Fast-forward to today and Norwood, now 16, owns a physical store with the same name. It’s located at the blossoming Fergusons Downtown center, a lively space with a bar, coffee shop and an array of shops by local makers, housed in the former Fergusons Motel.
Stepping inside the jovial shop triggers an immediate dopamine rush. There are pastel-colored paintings of emojis on the walls, a turf-like rug filled with brightly colored flowers and dancing disco balls. You’ll find T-shirts and bags with sayings like “Racism is trash,” “Social issues are not trends,” “Self-care isn’t scary” (with an illustration of an adorable ghost) and Norwood’s signature phrase, “Why Are Peepl So Sensitiv?” Also on the shelves: vintage clothes, Squishmallows, candles with sayings like “Black Lives Still Matter” and “Smells Like Reproductive Rights,” stickers, pins, handmade hair clips and jewelry.
Near the front of the store, there’s a kids’ book section as well as Japanese treats like Hello Panda cookies and Pocky. In the refrigerator, which has the words “Expired Tofu” painted on the front, Norwood houses discounted items and mystery boxes. (I smiled when I saw the 2017 article I wrote about her framed inside the shop.) Each time you make a purchase, you’ll receive a free token to play the claw machine, which is filled with mini Squishmallows.
On most days, Norwood’s mom, Tiarre, is holding down the shop, so if you’re hoping to meet the impressive artist on a weekday, you’ll have to wait until she gets out of school — or visit on a weekend. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday.
