The holiday season began one day after trick-or-treaters got their fill of candy, and Melanie Lennie was ready to give Mandan shoppers a treat for the eyes. She opened a new gift and flower shop, Beyond the Blooms.

“I decided that if I was going to do this, it had to be now, or I would never do it,” Melanie shares. “The timing probably isn’t great, though, considering I have a son graduating next spring!”

As it turns out, the timing was perfect. Melanie has been doing floral arrangements for 30 years and was the manager of Bismarck Floral. The store closed at the end of September, though, so Melanie, her husband, Shannon, and son Noah rolled up their sleeves and started remodeling the former Bill’s Liquor store in Mandan. Their goal was to have Beyond the Blooms ready to open November 1, and they achieved it.

“They put together the shelving and helped set up everything. My daughter Madison designed the logo. Noah will help with deliveries after school. It’s really a family business. And I think it will be nice to have a gift shop in Mandan again.”

Melanie designs floral arrangements for all occasions, plus Beyond the Blooms carries plants, greeting cards, candy, coffee, Precious Moments collectibles, and seasonal and year-round gifts. The store is located at 111 4th Ave. NW in Mandan. You can follow them on Facebook.