April 13th 2023.
On Saturday, April 15th, Clearwater, Florida will be host to an exciting new event - Tedra's Cultural Arts Braid Experience's inaugural Kids 'Brave Braids' Art Show. Jai Hinson of Artz 4 Life will be hosting the event, which will feature performances from dance academy students, drumming, and a hair show showcasing the creations of students.
Valerie "Tedra" Rutledge founded this nonprofit educational project to bring youth together to learn the skill and art of perfecting braid hairstyles. Tedra personally credits her own braiding skills for helping her transform her life. She taught herself at the age of five, starting with her baby dolls' hair, eventually moving on to her friends' hair and monetizing her skill at the age of thirteen.
In 2019, Tedra established a path to economic power for youth when a parent requested a braiding lesson for their sixteen-year-old. She gave the teen insight into how to make money, acquire a license, and work in a shop. In 2020, Tedra acquired her own salon space and made it available for young girls to learn braid techniques and money-making strategies.
Her passion project is a reminder of her own childhood growing up between Clearwater and St. Pete. She wants youth to have someone to talk to and to be able to express themselves. Tedra's space on Ulmerton Road is a safe place for children to feel heard and understood.
Don't miss out on the Brave Braids Art Show happening April 15th from 5pm-7pm at The Factory St. Pete, 2622 Fairfield Ave. S.!
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