Blu
Keeper of the Crowns
Caitlin ‘Blu’ Clark is a Seattle-based braider, licensed cosmetologist, and multidisciplinary artist behind Keeper of the Crowns. Her work approaches braiding as more than a beauty service—it is an art form, a cultural language, and a practice of care.
Working primarily with Black women and textured hair, Caitlin uses braiding to explore the relationship between identity, self-expression, tradition, and adornment. Her work ranges from wearable everyday styles to conceptual braid artistry, always grounded in a deep respect for the history and creativity carried through Black hair.
Through Keeper of the Crowns, Caitlin creates work that honors where braiding comes from while making space for where it can go next.
Sarah Dean
Listen to Sarah Dean Oral History here
Sarah Dean was born and raised in Seattle Washington. She went to Garfield High School and University of Washington. As a model, she created her own troupe called Shades of Beauty to make space for Black models. She is a member of the National Council of Negro Women and runs Miss Black Washington.