Fragrance Notes Issue 1, 2019 | Page 6

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