Celebrating Two Years of Keiko Furoshiki: A Journey of Art, Sustainability, and Community
Two years ago, Keiko Furoshiki was born from a simple yet profound idea: to reintroduce the timeless Japanese tradition of furoshiki to a modern audience, blending artistry, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Today, as we celebrate our second anniversary, we reflect on the journey that has brought us here and the community that has supported us every step of the way.
Honoring Tradition with a Modern Twist
Furoshiki, the art of wrapping items in cloth, has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. At Keiko Furoshiki, we've embraced this tradition, creating reusable fabric wraps that are not only eco-friendly but also beautifully designed. Our collections, inspired by traditional Japanese patterns and nature, offer a sustainable alternative to disposable gift wrap, turning everyday moments into opportunities for beauty and mindfulness.
Milestones and Memories
Over the past two years, we've achieved significant milestones that we're proud to share:
Product Enhancements and New Collections
In 2024, we prioritized improving our core product—our reusable fabric gift wrap furoshiki. We enhanced fabric quality for durability and color vibrancy, and redesigned our packaging to use 50% less paper, making it more retailer-friendly. This fall, we launched our second collection of eight new prints: the Wagara Collection. Our investments in inventory allowed us to meet growing demand, resulting in a remarkable 900% sales growth in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023.
Wholesale Expansion
We've significantly grown our wholesale presence, adding a dozen new retailers, including esteemed museum gift shops like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. Attending our first trade show, NY Now, was a pivotal moment, providing valuable connections and market validation. Additionally, being featured on wholesale marketplaces like Faire and Bulletin has increased our visibility among shops nationwide. Find a Keiko Furoshiki stockist near you!
Collaborations and Custom Projects
We engaged in exciting collaborations with brands such as The Chicago Cubs, Dandelion Chocolate, Apothékary, Loloi Rugs, Mexi Mexi, Hennessy, and Tatcha for their holiday furoshiki campaigns. Our custom furoshiki manufacturing kept us creatively engaged, and our content even appeared on Sephora.com.
Media Recognition
Our efforts garnered press coverage in over 22 media outlets, providing external validation and increasing awareness of our brand and mission.
Looking Ahead
As we enter our third year, we're excited to continue our mission of sharing the beauty and practicality of furoshiki. We plan to expand our product offerings, collaborate with artists, and further engage with our community through workshops and events.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our deepest gratitude to our customers, partners, and supporters. Your enthusiasm and feedback have been invaluable, and we're honored to have you as part of the Keiko Furoshiki family.
Here's to many more years of creativity, sustainability, and shared traditions.
With appreciation,
Tyler, Keiko, and Andrea
