Every braid
tells a story.every child is a masterpiece.
Braids is Art turns braiding, texture, pattern, and design into hands-on lessons in creativity, confidence, and self-expression — built for classrooms, after-school, and school-day enrichment blocks.
Art is universal — braiding is one of its oldest forms.
Braids is Art uses braiding, texture, pattern, and design to spark creativity, build confidence, and strengthen fine motor skills through hands-on art experiences that engage young minds and inspire their futures.
Along the way, students also learn about the many cultures and traditions that have shaped the art of braiding throughout history — guided in an age-appropriate, respectful, and inclusive way that welcomes every student, regardless of background or hair type.
Built for every grade band, K through 6
Lessons scale in complexity as fine motor skills and pattern-recognition grow — from first popsicle-stick braids to full design studio installations.
Texture & Pattern Play
first strands, first patterns- Yarn art
- Popsicle stick braids
- Texture & pattern play
Creative Braiding Foundations
friendship, mapping & beads- Friendship braids
- Braid mapping
- Bead pattern projects
Braids as Design Studio
history, design & installation- Braid design studio
- Cultural hair history
- Braid murals & installations
What students create in the studio
Every session ends with a real, finished piece students are proud to bring home or display at school.
Braid Mural Collaborations
Whole-class murals built strand by strand.
Bead Pattern Bracelets
Sequencing color and pattern, bead by bead.
Yarn Braid Portraits
Self-portraits with real braided-yarn hair.
Creative Collage Masterpieces
Mixed-media collage inspired by braid patterns.
A full semester, session by session
For schools booking a weekly residency, here's how a typical eight-week arc builds — from first patterns to a final showcase.
Hair as Art
Texture & Pattern
Sectioning & Design
Beginner Braiding
Beads & Creativity
Braids Across Cultures
Design Studio
Showcase & Reflection
Simple, transparent pricing
One flat rate per session — no hidden fees. Materials, instruction, setup, and cleanup are always included.
We are proud to be a certified Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise through NYC Small Business Services.
Sew Brooklyn Blow Dry Bar LLC
Certificate No. MWCERT2026-472
Expires: 5/31/2031
"Every braid tells a story. Every child is a masterpiece."
Led by a stylist, educator, and small business owner
Shawanda Clarence
Founder & Program DirectorShawanda Clarence brings more than 20 years of experience in hair braiding, textured hair artistry, salon ownership, and beauty education to every classroom she enters. Braids is Art is a program by Sew Brooklyn Blow Dry Bar LLC, built to bring that same craft, patience, and care to NYC schools.
"Creativity has no limits — and neither do our students."
What schools & families ask us
A few of the questions we hear most from principals, teachers, and parents before booking.
How are conversations around cultural appropriation handled?
Braids is Art introduces braiding through the lens of culture, history, creativity, and appreciation.
Conversations are guided in an age-appropriate, respectful, and inclusive way, encouraging students to learn about the many cultures and traditions that have shaped the art of braiding.
Is the program appropriate for students of every background and hair type?
Yes. Every lesson is designed to welcome all students, regardless of background or hair type. Many activities use yarn, cord, or paper strands so every child can practice the same techniques side by side.
Do students need any braiding experience already?
Not at all. Lessons start with simple texture and pattern play in K–1 and build gradually, so no prior experience is expected at any grade level.
What does a school need to provide for a session?
Just a classroom or multipurpose space with tables. Materials, instruction, setup, and cleanup are all included in the program investment.
Book a session or ask a question
Tell us a bit about your school and we'll follow up with availability and a proposal.
Get in touch
We work with NYC public and independent schools on residencies, pop-ups, and single-session bookings.
Inspire. Create. Empower.