“Absolutely Anything Essential is a certified MWBE/ACDBE, 3-Level giftshop and venue space for local and global brands. This seven year tourist destination is owned and operated by Chicago’s very own entertainment producer Kenya Renee”
Our History
Absolutely Anything Essential is owned by producer Kenya Renee who is no stranger to entrepreneurship. Kenya Renee comes from a family of entrepreneurs and credits her grandmother, a known seamstress, in Chicago who sold her handmade quilts, skirts and handcrafted lye soap to private clients, at local markets for over 50 years, worked diligently to build solid foundations for her family, who taught Kenya all about diversification and how to use her creativity to inspire others and deal fairly with vendors.
For nearly seven years now, Absolutely Anything Essential has maintained a steady record of growth, accented by our location being settled a short drive south of the McCormick Place, near major expressways, as well as transit lines which has made us an easy access retail incubator and tour group experience location.
Absolutely Anything Essential has been noted as Neighborhood Champions through American Express and since 2016 has operated in a three level judgement free environment who attributes impactful community building to its facilitators, volunteers and 99% women, teen girl and artist supporters who exhibit solid core competencies and hold an array of skills across many tiers of knowledge and professionalism in their crafts to implement inspirational projects.
Absolutely Anything Essential 3521 S. King Drive
Chicago, IL 60653
312-238-9447
How did all of this happen?
With a passion for all things creative, and going back to simpler times utilizing natural ingredients and recycled remnants, all while sticking to a budget was initially created as a pop up gift shop gracing flea markets and vendor events throughout Illinois for Pier One Import Lovers and Hobby Lobby Addicts. Over the past nine years Kenya has grown her business as a certified Minority Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), gained global recognition and has become a hub for south side residents, visitors, artists and those who offer essential products, services, crafting and inspiring others. Oops....and let's not forget the supporter of small businesses.
