PAINT IT FORWARD – ABSOLUTELY“AMAZI” –ING!

I had the privilege of meeting these wonderful women from AMAZI POP UP SHOP a few weeks ago and I was extremely impressed with their skills! What do they do? They are a group of women (nail technicians in training) that provides you with either a manicure or back and neck massage for a small fee.

Why are they different? They are different because they are the first non-profit organization of its kind. They provide unemployed women with an opportunity to be part of the beauty industry. Why I’m so in love with this concept is that it empowers women through business.

This organization has an affiliation with Sorbet Salons as their statement says that “The Amazi academy is a comprehensive Job readiness platform that recruits, trains, supports, mentors and coaches unemployed young women from disadvantaged communities with access to little opportunity to become PROUD, PROFESSIONAL nail technicians that SECURE employment opportunities within Sorbet Salons” So the “pop-up service: paint it forward “ is their practical training ground before being employed in a Sorbet Salon.

“Funded by The Sorbet Trust in partnership with The Clothing Bank, the academy is currently sponsoring 19 trainees at R12 000 each. This is a big investment for any company to make, and the emphasis is placed on quality over quantity when training candidates.” (source: http://www.sabreakingnews.co.za/)

So while you are enjoying a 30 minute nail treatment, these trainees are gaining invaluable experience through their training experience – sounds like a win win situation to me.

I had the opportunity of indulging in this little delight at work. My employer arranged for them to come for the day to pamper us women on Women’s day.  I could choose between a 30 minutes back and neck massage or a 30 minute nail treatment including paint. I opted for the back and neck massage (I needed it!). The massage was amazing and I was quite sad when it was over.

I even asked the trainee if she would come monthly to give me massages …. It was that good. The next person was running late so my trainee technician offered to paint my nails too. What a treat! You can choose between nail varnishes from the Essie range, OPI range or sorbet range. Really good products. I opted for an OPI pink nail lacquer.

When I was done with both my treatments I could fill my little packet with candy from the candy table.   (Did I mention that there’s a CANDY TABLE!?).  I was very impressed with the set-up being furniture made from crates which gave it a rustic and comfy feel. The equipment was clean and neatly placed around the individual work stations. The women were professional in every aspect and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I would recommend “AMAZI” for any group event or if you planning to treat a group of girlfriends at a Bachelorette party or maybe a birthday bash! There prices are not too bad and I’m sure they open to negotiation. They charge R2500 for a day (9am – 4pm). This includes 4 nail technicians that can accommodate 48 treatment slots. This can be varied between nails and massages.

For more information check our their social media pages: facebook or twitter account.  Book a pop-up spa day and help someone in the process. Remember to “paint it forward”

XOXOXO

Jee

 

Deets :

For more information, contact :

Divya Vasant – divya@themfa.org.za ( 072 454 9016)

Candice Scholtz – Candice@themfa.org.za ( 082 052 3573)