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12 Year Old Entrepreneur Tackles Real World Issues

Kumei Norwood Leads The Way For Future Generations

By Franchessica Hannawacker Published 3 years ago 5 min read
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Kumei Norwood in front of the new location for Tofu Tees, Downtown Las Vegas.

At what age does greatness manifest itself in a person? Does it happen when we experience an act of injustice play out before our eyes, or when we see something miraculous-like a rocket leaving Earth for the first time, or is it simply implanted within us at birth? Rooting itself, spreading through our veins? Blossoming as we age, ripening with life experience? For some, I believe it manifests much sooner than others. The ability to see the world for what it is and what it could be. The calling to want to be a positive change for your community by bringing people together equally. By standing up for what’s right in the world. Trying to help everyone around you feel welcome, appreciated, and happy. Kumei Norwood sets the bar for all young women in the generations to come with her views on racial equality, feminism, art, and entrepreneurship at the ripe age of 12 years old. 

Kumei started her business, Tofu Tees, at eight years old handcrafting apparel and jewelry. She began by selling her designs at events like pop-up shops and things in downtown Las Vegas. Tofu Tees’ company mission is, “To make people laugh/smile while provoking deeper thought about social issues around our community, nation, and planet.” What makes Tofu Tees such inspiration is the message behind the product. With items sporting the lines “Racism is Trash," “Lil’ Feminist," “Social Issues are Not Trends,” and “Smile if you love someone with Autism” it isn’t hard to see why. The message is clear and the platform to talk about issues happening in the world right now is set. Also, the creator of a Zine featuring editions like “Kids Against Racism,” where Kumei interviews other children from the Vegas area about the tough issues of racism and politics. Are you asking yourself why children would bother themselves with such serious issues? The answer is simple, racism shows no mercy to age or gender. Racism and politics inadvertently affect children of all ages. I would argue that part of the problem is people not knowing it is a problem. Children can open people’s minds and hearts in a way no one else can. So to educate them on what is wrong with the world and ways we may be able to fix those things, like spreading love and equality, is an admirably intelligent thing for Kumei to dedicate herself to. With racial injustices and feminist outcries for their rights. It is always moving to see young people educating themselves on the important issues pertaining to the world around them. Also, taking the initiative to educate others. Kumei has gone above and beyond to do just that with the original designs featured in her store. Refreshing takes on the issues of today and how to respond to them. What manifested as a way to get creative with her art and ideas has blossomed into so much more. 

When Kumei was in fourth grade she decided to create t-shirts for her autistic classmates. Then she surprised many of her teachers by taking it up a notch. By handcrafting more shirts with the phrase ‘Smile if You Love Someone with Autism’ Kumei was able to raise money for her school’s autism program. Jump forward to June 2020. Kumei arranged a ‘Kids Against Racism Rally’ in light of the Black Lives Matter movement. This peaceful march was created by her for children to come together and peacefully express their emotions for the racial injustices they and their families face every day. A quote taken from Kumei’s website (tofutees.weebly.com) states, “We expected like around, 50-100 people, but hundreds of families showed up to let kids speak up on something that is tearing away at us. We are JUST kids, but we won't be kids forever. One day we will replace people in power. We will be in charge one day, and if putting this event together inspired one kid to reach for their dreams or helped them sleep a little better knowing they aren't alone, then I'm happy.” The peaceful protest was just another way Kumei tried to pick her community up to allow everyone to stand together in harmony. 

Feminism is another thing Kumei is passionate about. The oppression of women in the workplace is something that we have been fighting against for some time now. Women of color having a noticeably tougher time. Kumei is an inspiration to all women who dream of accomplishing things in their lives. With dedication and drive to create her one-of-a-kind product line. Not only does it bring awareness to serious political issues in the world, but also has taught her to be a strong young woman who speaks for herself. Working hard to prove to the world that she is very capable of being a successful entrepreneur, not only as a young adult, as a young woman who is only just getting started. Kumei started creating things from home and is about to open her first walk-in store located on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas on March 20, 2021. This young woman has successfully created a brand, built up from scratch, and has been blessed with the opportunity to have a tangible permanent residence. From where she can continue to uplift and educate not only her peers but whoever is listening. 

New location for Tofu Tees opening later this month in downtown Las Vegas

The amount of dedication Kumei has put into her work is noteworthy, to say the least, she will be one of those people you hear about in the future leading the way for a better world because she has already begun to do just that. As a young woman (at heart), artist, and aspiring entrepreneur I get a lot of inspirational hope from the accomplishments that Kumei has achieved already in her life. Not only the hope that dreams do come true when you work hard through dedication. No, hope that the generations to come, especially young women, will be raised from the struggles of today to find their voice, their courage, and their strength to be the greatest young minds we have ever encountered this far. Through acknowledging the issues at hand instead of pretending they don’t exist. To educate ourselves and the ones around us we, as a people, have hope that things will get better for everyone. Because of people like Kumei Norwood. So, when does greatness manifest? Children have it in them to commit themselves to greatness at any age with the right support. Take it from Kumei, she knows what she wants and she is leading the way. 

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