WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS.

Wellness shop owner fulfills ‘lifelong dream’ of helping community

by | Apr 9, 2026 | Hampden County, Local News, Springfield

Business owner Keya Hicks, surrounded by family and friends, cuts the ribbon outside her wellness shop, Mindful Necessitates.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen

SPRINGFIELD — Walking into a tiny storefront on the corner of State and Cortland streets, the aroma of incense fills the air.

Every bit of space is used wisely, maximizing the ability to display products and creating a feast for the eyes of colors and textures.

Along the righthand wall, small bottles and jars are arranged on shelves — salves, tinctures, body butters — while tables hold glittering handbags, T-shirts and items emblazoned with slogans and the black, green and red of the pan-African flag.

Keya Hicks, the owner of the newly opened Mindful Necessities wellness shop, stands behind the counter, ringing up purchases. The line stretches nearly to the door, but her demeanor reflects nothing but the calm and well-being she wants to share with the community.

At the April 6 grand opening, Hicks’s cousin, Ayanna Crawford, said the shop has been a “lifelong dream” for Hicks, who has been crafting herbal remedies based on African traditions and family recipes since she was young.

Keya Hicks holds a proclamation from the Springfield City Council, while Council President Tracye Whitfield presents a proclamation from Mayor Domenic Sarno. Behind them, School Committee member Ayanna Crawford and Hicks’s son listen.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen

Springfield City Council President Tracye Whitfield, who is an aunt to some of Hicks’s children, delivered proclamations from the council and Mayor Domenic Sarno. Other officials at the opening included City Councilor Zaida Govan, and Crawford, who serves on the School Committee. Crawford was also present in her capacity as state Rep. Orlando Ramos’s chief of staff. She presented Hicks with a proclamation from the House of Representatives.

One person at the opening who has a debilitating condition gave a testimonial that she uses one of Hicks’s products, and it has helped with her pain.

“The demystification of community health starts right here in this store,” said Hicks. “Herbalism is not just about plants. It’s about culture.” She said there is a deeply rooted tradition of herbalism among Black communities.

Hicks said the products sold in the shop that she does not make must align with her mission. “Mindful Necessities is a place for everyone who wants to live healthier,” she said. “It’s about making the community healthy. People can really take charge of themselves.”

Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com |  + posts