Expert Advice from Keiko Kira

by Taylor Moore

Keiko Kira (MFA 1995) is no stranger to new beginnings.

After retiring from a career in performance art, Kira founded an emerging business that transforms furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth often used to wrap gifts and carry groceries, with modern designs.

Born and raised in Japan, Kira moved to the US at age 16 for high school and later graduated from the University of Kansas and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). At the School, she studied fiber arts, installation, and performance art. “I've always loved the textiles from around the world—their symbolism, their narratives, their practicality,” she said.

Though Keiko Furoshiki was only founded in 2023, the Kansas City–based business has grown rapidly, with custom furoshiki designs created for brands like Tatcha, Hennessy, and the Chicago Cubs, and press coverage in The Washington Post, Real Simple, and BuzzFeed. Kira creates all the designs—16 have been released so far across two collections—while her son, Tyler Lau, handles manufacturing and production, and her daughter-in-law, Andrea Zoellner, leads e-commerce and marketing efforts. 

We spoke to Kira about her life as an artist, the history of furoshiki, and words of wisdom for aspiring creatives.

How has Japanese art and design influenced you?

Ever since I was little, in my hometown of Beppu, which is a very well-known hot spring resort in Japan, I was immersed in artistic activities. My parents had a set of books on different artists—mainly French artists like Monet. I considered them adult books, meaning that little kids are not supposed to touch. But I would sneak up, and then get a ladder or stool and go up to the bookshelf and then grab those books. I loved Monet's Water Lilies when I was three or four. I was always feeling so at home—just feeling right—whenever I created drawings or read books, and then recreated the scene using paper.

Can you tell me how the company originated? What made you decide to start anew in your 60s?

About three years ago, when I turned 60, I was reflecting on my life, and how I wanted to spend the next phase. I wanted to create, but I also wanted to bring something meaningful to my life with my passion for Japanese culture and traditions, and also sustainability. Around that time, my daughter-in-law, Andrea, approached me and my son, Tyler, and said, “Keiko, why don't we start something?” 

So, those two things came together: my reflection on life, and then Andrea's interest in doing a family business. We became an LLC almost two years ago and launched our business in the summer of 2023. So, we are still young.

What do you like about furoshiki?

It's such a simple idea, but it has been around for 1,200 years. It's so versatile, and it's beautiful because I get to draw and come up with the designs. It's like a slightly large bandana. Our furoshiki product is 25 inches by 25 inches. I can fold it, put it in my purse, and if I go grocery shopping, and I just need a small bag, then I can wrap it. I use it as a scarf, as well. 

In the Western culture, traditionally, [people use a] handbag with a handle, and that's not something that Japanese people had until the 700-year-old feudal system collapsed in the late 19th century. That's when Westerners started bringing in handbags, and all the Japanese people were so excited about that, and kind of forgot about furoshiki. But it's coming back.

What inspires your designs?

These designs are very personal. We call [our first collection the] “Garden Collection” to honor my mother's memory. She had a small garden in our house in Japan where she cared for beautiful flowers, and she was always doing something in the yard. Just even something simple, like a violet or dandelion, she would take good care of those too. I didn't know that they are called weeds in [the United States]. People just kill them. But those are the simple things that my mother had.

What advice do you have for people who are wanting to start their own businesses or enter a new creative field?

Time doesn't wait for you. I always waited for that elusive, perfect moment when everything lines up. It never happens. Regardless of one’s background, I think this is something that we all go through. And so, I would [advise], “Get something going, and then try to find people who can help you.” In my case, it was my son and daughter-in-law who came and created this international business now. We are still small, but we are doing it, and I have no regrets. The worst thing you can do is don't do it, and then you regret it later.  ■