Meet Kei Tsuzuki

Social Entrepreneur, Kei and Molly Textiles

Home is where the art is.

Kei Tsuzuki’s artistic imprint is everywhere – in gift shops and markets nationwide (in over 400 U.S. locations, to be exact). But you are most likely to find this entrepreneur spending an afternoon in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill neighborhood, enjoying a brew and a bite from Ihatov Bread and Coffee before catching an independent film at the Guild Cinema.

Kei Tsuzuki is the owner of Kei & Molly Textiles, a socially-minded business dedicated to creating high-quality, ethical kitchen goods. The studio was co-founded with Molly Luethi in 2010, and while Molly has since retired, the duo’s shared creative vision lives on. Their most popular products are their screen-printed dish towels, practical and colorful gifts that you can pack in your suitcase for any adventure.

“Our gift shop is top-notch. We get visitors from all over to see our Mothership – that’s what we call the studio where you can see and buy all of our designs in one place!”

Kei Tsuzuki, Kei & Molly

Kei & Molly is distinct in its mission. It is a social enterprise, which Kei defined as “a business interested in more than just the bottom line.” As a U.S. citizen born in Japan and raised in Canada who made a home in Albuquerque, supporting immigrants as they chase their own American Dream is deeply important to Kei. Her screen-printing business creates meaningful jobs for refugees that help them integrate into the American workforce with dignity and respect.

“We make ourselves available to any entrepreneur interested in starting a social enterprise. We have hosted groups from eastern Europe and Asia. Local school groups come in to watch our process,” she explained. At Kei & Molly, visitors and locals are joined together in community through a shared ethos.

Kei & Molly Interior

Kei & Molly's studio at work.

For a first-time visitor, Kei emphasized Albuquerque’s incredible food scene on Route 66. “The growth of great food has been wonderful to witness. It really makes a mark in this historic corridor. We have gems like Mesa Provisions, Frenchish and Farina Pizzeria in EDo (East Downtown), all on Central Avenue. One of my favorites is a short detour on Broadway Boulevard, Burque Bakehouse.”

Exploring Nob Hill’s excellent eats and quaint boutiques has been a pastime of Kei’s since the 1990s. “You can shop, eat and gather in Nob Hill.” A great time to visit is during the Route 66 Summerfest in Nob Hill, when the city takes over over a mile of Albuquerque’s Route 66 for an evening of music, games, vendors and food trucks.

An avid appreciator of the arts, Kei naturally finds her way around Albuquerque’s bustling entertainment scene on Route 66. “I’m usually eating when I go out, but I love to see a good show at the KiMo Theatre,” she said. “I recently saw a band from New Orleans there, and I’m seeing a French band next. They do a wonderful job bringing in folks from all over the world.”

Nighttime view of the KiMo Theatre from Central Avenue, with a pedestrian crossing the street.

KiMo Theatre on Route 66 at night. Photo courtesy of Dominic Valdez.

A woman holds the hands of a young child as they dance to a live band at the Downtown Growers Market

Family at the Downtown Growers Market, West Downtown.

Kei’s favorite time of year in Albuquerque is fall, when the smell of roasting chile floats in the air. “You can watch chile roasting at the Downtown Growers’ Market,” she said, “it’s a unique grower and artisan market, one of the best I’ve attended in the whole country.”

New Mexico’s state crop, the Hatch chile pepper, holds a special place in Kei’s heart – you can see her love reflected in Kei & Molly’s “Red or Green?” dish towel (in red and green variants, of course)! Kei remarked, “My go-to New Mexican dish is chile rellenos, absolutely.” Chile rellenos are a staple Southwestern dish, battered and fried with melty cheese. They are similar to a jalapeño popper but larger, heartier and spicier.

Red or Green Kei & Molly

Kei & Molly's iconic "Red or Green?" dish towel print.

What is Albuquerque’s best-kept secret?

“Albuquerque has this great community. It’s a really kind city,” Kei said. “There’s room for everyone. I have felt very supported as an artisan by fellow artisans here.”

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Kei & Molly's "mothership" studio is located in Highland Business, at 4400 Silver Ave SE, open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.