In this edition of the florist special, the attention turns to an emerging voice in floral design: Valentin Candia Mahn. At just 20 years old, this Netherlands-based designer is already showing a natural instinct for floral storytelling—balancing technical skill with an eye for emotion, fashion, and form. From early garden creations to his recent recognition in the industry after winning the Talent Awards 2025, Valentin’s work reflects a young florist with a clear vision and a creative spirit grounded in authenticity. Here's a closer look at his journey so far.
Valentin Candia Mahn - A Rising Floral Star From The Hague
For some, flowers are a career. For others, they’re part of a story that’s been blooming since the beginning. At just 20 years old, Valentin Candia Mahn from The Hague already speaks the language of flowers fluently—perhaps because, quite literally, it was his first word.
He shares:
“I said "bloem" (flower in English) before anything else. It’s always been a part of who I am.”
Now a freelance floral designer at Valentin Floral Artist with a growing portfolio of work in events and weddings, Valentin recently gained wider attention after winning the 2025 Talent Award, an accolade that recognized emerging floral professionals who are still shaping their paths.
Building a Floral Design Path With Intuition and Practice
Valentin’s creative roots run deep. As a child, he filled his home with holiday decorations and flower arrangements made from garden flowers. Besides playing with flowers, it felt like an instinct to be a part of their world. Later, he formalized that intuition through his education at Lentiz MBO Westland, enrolling in the ‘Bloem & Design’ program, which he calls one of the best decisions he has made.
Additionally, he mentions:
“The feelings I always had for flowers made more sense once I understood the techniques. I realized I’d already been using some of the rules without knowing they were rules.”
That early harmony between emotion and structure has become the foundation of his work.
A Mindset Focused on Color, Form, and Future Possibilities
What is impressive is that he has already joined some very nice and big events and weddings, which is also his favorite part of the flower business. At the moment, he works as a freelancer in flower shops.
Valentin draws inspiration not only from other floral artists but also from the world of fashion. For him, flowers and fashion share a common language. These elements guide his creative process and define his approach. Minimalism isn’t his usual path; instead, he embraces a fuller, more expressive aesthetic.
“Flowers and clothing have a lot in common. It’s always about color, structure, and proportion.”
These three principles guide everything he does, whether he’s selecting a flower or styling an outfit.
One thing he’s not interested in? The phrase 'less is more'. Valentin gravitates toward scale, energy, and expressive design. He’s most excited by large-scale floral work for weddings and special events—what he calls the “big work”—and that’s where he sees his future.
A Win That Meant More Than a Prize
In 2025, Valentin’s approach earned him the Talent Award. While the award brought attention on social media and a new collection of photos and videos to share, the true value, he says, was the experience itself.
“It was an amazing day. It made me proud of where I am and excited for what’s next.”
Although he may be at the beginning of his professional story, his sense of direction is clear. With a strong foundation, a growing reputation, and an eye for ambitious design, he’s building something of his own and just getting started.
