Poppy Hayden Poppy Hayden, owner and creator of The Ladyslipper in Gray. (Photo Jackie Rybeck)

"The idea was suggested by a friend and customer of mine," Poppy said. "She brought to my attention that people who come in here love to sit and stay here - they love the environment." According to Hayden, the ideas and preparation for the coffee shop within the business began many months ago, and she plans to have the shop fully opened and ready for business by November 19.

While The Ladyslipper may be in for a rise in business soon due to the opening of the coffee shop, Poppy says the shop has been well known for years for the business's unique and beautiful flower arrangements. Hayden and her friend, Audrey Burns, started the flower business in 1980, and Burns stayed in the business until 1986 when Hayden bought out her half of the business.

Since the opening of the shop, The Ladyslipper has moved locations a total of three times, moving into its current home on 55 Portland Road in Gray in 1999. "We built the shop's current building and it's just been a great location for the business," Hayden said.

Hayden said that The Ladyslipper didn't start out as a large and popular business. "The shop started with little capital but with some big dreams," she said. "[Audrey Burns and I] were told not to open the business, but we did anyway and it's been worth it. We provide flowers for everything from weddings to funerals to large events."

When asked what makes The Ladyslipper such a special flower shop for many of its customers, Hayden said, "We take time to listen to people to provide what exactly they need for the type of event we are working with. We assure our customers that we have quality of the highest standards to provide the freshest flowers in the area."

Hayden urges anyone who visits the business in the future to stay awhile, enjoy some coffee and snacks, check out the flowers and any of the other types of things sold in the business, like jewelry and other gifts.