Day 6 - Kei and Molly Textiles, LLC

Photo courtesy of Kei and Molly: Idalia Road Market

Today we share a story about two super-moms and how their creative ideas lead to an industrious vibrant textile company in the heart of the international district of Albuquerque. Kei and Molly met through their children, who were both at Bandelier Elementary School. The two developed a tight friendship with many similar interests and decided to enter the Bandelier Holiday Bazaar in 2010 with the idea of creating an economic development project in the international district. Within two hours of the bazaar, all of their products had sold out...they knew they were on to something. "We both have backgrounds working with immigrants and wanted to start a business that would create good jobs in our community," Kei and Molly reflect. Five years later, they now employ five New Mexican women, most of whom are immigrants and artists based in the International District, working to create artisan-quality, hand-printed fabric goods. Since 2010, their business has steadily grown gaining local and national attention. Their textile products, mostly flour-sack kitchen towels, can be found in over 27 states and over two-dozen stores here in New Mexico. 

Photo courtesy of Kei & Molly

The two women express their efforts in bringing industry to Albuquerque, "The International District is one of the poorest areas in Albuquerque, but we see it as a vibrant community with recent immigrants and refugees. Our kids went to school here, Kei's husband teaches in the community, and we see so much positive energy being created in the area. We don't see poverty as a detriment to business, but rather an opportunity to train and work with people who want to contribute to the success of what we are trying to do!"

Each year, the women create two different lines of designs; one in the spring and the other in the fall. They start individually and then collaborate together as they get stuck or need to refine a design. "This is the great part of having a design partner - we have each other to bounce off ideas!" When I met the women, I could see that they both are inspired by one another and encourage each other throughout the creative process. Kei brings printing experience, having shown products at the New York International Gift Fair and worked for designers such as Jonathan Adler and Denyse Schmidt. Molly brings and international and global perspective to the designs being able to speak five languages (wow!) and was a dedicated educator for over 20 years (double wow!). The two would make any business envious of their savvy and creative talents.

A sampling of some of their designs

Although the two are undoubtedly talented, the sweetest part about Kei and Molly is they actively choose to be proactive members of their community as well as environmentally aware business owners. Their studio uses only water-based, non-toxic inks to minimize the impact on the environment. They filter their waste water to 20 microns to keep pigment out of the water system. Their product line is made using only 100% natural fibers. Waste fabric from their production is often recycled into community projects through schools and community groups. 

Their designs have quickly found homes all around the country. Some of the most popular designs include the "Red or Green" chile roaster kitchen towels that are featured in our grand giveaway (giveaway instructions below).
  

You can find their products on their website, in many local stores or catch them this coming weekend December 13th at the Rail Yards Holiday Market.

To be eligible to win the #ChileChicaGiveaway - one item from each of the 12 Days of New Mexico Christmas (valued at over $200!) - you will need to do to the following:

1. Repost your favorite of the "12 Days" as they are posted now through December 23rd on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram - feel free to repost older days you have already read as well!

2. Include the hashtag #ChileChicaGiveaway on all your reposts!

3. Follow New Mexico Chiles; History, Legend and Lore on Facebook.

4. Follow The Chile Film on Facebook.

Post everyday for your best chance to win. Each post will count as an additional entry, limit one per day per social media platform. We will announce the winner on Christmas Eve, and remember to have your privacy settings public so we can see your posts! Happy holidays!