Essential Smoothies - Black History Month Q&A

During Black History Month, we’re proud to spotlight Black-owned businesses that are shaping Downtown Kankakee through passion, perseverance, and purpose. In this Q&A series, local entrepreneurs share their stories - from how they got started to the challenges they’ve overcome, the community that’s supported them, and what being a Black business owner means to them.

These conversations celebrate not only the businesses themselves, but the legacy, representation, and impact they continue to build right here at home.

Q1: Tell us about yourself and your business. What do you make, offer, or do?

My name is Denise Smith, and I am the founder of Essential Smoothies in Downtown Kankakee. What started as a small table and blender has grown into a plant-forward café focused on health, community and accessibility.

We offer 100% vegan and vegetarian options including smoothies, acai bowls, fresh juices, protein smoothies, burgers, wraps, burritos, and locally made sourdough bagels. But beyond food, we offer education, accountability, and encouragement. We support weight-loss journeys, athletic performance, and families looking for better options.

Q2: How did your business get started? Was there an a-ha moment or turning point that set everything in motion?

Essential started from my own passion for health and transformation, and my drive to always help others. I would often bring my blender to work to make protein smoothies for myself, which led me to start making them for my coworkers. That eventually led me to get my LLC and begin selling at small events.

I’ve always believed food is medicine. I saw a need in our community for quick, healthy options that didn’t sacrifice flavor, so I took a leap of faith.

So I started small, stayed consistent, and let discipline lead me. From farmers markets to the mall, to Downtown Kankakee, every step was built on faith and hard work.

Q3: What has been one of your biggest challenges as a business owner, and how did you work through it?

One of my biggest challenges has been wearing every hat —owner, marketer, accountant, mentor, leader all while learning in real time. There were moments of doubt, financial pressure, and growing pains. Most importantly, finding a balance between being a mother and running a business at the same time has been challenging.

I leaned into community partnerships, built relationships, asked questions, and kept showing up even on hard days. I do my best to be present once I leave Essential, so I can give my kiddos the attention they need. Entrepreneurship is not glamorous every day, but consistency and community support have carried me through.

Q4: What resources, people, or experiences have helped you most in building your business?

Without my partner I'm not sure how I would have been able to do it all. He's the driving force, my support when I feel like I can't go any further. The community has been huge. Local schools, athletes, families, and other small business owners have supported Essential from day one. 

Google reviews, word of mouth, and community events helped us grow organically.

My staff has also played a major role. I believe in mentoring young people and giving them opportunity. Watching them grow in confidence and responsibility is just as rewarding as growing sales. And honestly, my personal journey, discipline, fitness, and faith has shaped how I lead and serve. I often say the circle of life is powerful! 

Q5: What does being a Black entrepreneur in Downtown Kankakee mean to you? 

How has the community shaped or supported your journey?

Being a Black entrepreneur in Downtown Kankakee means representation. It means visibility. It means showing young Black boys and girls that ownership is possible right here at home.

Historically, access and opportunity haven’t always been equal. So to stand in a downtown storefront as a Black woman-owned business is powerful. The community has supported me in ways that I don’t take lightly from events to partnerships to simply choosing to spend their dollars with us.

Q6: What advice would you give to the next generation of Black makers, creators, or business owners who feel unsure about taking that first step?

You don’t need everything perfect to begin. I started with a blender, a table, a vision and nothing else. Not even revenue in an account. 

Be disciplined. Be consistent. Learn your numbers. Build relationships. Protect your reputation. And most importantly, understand that entrepreneurship is bigger than money it’s about impact and legacy.

Don’t wait for validation. If the vision is in you, it’s yours to build.

Q7: If you could introduce one historic Black figure to the next generation, who would it be and why? What do you hope young people take away from their story?

I would introduce Madam C.J. Walker. She built wealth and opportunity during a time when doors were intentionally closed to her. She didn’t just build a business she built a system that empowered other Black women to earn, lead, and own.

I would want young people to understand that innovation, resilience, and ownership have always been part of our history. Even when systems weren’t built for us, we built anyway. That spirit still lives in us today.

Last but not least...