Tucked away in Medellín, Colombia, Flower Colors doesn’t just work with flowers— the whole team behind the amazing work they do are experts at reinventing them. Their arduous work of tinting and dyeing flowers and foliage isn’t about chasing trends or adding artificial flair but more as a form of expression and a way to bend and connect nature without breaking it. It’s all about creating something that feels both unexpected and entirely natural, turning familiar petals and leaves into something more or less like a work of art, texturized with colors and metallics, looking deeply different.
Flower Color SAS's Role in the Dyed Flower Industry
Flower Colors SAS is a company specializing in the production of high-quality dyes and paints, aimed to offer florists, flower growers, marketers, and end consumers wide color options, patterns, and unique textures. Their goal as a Latin American floral company is to elevate the natural beauty of flowers even more by adding color for every occasion, allowing people to enjoy these creations of nature to their fullest while seeing what is possible using flowers. Here's where imagination can run wild and you can create stunning pieces using dyed florals and foliages. But to get more detail about their story, Shallima Turizo and Melissa Maingot asked Jhuber Roman, a color technician of the company how they, as a team have evolved from their early days to becoming a reference in the specialized floral dye industry, and here's a sneak peek of what he had to share!
"It all started as a small family workshop with a passion for flowers and a desire to explore new possibilities with color. As an expert in textile dyeing, I decided to apply my knowledge to flowers, creating a broad spectrum of colors to add to their natural beauty. The early years involved a lot of experimentation and learning, finding the right techniques suited to the unique characteristics of each flower and foliage type. Over time, the team invested in research and development, focusing on creating dyes and paints specifically designed for the floriculture sector. Our products are easy to apply, safe for flowers, and offer a wide palette of colors, from classic reds and blues to delicate pastel tones. Additionally, the expansion was gradual, and as the demand for dyed flowers grew, so did our facilities and workforce. Today, Flower Colors SAS has become a leader in the market, offering the perfect solution for various floral needs."
The Drive and Inspiration Behind the Creations
Although there is an entire team behind the creations, the color and design technician Jhuber Roman Villegas is the force behind the dyeing processes and designs. During their visit to Flower Colors in Medellin, Melissa and Shallima asked him what inspired him to pursue this field, and what he enjoyed most about his role as a technician.
Jhuber:
"My passion for flowers stems from my fascination with the beauty and fragility of nature. As a technician in the dyeing process, I love the creative challenge of bringing new shades and textures to life in flowers. It’s a constant balance between color, texture, and durability while maintaining the natural beauty of the flower. What I enjoy most is contributing to unique and surprising floral arrangements that inspire people and help them express their emotions. Seeing how a simple bouquet comes alive with a touch of color gives me great satisfaction and motivates me to keep exploring new possibilities in the world of floral dyeing."
He was also excited to share more about current trends and the wide use of dyed flowers nowadays.
Dyed flowers have become an essential tool for artistic expression and decoration. Here are some of the leading trends:
- Creating floral compositions with unexpected color combinations while contrasting colors that break traditional schemes.
- Dyeing doesn’t just affect color; it also allows for experimentation with textures and forms, creating visually impressive effects
- Cascading dyed flowers are popular for creating dramatic and elegant effects in weddings, events, and other decorative spaces
- Chameleon effect by mixing several colors to create the perfect blend
Q: How do you identify and select the trends to implement?
Jhuber:
"We use various methods to identify and select trends. This includes market research, social media analysis, collaborations with designers, and following global trends in fashion and culture. For instance, the 'Color of the Year' often influences the market, and our goal is to create colors that meet the needs and desires of our clients, evoking emotions such as joy, peace, passion, and mystery."
Q: Could you share a bit about the creative process for developing new color proposals?
Jhuber:
"Creating new color proposals involves multiple stages, including research, analysis, and testing. Our goal is to develop a palette that’s not only visually appealing but functional and meets our client's needs. We employ experienced color professionals who carefully select and develop these color schemes, considering both practicality and aesthetics."
Balancing Sustainability With Safe Chemical Practices
Navigating sustainability while working with chemical products poses a unique set of challenges. The balance lies in creating effective solutions that meet the demands of the industry while ensuring minimal environmental impact. Companies are tasked with developing formulations that are safe for workers, harmless to the plants, and non-toxic to ecosystems. Additionally, integrating biodegradable materials, reducing harmful emissions, and adhering to stringent environmental regulations require continuous innovation. These efforts are critical to reducing the ecological footprint, but the journey toward sustainability remains complex, requiring constant refinement and adaptation. And so we asked Jhuber, what challenges do they face in terms of sustainability when working with chemical products?
"At Flower Colors, we prioritize quality and safety in our products, ensuring they meet the highest standards. Our formulations are free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals, making them safe for both human health and the environment. We strive to develop eco-friendly, biodegradable dyes and pigments."
Q: What measures does the company take to minimize the environmental impact of its dyes?
Jhuber:
"We use biodegradable raw materials and organic pigments, focusing on creating eco-friendly formulations. Sustainability is at the core of our development process, and we prioritize creating environmentally friendly paint solutions."
Q: How do you ensure the safety of workers and the environment during the dyeing process?
Jhuber:
"Our company adheres to strict environmental and safety regulations. We’ve implemented a comprehensive occupational health and safety plan, offering continuous training on the correct use of protective equipment, risk identification, and preventive measures. Our facilities are well-ventilated, and we regularly maintain our equipment to prevent accidents and malfunctions."
Inspiration for the Future
What inspires a person when creating new color palettes for dyed flowers? As for every person this will differ, the Colombian talent Jhuber, draws inspiration from various sources including:
- Trends in the fashion industry strongly influence our color palettes
- The colors found in nature, from the blues of the sky to the greens of forests, inspire us
- Different seasons bring to mind different color palettes, such as warm oranges and yellows for fall or cool blues and greens for winter
- Colors are closely tied to emotions, with blue representing peace and tranquility, while red symbolizes passion and energy
- Lastly, flowers themselves are an endless source of inspiration for us because how could they not?
Q; How do you see the future of dyed flowers in the floral industry?
Jhuber:
"Dyed flowers are growing in popularity and have significant potential. They offer longer-lasting options than fresh flowers, making them an attractive choice for decoration and events. The ability to create unique and intense colors opens up a world of possibilities for creativity and design. Additionally, dyeing flowers can help reduce waste, as imperfect flowers can be transformed into amazing dyed creations."
Lastly, what advice would you give to those looking to innovate in the field of flower coloring?
Jhuber:
"My advice is to embrace creativity and experimentation, always keep an eye on trends, and never be afraid to push the boundaries of what’s possible with color. Innovation in this field requires a deep understanding of both the technical aspects and the artistic potential of flower dyeing."
Photos courtesy of Flower Colors.
