Presenting

creativecandles.com/wholesale Enhance outdoor weddings with handcrafted candles that add an alluring accent to celebrations. Choose from a wide range of shades, shapes, and metallic finishes — all crafted to deliver exceptional quality that will complement your stunning arrangements. Magic Evts A R A D I A N T T O U C H F O R welcome O ur international issue is one of my favorite editions of the year! During its production, we get to discover exciting new fl oral artists around the world and catch up with so many others. And we have the honor of introducing them—and their spectacular design aesthetics—to our largely American audience. is year's class of "International Design Stars" does not disappoint. e breathtaking creativity shown on these pages is sure to inspire you to borrow some of their innovative ideas and techniques and reinterpret them into your own. Also, in the issue we explore the scope of the global cut fl ower industry—expected to reach $57 billion in sales by 2024—with a look at the many hands that touch each fl ower on its journey to you. Even supply-chain challenges are not slowing the ever- growing need for fl oral inspiration. e simple things in life have become more important than ever during the last two years, and the joy that fl owers bring has no substitute. Another inspiring aspect of the fl oral industry—internationally, especially, but domestically, too—is the economic and social impact it has on women. From the fi elds in Colombia and Ecuador to fl ower farms and storefronts across America, women have gained independence and stability through the business of fl owers. In Colombia and Ecuador, in particular, the availability of good paying jobs for women has transformed entire communities and thousands of lives in areas with limited resources and opportunities. Here are some examples: In Colombia, women account for approximately 60 percent of the workforce at the country's fl ower farms (source: Asocolfl ores); in the U.S., an estimated 77 percent of fl orists are women (source: Zippia); women are the largest consumers of fl owers, with almost 80 percent of purchases being made by female customers (source: Hana Software); and, overwhelmingly, fl owers are given to women, often as tokens of love and admiration. It's a privilege to be but a small part of this empowering industry. Also in this issue, we present an in-depth overview of online education opportunities, three design tutorials ranging from a European- inspired bridal bouquet and a spectacular fl oral headdress to a delightful—and salable—arranging comprising root vegetables. We also introduce the winner and fi nalists in our latest "Best in Blooms" design contest winner. Finally, as always, I must thank everyone who contributed to this beautiful issue and, especially, our loyal subscribers and marketing partners who make it all possible! Kindest regards, Jules Lewis Gibson President & Creative Director Florists' Review Media Group

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