From Lily on the Thames to LOTTA Flowers: Why We Changed Our Name

From Lily on the Thames to LOTTA Flowers: Why We Changed Our Name

Yep, it’s official. After years of building, blooming, and bouquet-making as Lily on the Thames, we’ve rebranded to LOTTA Flowers 💐

And if you’ve been wondering why the change?, or what happened to Lily?! — this one’s for you.

 

Let’s Start at the Beginning 🌊🐶

We originally named our business Lily on the Thames after my sweet dog Lily (who’s turning 14 this summer 🥺❤️) and the beautiful Thames River we live near. It felt meaningful, local, and totally us.

But… if you’re not from southwestern Ontario, chances are:

  • You weren’t sure how to pronounce Thames (it’s “Temz,” not “Thaymes”)

  • You weren’t sure how to spell it either

  • And when word-of-mouth is how we grow—well, that started to get tricky

I realized I needed a name that was easy to say, easy to spell, and easy to share. Something that would stick in your head and not make your brain short-circuit at checkout 😂

So… Why LOTTA?

LOTTA is actually a subtle nod to the original.
It’s short for Lily On The Thames + an A for Alida (hi, that’s me!).
Simple, bold, easy to type, and totally in line with the brand we’ve grown into: fun, modern, creative, and full of lotta love and lotta flowers.

Real Talk: I Was Scared

This wasn’t a casual rebrand over coffee. This has been in my heart for two years. But honestly? I was scared.
I’ve worked so hard to build Lily on the Thames from the ground up, and the thought of losing the recognition we’ve built—or worse, people not being able to find us—made me panic more than once.

And yes, I did worry that Lily (my dog) would somehow be offended or sad. I know how that sounds… but if you know me, you know I’m sentimental to my core 💕

The Rebrand Glow-Up ✨

This change touches everything. We’ve updated:

  • Our website (SO many pages and links, omg)

  • Our social media handles

  • Our email addresses and packaging

  • Our brand voice, visuals, and logo

  • And we’ve notified all our wholesalers, pickup hubs, affiliates, and more

It’s been a lotta work (pun absolutely intended).

I couldn’t have done it without Natalie Adele Media, who’s been a total gem throughout this process. From content planning to branding support, Natalie made this big scary shift feel doable. If you’re a business owner thinking about a rebrand—run, don’t walk to her inbox. She’s the real deal 💻📸💗

 

What Stays the Same

Even though the name changed, the heart of LOTTA Flowers hasn’t.
Same founder, same team, same luxe DIY wedding flowers, same pick-up hubs across Canada, same chaotic flower-prep playlist recommendations.

Just with a name that’s way easier to tell your maid of honour about 😅

A Big, Bloomin’ Thank You 💗

I couldn’t close this chapter without showing all the love to some of the people who’ve been behind me every step of the way through this wild rebrand.

Mike—my husband, my rock, my best friend. Thank you for being there through every late-night spreadsheet, tech meltdown, and existential brand crisis. You’ve kept me grounded and reminded me—again and again—that I can do scary things. I love you SO much.

And to my kids—thank you for letting me work, even when it means long days, late nights, and a little less time together right now. I hope all these extra hours I’m spending building this dream lead to so many more hours making memories with you. You are the reason I hustle so hard. Always. 💖

My friend Katie—my go-to design guru. You’ve helped me shape the LOTTA vibe into something I’m so proud of— you knew what I was trying to say, even before I did. Thank you.

This rebrand was a huge leap of faith, and I didn’t take it alone. Thank you for holding me steady while I stepped into something bigger. LOTTA wouldn’t exist without the love, support, and belief of the people in my corner.

Final Thoughts (And a Hug)

Rebranding is a lotta emotional labour. I’m so proud, but also super nervous. So if you’re reading this—check on your girl. Send a meme. Tag us in your bouquet selfies.

Thank you for supporting me, and this big dream. LOTTA Flowers is the next chapter—and I already love her so much 💐

With all my love (and a lotta gratitude),
Alida

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