Community event alert. It takes a village to encourage the community join the Black Star Project for a day of celebration in honor of the late Phillip Jackson with live entertainment & furry friends, food, vendors, community awards, crafting, pumpkin decorating, book bag give away and more.

This Saturday 9.25.21 from 2 pm to 5 pm along the 35th and King Drive Corridor. Positive event. Bring the kids, friends or come solo.

Book readings by noted authors.

Drum excerpts

Live Jazz Band

Poetry Reading

Pet furry friends sponsored by the Live Stock Love Oasis

Shop w/visiting vendors

Pumpkin Decorating

Book bag give away sponsored by This is Life Org.

Community Award Ceremony

Absolutely Anything Essential Gift Shop

3521 S. King Drive, Chicago

Absolutely Anything Essential is a Small Black Owned Business & impactful M/WBE with its flagship gift shop in Chicag

Bronzeville Summer Nights 2021. Join us for our first one, this Friday 7.9.21 from 3 pm to 7:30 pm. This year we welcome Fun House Fridays sponsored by @thisislifechi Yes a fun Friday on the legendary strip of 35th and King Drive, Chicago, IL. 60653. Bring your chair, mask and positive attitude. Live DJ, Live Jazz, Shopping, Healthy Snacks, Games for All and more.

Vendors wanted for August and September. All bath and body product slots are taken. Email: manager@absolutelyanythingessential.com

On Saturday November 24, 2018. The Absolutely Anything Essential Gift Shop of Chicago ALONG with over 25 collaborators will aim to reach over 200 community residents, entrepreneurs and representatives through collaborating with neighboring businesses, small business experts, entrepreneurs and influencers to create community building avenues which assist small business owners with attracting more customers and increase awareness.

The Shop Small Business Saturday initiative through American Express aims to provoke the audience to shop local and obtain needed services within the community in which they live, thus strengthening the local economy. This fun-filled day at the Absolutely Anything Essential Gift Shop in Chicago’s Bronzeville community begins at 12 pm.

We cannot do this alone. The Absolutely Anything Essential Gift Shop has been selected for the 3rd year as one of Chicago’s American Express Neighborhood Champions. We are asking for your participation. We want supporters of local businesses and fellow neighbors in the Bronzeville, Douglas, The Gap Community, Kenwood, South Loop and Hyde Park communities to know that you don't have to drive longer than 15 minutes to find services for you and your family as well as enjoy great shopping as well as positive and creative events. For more info call 312.238.9447

Join the Absolutely Anything Essential Gift Shop in Bronzeville along with fellow community partners Urban Matrix Magazine and The Sassy Thrifters as we celebrate shopping small on Saturday, November 25. In celebration of Small Business Saturday, we’ll be offering creative arts based workshops from 11 am until 3 pm. Painting and Jewelry Making Classes are offered by same day reservation only. We suggest you arrive at or before 11am to sign up, as reservations will go fast! Simply sign up at our welcome station upon entry on the lower level.

Become a vendor or sponsor and join us for our "Rise & Shine Kick Off Breakfast." Where small business owners will network and share ideas around the table in the early hours of Small Business Saturday. 

Small business owners, vendors, and sponsors will offer a host of great sales, specials, and services to supportive customers who recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.

Thinking about starting or expanding a business?

Don't know where to start?

Join us Thursday May 25, 2017

Absolutely Anything Essential

3521 S. King Drive, Chicago

5 pm until 7 pm

Free Parking in the rear

Free Workshop, seats are limited

Hosted by:  Bruce Montgomery of the Hope Organization

RSVP required:  Call 312-725-8601 or email:  Bruce.Montgomery@OperationHOPE.org

PRE-Mothers Day Shopping and Pamper Her Pretty Event

Come out and shop with us and experience a la carte pampering services.

Treat yourself, your mom, aunt, cousin, grandmother, sister or mother figure, to special services to brighten her special day. 

Free to the public and Free rear parking, *elevator for seniors and disabled. 

We support a responsible B.Y.O.B environment for our shop and sip events. 

Special services include: Manicures, Make-up Artistry, Massages & Wellness.

Over 20 vendors under one roof: Gourmet Treats, Apparel, Accessories, Home Decor, Bath & Body Products, Art Supplies, Artwork, Hand Crafted Cards, Books, Candles, Potpourri, Purses, Appreciation Gifts and more. 

Enter through our first level Gift Shop doors located on the first floor, services & vendors will be located on the 2nd & 3rd floor of the retail incubator space. 

Hosted by:  Remree's Bling's & Things

For more info call 312.238.9447

Join us for our Valentine's Day Sip & Shop 2017 Event.  If you can shop with them! You can shop with us! Shop Small Business and Save Big!

Pick up that essential gift or treat yourself or that special someone in your life to one of our mini pampering services for the day. services will include:  Mini Make-Overs, Mini Pedi's, Mini Massages and more.   

This event is a BYOB environment for adult shoppers.  We encourage responsible behaviors when visiting and shopping at our fun and artistically inspirational establishment.  https://www.facebook.com/events/849164318560188/?ti=cl

Get out of the house and come check out our new quaint Bronzeville Gift Shop that offers a diverse and unique shopping experience with each visit. Sip wine, listen to music and take advantage of special discounts as you browse apparel, jewelry, artwork, personal care, home furnishings, accessories and other goods from the market's over 10 vendors and artists. Event ends at 10 p.m.