How Kumei Began Her Brand ‘Tofu Tees’ Eight Years Ago
Fifteen-year-old Kumei Norwood started her clothing brand ‘Tofu Tees’ at just eight years old, focusing on social justice issues and community. Since Tofu Tees’ creation, Kumei and her brand quickly grew in popularity due to her unique designs and fearless attitude.
She shared her story of starting the business, opening up a physical shop, and her plans for the future.
Kumei states that living in California significantly influenced her decision to become a business owner. “Ever since I was little, I used to live in L.A., and I was always surrounded by entrepreneurs,” Kumei said. When I moved [to Vegas], it was sort of the same thing, so I think that’s what mainly influenced me.”
In 2016, Kumei launched Tofu Tees, originally selling her designs on t-shirts. Her first design, ‘Why Are Peepl So Sensitiv,’ gained traction and kickstarted the ever-growing business. As a child, Kumei wrote the comical phrase and decided to sell shirts with the expression. Since then, Kumei primarily centered her brand around social issues with designs like “Racism is Trash” and “Social Issues are not Trends.”
“My personal favorite [design] is ‘Racism is Trash’ because that got a lot of new people to notice my business and its really helped me grow from where I was at first,” Kumei said. “I made that design mid-COVID because of everything that was happening with the Black Lives Matter Movement.”
The written Tofu Tees Mission statement declares its desire “to make people laugh/smile while provoking deeper thought about social issues around our community, nation, and planet.” Kumei dedicates herself to multiple causes, including the Black Lives Matter Movement, abortion rights, food insecurity, and equal rights.
The Struggles of Starting a Business
Kumei says that although her parents support her business, she’s the one who calls the shots. “In the beginning, [my parents] helped me with putting myself out there, they helped monitor my social media,” Kumei said. She also mentions the criticisms her parents receive stating, “My parents would get a little bit of hate being like ‘Oh you probably put your daughter up to this making her own her own business, and you guys take everything…and just make her the face [of it].’”
Kumei’s parents aren’t the only ones facing harmful comments, Kumei herself received harsh remarks. “I’ve definitely learned how to continue on without listening to people’s comments because I have gotten some people who doubt my business or think that I don’t believe in the causes that I’m pushing for,” Kumei said.
Despite these comments, Kumei asserted her role as an entrepreneur and opened her shop in 2021.
(Article continues after the ad)
Please follow our fantastic site sponsors! They make content like this possible! 🙂
Opening the Shop on Fremont Street
Since starting Tofu Tees, Kumei always planned to open a shop at Fergusons Downtown. Fergusons Downtown, a revitalized hotel, now exists as a community of shops and restaurants where locals and visitors can gather and connect.
“When I was eight, I was invited to do ‘Market in the Alley,’ which originally started right across the street from Ferguson’s and ever since then I’ve just been in this community, they help me grow my business,” Kumei stated. “I’m basically like the property kid, but yeah I always knew I wanted to have a space in here or just be somehow rooted in this community.”
Kumei eventually found the perfect opportunity to establish a spot within Fergusons. “I got offered a space during COVID, which I was online for school so it made it easier to just be in here and do the schooling in here,” Kumei said.
The Enticing Aura of Tofu Tees
Upon entering the Tofu Tees shop, the lively atmosphere spreads to every corner. Anything can be found in this store, from hand-made earrings to baby clothes to an entire fridge filled with Tofu Tees merch.
A corner of children’s books with political figures and activists displays the level of thought put into each item. Other books contain themes of feminism, equality, and perseverance. Next to the books are recyclable greeting cards that sprout flowers once planted. Every element within the store had its purpose and further emphasized a sense of change.
“Besides t-shirts and hats, I sell jewelry, snacks, different books that I think share messages that are important for people to know, just whatever I like basically,” Kumei said. “This store is just like my mind physically.”
Kumei regularly plans events and workshops available for all ages within her shop. With summer starting, Kumei says she’s looking forward to planning more activities. “I’m hoping to do a workshop every other week, and then during the weekends I’ll have a lot more kids events,” she said. “Last year I did ‘Lemonade Wars’ where kids could just come and sell lemonade and it’s a little competition thing – so I’m gonna do that again.”
Tofu Tees’ Dedication to Local Causes
Kumei utilizes her shop to advocate for and support local organizations and causes. She regularly volunteers and donates to women and children centers, The Solidarity Fridge, the Wild West Access Fund, Mass Liberation, and other grassroots organizations.
Certain items within the shop, like the candles, donate a portion of the proceeds to these organizations. This month, Tofu Tees and The Solidarity Fridge collaborated on a Food Drive to combat food insecurity in the community. Anyone can donate food from Wednesdays to Sundays in the shop. An entire list of needed items can be found on this Instagram post.
Kumei’s Future Plans For Herself and Tofu Tees
Kumei currently attends LVAC, pursuing a major in 3D art. Though she’s still got a few more years to go, Kumei says she’ll attend college upon graduating high school.
“I think I’m gonna take a year break just to focus on me and my business making sure it’s all good and then I’ll probably go to college in the fashion course at UNLV,” Kumei said.
As for Tofu Tees, Kumei wishes to incorporate more of her sculptures and fashion sense into the store. She also says she’ll post more content on Instagram and TikTok to expand her business and name.
#GetinMotion with Tofu Tees
Kumei’s inspirational story reflects that anyone can accomplish their goals and create change in the world. With a promising future ahead of her, Kumei created an impactful legacy for herself before being able to drive legally.
On May 19, 2024, Tofu Tees will host “Lemonade Wars,” open to all youth 13 and under. The event will be open to youth vendors who will sell their homemade lemonade and have a chance to win 50% of all registration fees collected. Registration is now open for $10. The event will happen from 12 pm – 3 pm.
Be sure to support Tofu Tees by visiting its website and shop located at 1028 East Fremont Street Suite 11, Las Vegas, NV, 89101. And, follow Tofu Tees on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors!
Our magazine is reader-supported! If you enjoyed our content, please join our Patreon community!
As always, we want to thank our Patreon ‘Cultivator’ supporters and sponsors who help make content like this possible.
The following Patron(s) supported the production of this article:
Crystal Gropp
The following sponsors supported the production of this article:
Viva La Compost
