Don't mistake this bright, welcoming and beautifully designed salon on Braamfontein's Reserve Street as just a place to get your nails buffed and polished, it's also the site of an amazing story of social enterprise that will make you proud of what your shiny tips have supported.

Amazi was founded out of an ethos of economic inclusivity, of creating a haven and opportunity for women who have come from backgrounds of domestic abuse, trauma and great personal difficulty. Its founder was looking for a way to beat her frustration about the lack of women's participation in the economy and had the idea to create a nail spa that would not only serve women who might not previously have had access to this luxury in their neighbourhoods, but would provide a path to their independence. 

The Amazi brand is full of heart. With a training academy in Braamfontein Amazi recruits, trains and employs young women in its nail spa (with plans for more Joburg branches soon) providing opportunities for promotion into management and with a vision of eventually creating a community of co-owners to expand the network. 

Personal development is as much part of the job as the perfect manicure or pedicure, and the Amazi staff have access to both a life coach and personal and financial counselling services. Even the artwork on Amazi's walls celebrates the women who have become part of this community. The focus is on sustainability in every aspect of the business, down to the nail polishes that are locally sourced. And with prices lower here than most mainstream nail bars, you'll have even more reason to feel good. That's Amazi (or amazing).