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CHICAGO — The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) proudly honored Mojo Spa as the 2026 Illinois Retailer of the Year at its 69th Annual Meeting held Wednesday in Chicago.
A mainstay of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood for more than 25 years, Mojo Spa has built a loyal following with its handmade beauty products, memorable in-store experiences, and commitment to its community. Founded and owned by Amanda Kezios, Mojo Spa creates more than 200 plant-based products from scratch using fruits, vegetables, botanicals, and other holistic ingredients.
“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,” said Amanda Kezios. “It is an honor to be named the 2026 Illinois Retailer of the Year, and I thank IRMA for this recognition.”
Kezios’ journey to becoming a retailer was inspired by her own experience with cystic acne. Frustrated by makeup products that covered the problem without addressing her skin, she began developing cosmetics that also served as skin care. She credits her grandmother in Greece, who taught her from a young age to use natural ingredients like herbs and flowers to create skin and body products.
Kezios takes pride in running a woman-owned business and is passionate about supporting the next generation of women entrepreneurs and other small businesses. In 2022, she launched a Small Business Initiative to help empower fellow business owners to thrive through education, advocacy, and community building. She attributes Mojo Spa’s longevity to quality products, affordability, and creating unique experiences for customers.
“Mojo Spa represents the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and community connection that make Illinois retail so special,” said Rob Karr, President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “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. IRMA is proud to honor Amanda and Mojo Spa as the 2026 Illinois Retailer of the Year.”
IRMA selected Kezios as the 2026 Illinois Retailer of the Year because her story is a quintessential retail story—one shaped at the intersection of upbringing, passion, talent, and opportunity. She gives generously of her time, talent, and expertise, always looking for ways to strengthen her community and support fellow retailers. Her success is not simply measured by what she has accomplished, but by the many people she has helped along the way.
Earlier this year, Kezios was one of 50 small retailers nationwide selected for the National Retail Federation’s 2026 America’s Retail Champions program in recognition of her retail advocacy work.
Mojo Spa was one of the first independent retailers featured in IRMA’s “We Are Retail” campaign; the feature can be found here. “We Are Retail” is a promotional campaign to share the stories of independent retailers across the state through videos, photographs, blogs, social media, and advertisements. The goal is to highlight a variety of retailers from every corner of Illinois, demonstrating the breadth and depth of Illinois’ retail sector.
Also recognized Wednesday was Tyler Power, Director of Government Relations for Hy-Vee, Inc., who received the 2026 IRMA Leadership Award. Throughout his tenure on IRMA’s Board of Directors, Power has been an invaluable advocate for Illinois retailers, lending his expertise to advance the industry’s interests.
About the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA)
One of the largest state retail organizations in the United States, IRMA serves as the voice of retail and the business community in state government. Founded in 1957, IRMA represents more than 23,000 stores of all sizes and merchandise lines. From the nation’s largest retailers to independent businesses in every corner of the state, merchants count on IRMA to fight for the best possible environment in which to do business in Illinois.
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