Rolling Daisies: a pink Japanese mini truck is Charleston’s newest flower shop

The Honda Acty has been around since 1977 – more than two decades before Lyla Trainum was born. Honda built the little Japanese Kei truck for 44 years, designed as an economical workhorse for farmers and small business owners. It was never sold in the United States. The only way to get one here is through a federal exemption: once a vehicle turns 25, it’s no longer required to meet the safety standards that would otherwise keep a tiny truck like the Acty off American roads. That’s why the ’90s models are the ones you’ll see around – they’ve aged into eligibility.

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Some of you may have already seen Lyla around – she’s been bartending and serving at Coastal Crust on James Island for the past few years. Born and raised in Charleston, Lyla was driving around town about a year ago when she looked over and saw an old truck with a camper bed. The thought hit her: a mobile flower truck would be something special. She’d always loved flowers – the variety, the colors – but this was the first time the idea blossomed and she went to work.

A teal 4WD Honda Acty on Facebook Marketplace posted by a seller in Jacksonville whose brother ships them from Japan caught Lyla’s attention. It was a manual transmission and the steering wheel was on the right. She called her dad the moment she saw it, and a week later they drove down to pick it up. “People kept asking me if it was hard switching from shifting a stick shift with my right hand to my left,” she shared. “Since I’ve never driven a stick, it felt natural.” However, she admits that driving the truck is the most nerve-racking aspect of her business.

Lyla named her business Rolling Daisies – “Rolling” for the wheels, “Daisy” for a past pet. It’s one of her favorite flowers and the primary birth flower for April, her birth month (she’s turning 23). Daisies also symbolize new beginnings and true love, and her new wheels needed a lot of love. The teal Acty became pink, fitted with a canopy and metal buckets for bouquets, and there are even new daisy-themed center caps. Watch the video transformation here.

Rolling Daisies is Lyla’s first business. The plan is to show up at markets, local pop-ups, and festivals – wherever Charleston draws a crowd. She’d also love to bring the truck to couples on their wedding day. Most of her flowers come from wholesale florists around town, though she’s been talking to local farms about sourcing locally grown stems. Eventually, she wants to grow some of her own.

For now, Lyla is holding on to Coastal Crust a few days a week while Rolling Daisies gets rolling. But it’s not just for practical reasons. She’s built relationships with the staff and the regulars. “We really are one big family,” she says. “We have a handful of regulars who come see us multiple nights a week. They treat us like we are their own. Letting it go will be a sad experience.”

Over 58% of flower purchases are now made by people buying for themselves – and that doesn’t surprise Lyla one bit. “Flowers make people feel good,” she says. “I think it’s a concept of self-care for some people too.” She’s unsure what her first year will look like, but she has a strong support system. Growing up in Charleston her entire life means that a group of people have already been spreading the word. “I couldn’t be more excited to start this journey and see where it takes me.”

Fast Facts
Business: Rolling Daisies.
Favorite food: All pastas are fantastic. Absolutely love tacos. Can ever go wrong with a steak or burger!
Favorite spots: Anything on Folly Beach. I love places with big crowds during football season. Container Bar is a fan favorite of mine especially during the summer. Also Blind Tiger, and Henry’s on the market!
Favorite activities: Being on the water. A boat day with friends and family will always be my number one activity choice on a nice day.
Favorite quote: “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” – Dolly Parton.
First thing you’d do if Rolling Daisies sells out in an hour: Well for one I’d be filled with happiness and then I’d place another flower order!