We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keiko Kira. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keiko below.
Keiko , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism is deeply rooted in my personal journey, shaped by both adversity and kindness. One of the most defining experiences of my life was stepping into the role of caregiver for my sick mother at a young age. This responsibility forced me to mature quickly, making my own decisions and preparing me for my future. Despite the challenges, caring for my mother instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination. It taught me that no matter how daunting the circumstances may seem, I have the inner strength to overcome them.
Another important life lesson regarding my optimism is that I was surrounded by people whose kindness had an immeasurable impact on me when I first came to the US to pursue my studies. Arriving in a foreign land, unable to speak the language and unfamiliar with the way of life, I felt vulnerable and disoriented. Yet, the compassion and support extended to me by my teachers, fellow students, their parents, school staff and others along my path were nothing short of transformative. Their guidance and care helped me navigate the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Through their acts of kindness, I learned that no matter how difficult the journey may be, I am not alone, reminding me that I am part of a community wherever I go. This community may be a group of friends, my colleagues at work and people who come in contact with me in various situations in life. But I know that there are always ways to see the path forward with hope and infinite possibility.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a co-founder and designer of Keiko Furoshiki, I have the privilege of blending my passion for art-making and Japanese culture with my commitment to sustainability. Alongside my son Tyler and daughter-in-law Andrea, we established our family business in Kansas City, MO just last year. Our focus is on designing and selling furoshiki, traditional Japanese reusable gift wraps that offer a beautiful and eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper.
What excites me most about our work at Keiko Furoshiki is the opportunity to share the beauty and versatility of furoshiki with a wider audience.
Each furoshiki print design is carefully developed and executed with the intention of not only bringing a new perspective on Japanese tradition but also promoting sustainability practices in everyday life. Whether used to wrap gifts, carry items, or decorate your home, our furoshiki serve as a reminder of the importance of reducing waste and embracing reusable alternatives.
Wrapping gifts in fabric is a centuries-old practice in Japan that never went out of style, even after industrialization. But in the West, it’s more common to use disposable, often non-recyclable materials as gift wrap. We want to bring the two cultures together with our reusable fabric furoshiki gift wrap. They’re also just fun, bright, and playful, enhancing the beauty and elegance of any gift.
In addition to selling our furoshiki online and wholesale to local gift shops, Keiko Furoshiki offers unique collaboration opportunities with businesses and organizations seeking custom-designed furoshiki for corporate gifts, events, and for marketing campaigns. We are excited to continue expanding our offerings and partnerships, furthering our mission of spreading awareness about the benefits of sustainable living while celebrating the timeless elegance of Japanese culture.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that have profoundly influenced my path are kindness, open-mindedness and fearlessness. Kindness, ingrained in me from a young age by my parents, has been a guiding light in my personal and professional interactions with others. I believe that it is a fundamental aspect of human connection that comes naturally to me. Open-mindedness has broadened my perspective, allowing me to approach the world with respect and empathy. I can’t emphasize enough that this quality has enabled me to embrace diversity, learn from different experiences, and foster meaningful connections with others.
Fearlessness has been another important quality in my journey, propelling me forward even when I feel less confident. When I step out of my comfort zone and take risks, I can pursue new opportunities and confront challenges. This has led me to grow and evolve personally and professionally. While these qualities have played a significant role in shaping who I am today, I believe that listening to your inner voice is equally crucial. Regardless of our circumstances, my inner voice serves as a compass, guiding me towards what feels right and true to myself. I think cultivating self-awareness and trust in our intuition help us navigate life’s complexities, staying true to our values and aspirations.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to trust me wholeheartedly, even in circumstances that must have been incredibly challenging for them. Growing up in a Japanese household, expressions of affection were often conveyed through actions rather than words. Despite not being outwardly expressive, their actions spoke volumes, especially when they trusted me to let me follow my dream of studying in the United States at the age of 16.
Their decision to allow me to venture into an unknown world, far from home and familiar surroundings, demonstrated an immense level of trust and belief in my abilities. As I matured, I came to realize that this trust wasn’t just about giving me freedom. It was a profound expression of their love and respect for me as an individual with dreams and potential.
Looking back, I am forever grateful for the sacrifices my parents made and the courage they displayed in supporting me on my journey. Their unwavering trust has not only shaped my character but has also served as a guiding light in my pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keikofuroshiki.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keikofuroshiki/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keikofuroshiki
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keiko-furoshiki/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keikofuroshiki
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/keikofuroshiki/
https://www.tiktok.com/@keikofuroshiki
Image Credits
Keiko Furoshiki Team
