village Flower Shop.  A lifelong dream, Mary Lou says, “I’m incredibly excited to carry on the legacy of a flower shop that people already know and love, while bringing my floral vision to life by creating new memories for every customer.”

First opening in New Fairfield in 1980, the flower shop then moved to Danbury in 2015, next to Dom’s, in order to service both Danbury and New Fairfield. Growing up in New Fairfield, Mary Lou has fond memories of the shop throughout the years. Her family has  deep roots in the floral industry through Zinser Florist in Danbury,  which was started by her great uncle Henry. “Growing up with that legacy really inspired my passion for flowers; it’s in my blood. Entrepreneurship felt like a natural next step, allowing me to turn that passion into something meaningful for the community.”

The flower industry never stops and Mary Lou is grateful and excited about that fact. Her dedicated employees, former owner Vicki Morrow—who says “I love working with Mary Lou. She has such creative energy”—and delivery driver, John, are happy to help her with the pace. Holidays, such as Easter and Mother’s Day, are particularly busy and the height of summer will soon bring the joy-filled wedding season. Mary Lou is preparing for these and all other seasonal heights, such as local proms, by planning inventory well in advance, organizing pre-orders, and coordinating schedules. She reflected, “Being prepared ahead of time helps ensure everything runs smoothly and allows me to focus on creating quality arrangements for each order.” Of course, Sleeping Beauty Floral is also ready to service everyday floral needs as well, including birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, work parties, and more.

Mary Lou is excited to provide her floral design expertise in “turning everyday moments into something special.” Speaking to the wide range of occasions for flowers, she said, “What I love most about floral design is being part of life’s most meaningful moments. Flowers have a unique way of expressing emotions when words aren’t enough, and no two arrangements are ever the same. That individuality is what makes the floral industry so special—every day brings something new, creative, and personal.”

With orders flowing, Mary Lou says she expects, “roses and tulips will always be fan favorites,” however, “I am excited to see people fall in love with other unique, seasonal blooms. I source flowers from trusted wholesalers who provide the freshest, highest-quality blooms.” Personally, she loves “pink ranunculus, but I would never turn down a yellow rose. In all honesty, every bloom has its own beauty and something special to offer.”

Mary Lou loves “serving the community in this new way” and is waking up every day to her dream business in Sleeping Beauty Floral. She said, “The name was inspired by the idea of timeless beauty and transformation. I wanted a name that felt whimsical and elegant, and besides, doesn’t everyone want to be a princess?”

Reach out to Sleeping Beauty Floral “at least 6–12 months in advance for weddings. This allows plenty of time for consultation, design planning, and securing your date, especially during peak wedding season.” Also, be sure to stop by soon at 51 Padanarum Road in Danbury, open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or order online at Sleepingbeautyfloral.com.