HISTORY
Amazon’s stylings have been featured in Essence, Ebony, Sophisticate Black Hair, Chicago Social and Salon Sense. Our international and domestic visibility and reputation includes providing creative and professionally styled braids, cornrows, extensions, locks, twists, knotted styles and beyond. In March, 2009, Amazon Natural Essentials, LLC launched its own line, “Amazon Natural Essentials,” enriched with soothing botanicals and vitamins to nourish and promote healthy scalp and hair growth. As industry leaders, Amazon has served as educator and product consultant for hair care companies such as Soft Sheen, Johnson-Carson Products, AHBAI and Namaste Laboratories.
Amazon’s daughter here on the mainland , Nadra, continued the family’s outreach and teaching tradition by founding the Annual Sankofa Natural Hair Health and Beauty Expo, dedicated to Natural Hair care stylists and enthusiasts, Wholistic Healthcare professionals and students seeking education and increasing their knowledge of natural hair and natural living.
In addition, the legacy is maintained through the Amazon Natural Look Institute, our education component, produces Seminars, Workshops, Demonstrations and DVDs to continue a high standard of professionalism in the ever-evolving Natural Hair Care Industry.
Amazon Payton-Smiley
Over three decades ago Amazon Payton Smiley began a small business in Chicago, Illinois that was based on her commitment to women of African descent celebrating their natural beauty. Known at that time as Amazon Salon, her vision has continued to blossom and elevate the very best in natural beauty - hair styles, techniques and products - and that small business has grown into Amazon Natural Essentials LLC Salon & Spa.
The 21st century finds Amazon as the premier salon in the Midwest and with the well-deserved reputation of international trendsetter; she continues her legacy by passing her knowledge of and creative artistry in the Natural Hair Care Industry to her daughters, Nadra Smiley and Tenee Smiley – Amico. As these young women become legends in Natural Hair and Braid Art, they are expanding the family-owned business with a new location in Maui, Hawaii.
