A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Grit and Grace:
2019 Outlook
The beloved D.C. cherry blossoms reflect
the strength, beauty of the fragrance industry
Here in Washington, D.C., the cherry
blossoms are in “peak bloom”—the soft,
doughy blooms hanging loosely around the
edge of the Tidal Basin, causing flocks of
people from all over the world to swarm
for endless photos. A bit of history for
you—our beloved trees were actually
gifted to the U.S. by the Mayor of Tokyo
in 1912 to honor the lasting friendship
between the two countries. Every year
when the blossoms emerge, we know
that spring has finally arrived, bringing a
reprieve from the icy chill of winter. I’ve
6 | FRAGRANCENOTES.ORG | Issue 1, 2019
always thought the firsts of Spring feel
more like a new year, as a time of new life,
new beginnings, new hope, than January
1st does. And as I reflect on the progress
Fragrance Creators Association made in
2018 and look to all that lies ahead in
2019, I’m struck by the symbolism of
cherry blossoms—the strength, the beauty
they carry—and how it relates to the grit
and grace of Fragrance Creators and our
industry.
Grit is defined as “firmness of mind or
spirit, unyielding courage in the face of