By The Lily Pond started by accident. I really just wanted to see if there was a way of making my own hand cream. I was tired of seeing empty plastic tubes, representing money I barely had, pile up, while my hands still kept looking as if I had been in a fist fight. I started my research. I tried out recipes. I became a convert. I converted all my family by making hand cream for them. I drew a picture and thought of a name for a business. And, thus, I was on my way.

The name of the business, by the way? My name is Susanne Rose. The name “Susanne” stems from the Hebrew word Soshana, a derivative of shōshannāh, which means “lily”. It has been an old family joke that my name is a whole bunch of flowers.

And the picture I drew? Once I saw Lily sitting there by her lily pond, it all came together.

I sell on local Christchurch markets, and my favourite thing is when a previous customer comes up to me to tell me how much they love my product. It happens more and more...she says ever so humbly... :)