Our popular certified MWBE eight year brownstone brick and mortar giftshop, community market and entertainment space adorns the legendary 35th street and King Drive corridor and is located a short stroll south of Chicago’s McCormick Place, just east of the Chicago White sox guaranteed rate field and near five major expressways. The perfect spot for locals and tourists alike in Chicago’s Bronzeville/Douglas community.
We are run by entrepreneurs and small business owners from various Chicago communities. We host an array of public and private events, classes, shopping experiences and curated corporate team builders during the weekday and weekend at our 3-level Chicago flagship landmark location, deemed for the 7th year Neighborhood Champions by American Express.
Absolutely Anything Essential is owned by retired high school educator and entertainment producer Kenya Renee who is no stranger to entrepreneurship. Her family owns one of Chicago’s top barber salons, Hyde Park Hair Salon, where President Obama frequented for over 25 years. Other members own Nita’s Gumbo in Chicago’s Calumet Heights neighborhood. But ultimately accredits her late grandmother, a known seamstress and late mother, a popular toffee baker for her impactful community building journeys.