Introducing James Francois-Pijuan, a remarkably talented floral designer who has successfully run his own business, Francois-Pijuan Floral & Event Design Company, for over twenty-five years. His exemplary clientele includes heads of states and celebrities. With his creative flair and innovative outlook, James has mastered the art of floral design by continually deepening his knowledge and refining his craft. His passion for floral design began during his time as a bellman on the overnight shift at the Waldorf Astoria, where he experimented with discarded flowers to make unique and expressive floral sculptures. Since then, he has wholeheartedly immersed himself in learning and exploring different aspects of the craft. Beyond his love for floral design, James is committed to giving back to the floral community. He has created the first-ever online directory for New York's Floral District, which can be found at NYC-floraldistrict.com, and volunteered to launch an online platform called Usedeventstuff.com, designed to help recycle event goods for florists and event planners. He also helped coordinate the first-ever Floral District Mother's Day Block Party to celebrate the industry and community. James has written a book to preserve the rich history of the Floral District and its community of artists and businesses. Currently, James is spearheading efforts to establish the first-ever floral museum, aptly named NYC Historic Floral District Museum, which will shine a spotlight on the industry's special place in the city and the world. With his dedication and commitment to floral design and its community, the industry is sure to thrive and bloom for many years to come.