By Trish Nishikawa AIFD
After a four-year hiatus, the California State Floral Association hosted the “Top 10” Floral Competition this past fall, and among the winners were two new 2024 AIFD Northwest Region inductees – Judy Janzen AIFD (1st place) and Jesus Rivera AIFD (3rd place).
Judy Janzen AIFD’s design (left) won first place in the 2024 California Top 10 Competition and Jesus Rivera AIFD’s design (right) placed 3rd.
Judy and Jesus, along with a third new inductee from Detroit, Michigan, Amber Kirkland AIFD, will present at Palm Springs “Reflection”, in a Main Stage presentation titled, “A Window into Life’s Journey,” a take on imaginative retail window displays. Let’s get to know our newest Northwest members and soon-to-be mainstage presenters:
Judy Janzen, AIFD @thejudyjanzenshow
Q. Tell us Judy, where do you hail from?
A. I was born and raised in Fresno, CA and started my floral career at my parents’ flower shop.
Q. What is your passion outside of flowers?
A. I like backpacking, going to the ocean, and painting.
Q. What is your top bucket list floral place to visit?
A. I’ve always wanted to go hang out with Charlie Groppetti – I’ve known and looked up to him for a long time. I’m thrilled to pieces that I get to do this in March!
Q. What is your favorite flower and why?
A. The protea because it is distinctive and cool.
Q. What is your latest obsession?
A. Formal linear designs, in gravity-defying structures, that are not what they appear to be at first glance.
Jesus Rivera, AIFD @jesusrivera1184
Q. Tell us Jesus, where do you hail from?
A. I was born in Hermosillo, Mexico and grew up in the Pueblo of Miguel Aléman
Q. What is your passion outside of flowers?
A. Fashion excites me because it’s a way to express creativity and confidence, always evolving and full of fresh possibilities. I love experimenting with styles that make me feel vibrant and modern, keeping things fun and never predictable.
Q. What is your top bucket list floral place to visit?
A. Tropical and Subtropical Asia, and Australia. Basically, anywhere cymbidium orchids grow in their natural habitat.
Q. What is your favorite flower and why?
A. No secret, cymbidium orchids – because they’re both bold and beautiful, with colors that stand out and a graceful shape that feels timeless. They’re a perfect mix of strength and elegance, making them unforgettable.
Q. What is your latest obsession?
A. Creating floral designs that make a bold statement, transforming simple blooms into unforgettable works of art. Also, bringing my visions to life on an extraordinary scale, blending creativity and impact for the world to see.
Join Judy, Jesus and Amber on Monday, July 14th, 2025 at 12:00 pm in Palm Springs, California, for their presentation, “A Window into Life’s Journey,” an imaginative journey through the seasons’ retail window displays. Follow their floral adventures on Instagram @thejudyjanzenshow @jesusrivera1184
