I’m basically self taught although during the time I started seriously braiding as a career I had two friends who were very influential and had already developed a braiding business in Chicago. Jewel Johnson-Pates, who is the most creative person I’ve ever met, and Hiddekel Burks, who is the perfect blending of business and creativity. These are the Chicago pioneers of the Natural Hair Care Industry along with the many others in New York, California, Washington D.C., Atlanta, ect.. These women created their own techniques, styles and abilities. They incorporated and recreated African traditional styling and came up with the westernized high fashion, sophisticated, funky styles you see today. Any techniques or styles I’ve developed over the years I’m anxious to share. I produce seminars and specialty classes for salons, groups and individuals. I’m also a constant search for whatever is new to take home to my fellow stylist and clientele.
Years ago when I started my career as a braider there were only a few braiders doing a professional job, so competition was not a concern. Now that braiding salons as popping up all over I think Amazon Braid Sculpture Salon stays on top because of its longevity, dependability and signature workmanship. We stay abreast of the latest trends and create what works for our clientele. We always make an effort to enhance the beauty of our client guaranteeing professional quality every time. We have six large catalogues of select styles providing clients a large variety of choice. However, the most popular styles chosen are the individual braids cut into a shoulder length or a sculpture of thin cornrows gathered into a large braid in the back. Locs are becoming increasingly more popular too.
Our customer base is vast, diverse and unpredictable. We service clients from five to eighty. We also service men of all ages who want Locs or braid extensions. We service professional women, students, actors, factory workers and cosmetologists. Everyone is a welcome client.
The Natural Hair Care Industry is experiencing a lot of growth. In many ways, the field itself is at a crucial stage in its development right now. It’s important, and necessary that the main players set the stage carefully and powerfully for the coming era. Some of the big issues are licensing, setting standards, training and education. We must have input on legislation, regulations and the certification of braiders. The growth of this industry is exciting and encouraging for the young stylist pursuing a career as a braider or natural hair care specialist. I’m proud to be a player.
Amazon Payton-Smiley
HISTORY
I’ve been braiding childhood friends and relatives since I was about ten years old. I started building a clientele doing sculptured styles and special requests about 25 years ago. My first styles were only for the sake of my own creativity and self gratification. Something inside me would give me a vision to create and I’d ask my friends “Let me do this style for you, it will look great on you.” The process would be tedious and sometimes hours long but the outcome was always unexpectedly beautiful. The clients and I soon became co-creators in the styling usually designed to fit their lifestyle or their facial structure. Being a young adult in the “I’m Black And I’m Proud” era, I began wearing my hair in its natural state however after ten years of a short Afro I needed a change, some diversity and versatility. So I began my experimentation with braids and alternative natural styling. The appreciation alone from a finished braided style has been enough joy and purpose to keep me braiding forever.
