39 PROFILE creativepreneur which has led to multiple product lines, and collabs with national brands. She has authored several craft books and novels, a book about the life of Frida Kahlo, and her latest – The Crafty Chica Creates. Also, she has products lines with Makers Movement for HSN, Bisque Imports, Madison Park Greetings, and Riley Blake Fabrics. Our Friday keynote speaker is Justine Tiu is co-founder of The Woobles, a company that makes learn-to-crochet kits for complete beginners, and within its first year, has taught 50,000 people how to crochet. Before starting The Woobles, Justine was a User Experience Designer at Google. Drawing on her background in user research and product design, she creates easy-to-follow and aesthetically pleasing experiences for the beginner crocheter. Do your product sectors suit all levels of crafters? h+h americas is for anyone in the business of making a living through crafts. Retailers, importers, distributors, manufacturers, ecommerce, educators, professional makers, and social media content creators/influencers are all welcome. Craft has boomed over the last year! Have you noticed any new trends? Yes, I’ve definitely noticed a boom in the craft industry over the past year. One of the biggest trends I’ve seen is an increase in the popularity of fibre arts such as weaving, knitting, and crocheting. Another trend that has emerged is a focus on sustainability and using ecofriendly materials in crafting. Additionally, there has been a rise in the popularity of upcycling and repurposing materials in creative ways. Overall, I think the craft industry is becoming more innovative and I can’t wait to see what new trends emerge in the future! How will Chicago appeal to overseas visitors? Chicago is a great destination for international travellers for a number of reasons, but one of the biggest draws is its vibrant business scene. Another reason why Chicago is a great destination is its accessibility. The city is well-connected by air, with two major airports, O’Hare International and Midway, providing easy access for tourists from all over the world. Additionally, the city has a well-developed public transportation system, which makes it easy for visitors to get around and explore the city during their free time. Finally, Chicago is a great destination for international travellers because of its rich cultural and recreational offerings. The city is home to numerous museums, theatres, and music venues, The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, as well as a thriving food and beverage scene. Additionally, the city is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation during the summer months. H+H AMERICAS +1 773 326 9925 www.hh-americas.com
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