I’ve been trying to take real, concrete action for the protection and progress of the Black community- and that’s a life long commitment, not just a two-week initiative. But I know one of the most important things I can do is get out there and show solidarity and support in my own city- Las Vegas. I think sometimes I find it hard to make a connection here, even though I truly love living here. My heart just always feels a pull for Detroit, and that’s where my efforts have been directed.

I wanted to start making changes in my own community by being aware of and supporting Black-owned businesses here, so I started researching. That’s when I came across “Tofu Tees’”, and I was immediately intrigued. Cool, whimsical illustrations…and wait- it’s an 11-year-old at the helm? Kumei is the CEO of Tofu Tees’, all the designs are her own, the illustrations are hand-drawn by her. While I was blown away by her artistry, what really caught me was her powerful and compassionate voice.

Scrolling through her Instagram, I came across one post of Kumei’s handmade Black Lives Matter bracelets. The caption read “I’m just a kid, I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to say. Our country needs to treat us better”. My heart shattered into a million pieces. Sure Kumei is a CEO, a designer, AND a Vegetarian, but she is a kid. A kid who has already felt the weight of the world. A weight that people like me should be carrying for her. And still yet, she uses her voice. She promotes donating to charity, to treating others with kindness, she is making a difference in the world and she’s only getting started.

Let’s hear from the CEO of Tofu Tees’ herself, Kumei!

When did you start Tofu Tees, and how did you come up with the name?

K: I started Tofu Tees when I was eight years old. Honestly I really like tofu a lot and I was selling tee shirts so I put them together to make the name "Tofu Tees"!

What's the story behind your famous "Why Are Peepl So Sensitiv"? What inspired you to start your line?

K: One day me and my mom were cleaning my room. We started looking through one of my old notebooks and found "Why Are Peepl So Sensitiv?" written in it. The handwriting made me think I must have been about 5 when I wrote it. We thought it was really funny and decided to put it on shirts. "Peepl" loved it so much and from there it grew into what it is today.

K: I started making more designs about issues that are important to me, like dumping Trump, being a feminist and equality! My mission is to make people laugh/smile while invoking deeper thought about social issues around our community, nation and planet.

What's your favorite thing about having your own shop/ designing?

K: I love being able to just be creative, because I'm the boss, if I have an idea, I can just do it. I also like being an entrepreneur because it helps me make more friends and allows me to inspire them to follow their dreams.

What's your favorite design you have in the shop right now?

K: My favorite design would be "Why Are Peepl So Sensitiv?". I have no idea why I wrote this but I'm glad I did!

You are doing more for the world than most adults! Do you have any words of wisdom for anyone who wants to use their voice and help make change?

K: No matter how old you are, you can still make a difference. Just do what you feel is right!

You inspired me to take action and make change. What's something we can do today to help make the world a better place?

K: To All Adults: Please do what us kids cannot. Vote, protest, donate, speak up to the people in charge of your community. (:

What's next for Tofu Tees?! New designs? New Products? I can't WAIT to see what you do next!

K: I just released Tofu Home and Tofu Pet, which includes vases, mugs, pet accessories and more. Next week, I will be experimenting with Tie-Dyeing and bleaching apparel. I also have a new design coming out in honor of our black community that includes tube tops and tote bags. I also have a collaboration with The Tiny Bloom, we will release more information on that soon! Last, I am hosting a Kids Against Racism Rally this Sunday to give kids a safe place to speak their minds.

I picked up my BLM bracelet, ordered a very chic tee, and got in touch with Kumei’s amazing mom, Tiarre! I wanted to know how to best promote Kumei & Tofu Tees’, not just because I love her designs- but because to promote Kumei means to promote a kinder, more progressive future.

Want to help invest in her dream? Here’s how:

1) Shop Tofu Tees’

Head over to The Tofu Tees’ site and pick yourself up a t-shirt (The “Dump Trump” tee is ICONIC), a vase, drinking glasses, wish bracelets, a ZINE (I mean..how cool?!) even a bandanna for your pet! I personally will be wearing my “Lil Feminist” tee more often than I should probably admit.

For reference, I bought an adult medium for a slightly oversized fit!

2) Materials

Kumei is running an entire business-materials can get expensive! Not to mention postage. Tiarre said they went through almost 200 stamps in the last week, sending out the BLM bracelets free of cost. We can help cover the expense of materials and shipping, to make sure Kumei can focus on being CEO, designer, and probably future President. Here’s how you can give:

Cash App: $Littered
Venmo: @Lurksmoney

3) Promote Her Shop

We all know the best advertising is word of mouth! Share her website or Instagram (@tofutees) with people that would love her designs, or anyone who would be better for knowing her…so, all of us!

Kumei is doing the hard work. She’s designing, running a business, using her voice to make this world a better place right now, and in the future. We have to put in the work too, to fight against racism and systematic oppression. Work within ourselves, and in our communities. Kumei has lit a fire in me (and given me my favorite new t-shirt). Her courage, drive and compassion aren’t just an inspiration- they’re a guideline of how I will go forward and use my own voice.