Braids Bows & Beautiful Rows

My senior thesis project, Braids, Bows, and Beautiful Rows, is a multimedia campaign celebrating the beauty and cultural significance of diverse hairstyles. Designed for children aged 4-10, the project includes an illustrated children’s book and a companion coloring book that introduce young readers to the rich traditions behind hairstyles like cornrows, braids, and weaves. The project is interwoven with heartfelt “love letters to my younger self,” offering affirmations of self-worth and cultural pride to inspire children to embrace their unique beauty.

At its core, this work seeks to empower children by showing them that all hair types and styles are beautiful and meaningful. Through storytelling and these personal letters, the project emphasizes pride, individuality, and the importance of cultural heritage while addressing the misconceptions surrounding certain hairstyles.

Beyond the pages of the book, Braids, Bows, and Beautiful Rows is a larger conversation about self-love, representation, and the power of embracing one’s roots. By blending illustration, typography, and personal storytelling, this project fosters an inclusive space where children—especially Black and Brown children—can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. It is both a love letter to my younger self and an invitation for the next generation to celebrate their identity with confidence and joy.