“Absolutely Anything Essential is more than a destination—it’s a place where creativity sparks connection, wellness inspires discovery, and every visit becomes part of a bigger story. For more than a decade, we’ve welcomed people from near and far to experience the heart of Bronzeville through handcrafted collections, unforgettable experiences, and genuine hospitality.”
Built on Legacy. Designed for the Future.
Absolutely Anything Essential was built on a legacy of entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and the belief that creativity creates opportunity.
Founder and CEO Kenya Renee Robertson-Reaves comes from generations of entrepreneurs. Her grandmother, Ethel Mae, spent more than 50 years creating handcrafted quilts, garments, and traditional lye soap for clients throughout Chicago. She taught Kenya the value of diversification, quality craftsmanship, and treating every customer and business partner with integrity.
Kenya's late mother, Viola Haywood, continued that legacy by sharing her beloved homemade toffee with visitors at Absolutely Anything Essential for more than seven years until her passing in 2023. Together, these remarkable women helped shape the entrepreneurial values that continue to guide the company today.
Since opening in 2016, Absolutely Anything Essential has grown into a three-level flagship destination in Chicago's historic Bronzeville/Douglas community. Today, it is an opportunity-driven ecosystem where wellness, creativity, entrepreneurship, and hospitality come together through handcrafted wellness collections, immersive experiences, corporate partnerships, educational programming, and cultural tourism.
Located along Chicago's legendary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, just minutes from McCormick Place, our flagship welcomes visitors from around the world while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, artisans, organizations, and the community we proudly serve.
Recognized as an American Express Neighborhood Champion and certified as both an M/WBE and ACDBE, Absolutely Anything Essential continues to grow through innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for others.
How It All Began
Absolutely Anything Essential began with a simple idea—that thoughtful gifts, handcrafted products, and creativity have the power to bring people together.
What started as a traveling pop-up boutique quickly found its audience at flea markets, festivals, and vendor events across Illinois. With a passion for handcrafted creations, natural ingredients, upcycled materials, and affordable gifting, Kenya Renee introduced customers to products that were both practical and personal. Every event became an opportunity to connect with new people, listen to their ideas, and discover what they were truly looking for.
As demand grew, so did the vision. What began as a mobile business gradually evolved into a permanent home where shopping, creating, learning, and collaboration could all exist under one roof.
Today, Absolutely Anything Essential continues to welcome residents, visitors, artists, entrepreneurs, and curious explorers who appreciate handcrafted goods, creative experiences, and the joy of discovering something unexpected. Through it all, one thing has remained constant—our commitment to supporting small businesses, celebrating creativity, and creating a place where everyone feels welcome.
