"Your accomplishment is truly a testament to the impact and relationships you have fostered through the years. β¦ I am grateful for all the ways your business has supported a strong future for Illinois." β Governor JB Pritzker
The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA), which represents more than 25,000 stores across the state, has chosen Mojo Spa as its 2026 Illinois Retailer of the Year. IRMA presented the award to our founder, Amanda Kezios, at its 69th Annual Meeting and Retailer of the Year Luncheon at the Palmer House in Chicago on Wednesday, October 21. We were honored to receive such a prestigious award.
Governor JB Pritzker, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Congressman Mike Quigley, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Senate President Don Harmon all congratulated us, along with 17 state legislators, and the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives each recognized Mojo Spa with a certificate.
Why IRMA Chose Amanda
"Mojo Spa represents the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and community connection that make Illinois retail so special. Amanda has built a one-of-a-kind business that has stood the test of time by continuously evolving while staying true to her passion, her customers, and her community." β Rob Karr, President and CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association
IRMA saw Amanda's story as a quintessential retail story, shaped by upbringing, passion, talent and opportunity. It recognized how generously she gives her time, talent and expertise, always looking for ways to strengthen her community and support fellow retailers, and it measured her success as much by the many people she has helped along the way as by what she has accomplished.
Where It Started
"It is wonderful to know a woman-owned, small business focusing on holistic and handmade products is so highly esteemed in the community." β Congressman Mike Quigley
Amanda started Mojo after health issues made her sensitive to many of the products on the market, and cystic acne left her feeling she could never live up to the beauty standards mainstream brands promoted. She set out to make high-quality natural products that supported her own wellness, under a brand that was inclusive and carried a message of self-love and acceptance. She credits her grandmother in Greece, who taught her from a young age to use herbs and flowers to make skin and body products. Today that is over 200 plant-based, non-toxic, cruelty-free products, handcrafted in small batches, and a Beauty Bar in Wicker Park where guests make their own custom skincare and body care.
Lifting Each Other Up
"Your hard work and dedication to growing your business have made a tremendous impact on your community and serve as an inspiration to other small business owners across Illinois." β State Representative Kevin Schmidt
In 2022, Amanda started her Small Business Initiative to give entrepreneurs tools and strategies to thrive in a challenging market. Through it she advocates for small business owners in Washington, D.C. and Illinois, speaks on panels and on female entrepreneurship, and mentors small business owners at every stage. Mojo Spa also hosted IRMA's Thriving Through Tariffs virtual town hall. Earlier this year, the National Retail Federation named her an honoree of its 2026 America's Retail Champions program for her retail advocacy work.
Learn more about Amanda's Small Business Initiative
Through the Hard Years
"Small and independent businesses play an important role in strengthening neighborhoods and contributing to Illinois' economy." β Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias
The last few years have been tough for everyone, and rising costs have also hit small businesses like ours hard. We handcraft everything in Chicago, but many of our ingredients come from around the world and have been affected by tariffs and rising prices. Cocoa butter alone has become significantly more expensive and harder to source. We've had to reformulate some products and discontinue others, and in IRMA's own words, the impact of tariffs "threatened to shutter the business' doors." We're a small team doing our best to navigate these challenges with your support, and that support is why we're still here.
Thank You
"I love being a retailer because my customers have become part of my extended family. It's rewarding to create products and experiences that help people feel good about themselves, and I'm proud that Mojo Spa can be a part of that." β Amanda Kezios, founder
Thank you for being part of that family. Whether you've shopped with us, visited the Beauty Bar or stopped by on Milwaukee Avenue, you've kept a woman-owned Chicago business going for over 25 years. This holiday season, we hope you'll shop small with us and with the independent shops in your neighborhood.
Our thanks also go to the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives, which recognized Mojo Spa with certificates offered by Senator John F. Curran and Representative David Friess, and to everyone who wrote to congratulate us:
- U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Congressman Mike Quigley, Governor JB Pritzker, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Senate President Don Harmon
- State Senators David Koehler, Laura M. Murphy, Jil Tracy, Sally J. Turner, Li Arellano, Jr. and Doris Turner
- State Representatives Jay C. Hoffman, Brad Stephens, Amy Elik, Jackie Haas, Michelle Mussman, Kevin Schmidt, Gregg Johnson, Brandun Schweizer, Bradley J. Fritts, Patrick Sheehan and Suzanne Ness
