DEI and the Road Ahead: Kumei Norwood – Owner and designer of Tofu Tees

At just 16 years old, Kumei Norwood is redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur. As the founder of Tofu Tees, a socially conscious apparel brand based in downtown Las Vegas, she is more than just a young business owner—she is a voice for inclusion, empowerment, and community engagement. With a firm commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Kumei’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of youth-driven change.

A Business Born from a Childhood Idea

Kumei’s entrepreneurial journey began almost by accident. At the age of six, she jotted down the phrase “Why are people so sensitive?” in her childhood notebook. Years later, while cleaning her room, her mother rediscovered the note, which was scrawled in Kumei’s young handwriting and filled with misspellings. Amused and inspired, they decided to print the phrase on a T-shirt. Little did they know that this small, personal project would launch a full-fledged business.

“I started wearing the shirt, and people wanted to buy it from me,” Kumei recalls. Encouraged by the interest, she was invited to sell at Market in the Alley, a local marketplace showcasing independent businesses and creatives. It was there that she first experienced what it meant to sell her products and build a brand.

The name Tofu Tees stems from Kumei’s lifelong vegetarian lifestyle and her original focus on T-shirt designs. Over the years, her brand has expanded in both meaning and product offerings, but the heart of her mission remains the same: to create apparel that inspires confidence, activism, and community engagement.

The Meaning Behind the Designs

For Kumei, Tofu Tees is more than just fashion; it’s a platform for self-expression. “When people wear my designs, I want them to feel empowered and passionate about the message,” she explains. Some of her designs carry deeper political and social messages, while others are more playful, always offering a blend of meaning and aesthetics. The goal, she says, is to spark conversation and encourage people to embrace their individuality.

Her brand is deeply rooted in the principles of DEI, which is why she was a natural choice for QVegas Magazine’s ongoing series, DEI and the Road Ahead. We asked Kumei to break down what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to her.

Diversity: A Way of Life

For Kumei, diversity is not just an abstract concept—it’s a fundamental part of daily life. “Diversity is just living to me because it’s everywhere. Everybody in the world is different, and diversity is about embracing that.”

She sees this reflected in her community and her customer base. Her goal is to ensure that people of all backgrounds feel seen and represented in her designs.

Equity: Ensuring a Voice for Everyone

Equity, Kumei explains, is about ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to express themselves and advocate for their beliefs. “It’s about always having a voice to express yourself and your values.” Through her brand and community events, she fosters spaces where people can share their thoughts and experiences openly.

Inclusion: Building Safe and Welcoming Spaces

Inclusion is at the heart of everything Kumei does. “It’s about bringing everybody together, making them feel safe and welcome,” she says. “That’s what I want to do with my brand.”

She actively creates inclusive spaces not just through her designs but also through the events she hosts, where individuals from different walks of life can come together to connect and share experiences.

Creating a Community Beyond Fashion

Beyond selling apparel, Kumei is passionate about using her platform to build a community. She frequently organizes local events to engage with people and offer support. Some of these include bracelet-making sessions, where attendees can sit together and simply talk, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.

She also collaborates with other young entrepreneurs, providing them with opportunities to showcase their products in her store. “I don’t have employees yet, but I do let other businesses pop up in my shop and sell their products alongside mine,” she shares. Her goal is to ensure that others have the same opportunities she did when starting out.

Challenges as a Young Entrepreneur

Being a young business owner in the fashion industry—especially one who incorporates political and social themes into her designs—comes with challenges. “Some people think that just because my designs focus on social issues, that’s all my fashion is about,” she says. “But I also love to express myself through the clothes I wear.”

Despite this, she remains committed to her mission, standing firm in her beliefs while continuing to evolve as an entrepreneur. Balancing school and business is another challenge, but with the help of her mother—who works in the store when Kumei is in class—she’s able to keep things running smoothly.

Looking ahead, she plans to expand her team, especially as she considers college. “Maybe when I go off to college, I’ll look for someone to manage the store for me,” she says, acknowledging the exciting yet uncertain road ahead.

Mentorship and Inspiration

Kumei credits much of her growth to the mentors who have guided her along the way. Two figures, in particular, have played a significant role in shaping her business mindset: Melissa, who works with Future Makers, an organization dedicated to helping young entrepreneurs, and Jen Taler, the creator of Ferguson’s Downtown and the organizer behind Market in the Alley. “Melissa helped me hone in on my brand and messaging,” Kumei explains. “And Jenaller gave me my first big opportunities, including opening a store at just 12 years old.”

Now celebrating her fourth year in business, Kumei is eager to continue expanding her impact and learning from those who have paved the way before her.

The Future of Tofu Tees

While she intends to keep most of her designs true to her original vision, Kumei has dabbled in collaborations, including one with Zappos. She is open to selective partnerships that align with her mission and values. “If I could collaborate with anyone, I’d love to work with Bobby Hundreds,” she says, referring to the renowned streetwear designer and activist. “He stands for a lot of the same issues I do, and he’s in the streetwear realm, so it would be an awesome collab.”

Giving Back to the Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of Kumei’s work is her ability to give back. She frequently organizes community service initiatives, including food drives and sandwich-making events for the Solidarity Fridge, a 24/7 food pantry in Las Vegas. “A lot of my events are focused on meeting people who share your beliefs or just people you vibe with,” she says. “Downtown Las Vegas is all about community, and I want to be a part of that.”

Final Thoughts

As Kumei Norwood continues to grow her business and her influence, she remains steadfast in her commitment to self-expression, inclusivity, and activism. Her journey is a reminder that age is no barrier to impact. Through Tofu Tees, she is proving that young people can drive meaningful change in both business and society. Visit tofuteeslv.com for more info.

For anyone looking to support a brand that stands for something bigger than fashion, Tofu Tees is more than just apparel—it’s a movement.