Knoxville, TN May 2026

Admiral Custom Home Builders

90 years in the making, honored

With nearly 20 locations and more than 35 pediatric specialties, Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital is reinforcing a longstanding commitment to children and families in a bold new era for the healthcare system. As the destination for pediatric care, they’re committed to strengthening a relationship where state-of-the-art care and a caring heart go hand in hand to meet the unique needs of every child.

DollyChildrens.org

“With Lots of Love, Mama”

For the Ladies issue, we’ve got a story about a handwritten letter from the heart of an East Tennessee mother, delivered by train the next morning into the hands of her son in a make-or-break moment for our state and our entire country. Never heard of Representative Harry Burn and his mother, Febb Burn?  Wanda Sobieski, Founder of the Women’s Suffrage Museum, wouldn’t be the least surprised. And she’s on a mission to change that.

Honoring our foremothers with the lives we live today is a thread that runs throughout this month’s stories, creating a multi-textured tapestry woven together by sacrifice and service.

If you’re looking for ways to give back in your community, but are not sure where to start, service to others has been the lifeblood of the Ossoli Circle of Knoxville women’s club for 140 years. President Jan Coley gives us a brief history of its 19th-century roots and updates us on the many volunteer opportunities for women of all ages and interests. Honoring the beloved daughter of 19th-century Knoxville industrialist Charles McClung McGhee is at the heart of this month’s story about Lawson McGhee Library from the Knoxville History Project.

Holly Martinez, mother of twins, is building a brand of comfy, go-anywhere casualwear named after two generations of grandmothers. These generous women, while struggling to care for their own families in their small Appalachian hometown, still found ways to serve their neighbors–a legacy that inspires Holly today to give back to her community.

PYA Waltman’s Melissa Ballard, CFP, director of Financial Planning Services, draws the parallel between finding balance in the ebb and flow of a garden’s growth to building an investment portfolio. Serious about your coffee? So are Laura Casner and Drew Aicklen, who brought their expertise in coffee craftsmanship with them from California. Gather some friends and try Primo Passo out for an elevated coffee experience.

Mothers, grandmothers, sisters, wives and daughters—throughout our history, they inspire us with their selfless service and sacrifice to make a better world. It’s our privilege to rave about these bold women who follow their calling while still caring for their families and neighbors. As always, we appreciate your support of the loyal advertising Partners who help us discover and share these compelling stories every month.

We are proud to be in your community and on your coffee table.

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Marc Rochelson | marc.rochelson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Amy Campbell | amy.campbell@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Chelsea Babin | chelsea.babin@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Patricia Storm Broyles, Paul James, Jack Neely, Kali Kasorzyk, Leslie Wylie Bateman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shawn Poynter, Wes Hope, Ben Finch, Jack Neely, Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, Knoxville History Project, Laura Casner, Knox County Public Library, Library of Congress

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Proverbs 3:5-6

Primo Passo Coffee Co.

Suffrage Champion Wanda Sobieski

Women’s

HUNLEY Leisurewear Rooted

Ossoli Circle of

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ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

Everlasting Floral Hoops Event

Celebrate Mother’s Day with creativity at the historic Howell House on May 9, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Craft two dried-flower hoops—one to keep, one to gift—with guidance from Caroline Zengel of Dewfall Flowers. Children 5+ may join with an adult. Enjoy light snacks and a coloring station for little participants. Tickets start at $50. KnoxGarden.org

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20th Children’s Festival of Reading

Celebrate two decades of imagination at the 20th Children's Festival of Reading on May 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville. The festival features acclaimed authors, illustrators, musicians and storytellers, offering a day of creativity for families. Honored with the 2026 Kaleidoscope Award for best children’s event, it continues to inspire young readers across the region. KnoxCountyLibrary.org

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Open Streets Knoxville Returns

Gay Street will be transformed into a car-free corridor from Summit Hill Drive to Hill Avenue and across the Gay Street Bridge, May 17 from 2-6 p.m. The free, family-friendly event invites all ages to walk, bike and explore while experiencing downtown as a vibrant public space designed for community connection. BWKnox.org/OpenStreets

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Visit Knoxville Open

The Visit Knoxville Open returns May 18-24, at the iconic Holston Hills Country Club. The week includes professional play on May 21-24, pro-am events like the “Kids Play Free” on May 18 with Scott Stallings, and an open qualifier. Supporting local charities, the tournament benefits youth, education, wellness and other community programs across East Tennessee. VKOpen.com

Ijams Nature Center Presents Movies Under the Stars

Experience cinema under the stars with Ijams Nature Center and Central Cinema at the 14th annual Movies Under the Stars. Enjoy films on the Visitor Center lawn with blankets, chairs, food trucks and a beer garden. Leashed dogs are welcome. Kick off the season on May 22, with the final screening on Oct. 2. Tickets from $12. Ijams.org/Events

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Dogwood Arts Presents KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival

This one-day celebration of art, music and community will transform Emory Place into an open-air gallery as 10 muralists go head-to-head in a live painting competition. The event underscores Knoxville’s rise alongside arts-forward cities like Asheville, Miami and Philadelphia. May 30, from noon to 8 p.m. at Emory Place. DogwoodArts.com/KnoxWalls

“Wayne White: Revenge of the Knoxville Girl” Opens at Knoxville Museum of Art

ARTICLE

The 2026 Big Ears Festival kicked off with a reception for the new exhibition “Wayne White: Revenge of the Knoxville Girl” at Knoxville Museum of Art. White is a Chattanooga native and Emmy-winning artist known for his irreverent word paintings and puppetry work on Pee-wee’s Playhouse. The exhibition is on view through July 12. Museum admission is free.

1. Artist/musician Wayne White

2. White’s band Username Password

3. Sculpture by White

4. Big Ears Executive/Artistic Director Ashley Capps with Birgit Clark

5. Gallery view of Wayne White exhibition “The Revenge of the Knoxville Girl”

6. Word painting by White

7. Sculpture by White

8. Gallery talk attendees

Host your wedding in the iconic Sunsphere with Sunsphere Events O ering breathtaking 360-degree views of the skyline and the Great Smoky Mountains and exclusive access to its elegant sixth- and eighth-floor spaces. From intimate ceremonies, to grand receptions, Sunsphere Events hosts celebrations that fit a range of styles and budgets.

@sunsphereevents | SunsphereEvents.com | 865-922-8787 | 810 W. Clinch Ave. Floors 6 & 8

SETTING THE STAGE

The Tennessee Theatre has been one of the most recognizable landmarks in Knoxville since 1928. And now we have embarked upon a journey to ensure that the Official State Theatre of Tennessee remains an arts and entertainment cornerstone for the enjoyment of all.

Construction on our 612 Expansion Project is well underway, and we invite you to help us meet our fundraising goal. VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE! tennesseetheatre.com/612

Primo Passo Coffee Co.

Elevated Coffee Science Meets Community in a Warm, Thoughtfully Crafted Neighborhood Gathering Space

When Laura Casner and Drew Aicklen moved to Knoxville in 2023, they weren’t just looking for a change of scenery; they were looking for a community to call home. Settling into a neighborhood just a few miles from what would become their storefront, the couple quickly noticed a void in the local landscape. Amid the convenient chain stores and drive-thrus in the Northshore area, there was something missing—the "third point of connection”—that space between home and work where neighbors can gather without the formality of a full dinner or the environment of a bar.

“As coffee nerds, we wanted to bring a little bit of the downtown coffee scene to West Knoxville, as well as provide a place for the community to come together,” Casner says, reflecting on the decision to open Primo Passo Coffee Co. in the Northshore Town Center. Drawing on their years of experience owning a successful shop in Santa Monica, Calif., the duo decided to introduce their West Knoxville neighbors to the meticulous world of "third wave" coffee.

The name Primo Passo, Italian for "first step," is a nod to the essential morning ritual for millions of coffee drinkers and to the dedicated Primo Passo team. “Primo Passo is an elevated brand,” Casner explains. For these seasoned baristas, it’s about upleveling the experience. Their tagline is “For the discerning coffee lover”. “It’s not just about getting your

ARTICLE BY KNOXVILLE CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA CASNER AND SHAWN POYNTER

caffeine fix in the morning.” Casner explains, “It’s about dialing in the water chemistry, dialing in the extraction of the espresso, making sure we're always serving the best possible drink. The longevity of Drew’s experience in the industry is really important. Drew heads up the whole chemistry side of things because espresso is absolutely a science.”

This coffee science involves a staggering level of detail, from monitoring the grind size ratio to the precise extraction speed through the portafilter. Before opening, the couple spent six months testing the specific mineral makeup of the water at their location. They now use a reverse osmosis system to strip the water to its purest form before remixing it with a specific mineral ratio designed to highlight the exact flavor profiles of their beans.

Casner is the “creative,” handling the marketing, business, behind-thescenes and the palette. She comes up with the drink recipes for all specialty and seasonal drinks. Casner is also an experienced professional photographer (LauraCasner.com) with a diverse portfolio of lifestyle, portrait and event photography.

Intentionality in crafting coffee experiences for their customers extends to sourcing and staffing. Partnering primarily with Durhambased Counter Culture, Primo Passo prioritizes ethical relationships with farmers and small-batch freshness that grocery store shelves simply cannot replicate. “If your initial raw

product isn’t good, the coffee will not be good,” Casner notes, comparing the peak flavor window of a bean to a fresh loaf of bread pulled straight from the oven.

That spirit of craftsmanship is mirrored in the team behind the counter. Casner and Aicklen have several fellow creatives on their team who understand the value of intentional production in a mass-produced world. “It creates an environment where the staff isn't just serving a drink, but participating in a shared creative pursuit built on precision, timing and visceral experiences, much like their individual creative pursuits,” Casner adds.

Entering its second year here, Primo Passo’s owners are excited about each step following the first step. By trading the fast-paced trajectory of the West Coast for the rolling hills of East Tennessee, they’ve created a community space where science meets social, one perfectly extracted shot at a time. PPCKnox.com.

How to Properly Structure an Investment in a Business

By Mital D. Patel

PATEL & EISENHOWER, PLLC

When someone puts money into a business, the structure of that investment ma ers. Too o en, people contribute funds without clearly defining whether they are an owner or a lender. at ambiguity can lead to disputes, adverse tax consequences, and the complete loss of the investment.

e threshold question is straightforward: are you acquiring an ownership interest, or are you making a loan?

If you are buying ownership, you must receive a documented ownership interest. In a limited liability company, this means becoming a member with a percentage interest expressly reflected in the operating agreement. In a corporation, this means receiving properly issued and recorded shares of stock. Either way, the governing documents should clearly address voting rights, profit distributions, management authority, transfer restrictions, and exit rights.

If you are lending money to the business, you are a creditor, not an owner. at relationship must be documented through a promissory note specifying the repayment terms, interest rate, maturity date, and remedies upon default. Where possible, lenders should also perfect a security interest in business assets by filing a UCC-1 financing statement, which establishes priority over other creditors if the business fails.

Problems arise when these roles are blurred. People o en say they “invested” in a business but never receive membership units or stock. Others contribute money expecting repayment but fail to document it as a loan. When the business fails or relationships deteriorate, there is no legal record of what the parties actually intended, and courts are le to sort out the wreckage.

A related and frequently overlooked issue: if new money is raised without updating the operating agreement or issuing new shares, the company’s cap table and governance documents will not reflect reality, creating serious problems when seeking financing, bringing on new investors, or selling the business.

e solution is straightforward: before any money changes hands, decide whether the contribution is an investment or a loan, and document it accordingly. Clear structure protects all parties and avoids disputes that are far more expensive to litigate than they were to prevent.

WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE MUSEUM HONORS ONE EAST TENNESSEE SON’S VOTE AND THE 72-YEAR CAMPAIGN BY AMERICAN WOMEN TO SECURE THEIRS

SUFFRAGE CHAMPION

WANDA SOBIESKI

When Wanda Sobieski was in high school, the entire section on women’s history in her textbook consisted of one sentence: In 1920, Congress gave women the right to vote.

“Which was not true! It came as a result of a 72-year battle,” Sobieski explains. “Years later, I was horrified to realize we had no idea what had made such an important change in the whole voting system in our country. The 19th Amendment is an enormously important story because it was the

single biggest social-political change in the history of the country and it was non-violent. We more than doubled the electorate. A century later, most of the story is already forgotten.”

There’s so much to this story that the cause of faithfully archiving, celebrating and honoring this monumental era in women’s history has become a lifetime crusading passion for Sobieski. The first female partner in the hundred-year history of the law firm Baker, Worthington, Crossley, Stansberry & Woolf (now Baker Donelson), she later founded Sobieski, Messer & Associates. She and her husband, UT College of Law Professor Emeritus John Sobieski (former Associate Dean and Acting Dean of the Law School) have three children and five grandchildren.

While building her legal career and raising a family, Sobieski founded the nonprofit Suffrage Coalition in 1995 to locate and preserve the history of the local suffrage movement. Their work keeps the stories of sacrifice and triumph alive through projects like The Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial, honoring three Tennessee suffrage leaders, and the Burn Memorial, honoring legislator Harry T. Burn and his mother, Febb Burn.

The crown jewel of the Suffrage Coalition, Inc., the Women’s Suffrage Museum Event and Cultural Center, scheduled for opening in 2028, is a place where history, education and inspiration come together. The more than 20,000-square-foot cultural landmark in downtown Knoxville will be the largest institution in the country devoted exclusively to the women’s suffrage movement. Exhibits will include immersive galleries, educational programming and more than 1,000 historic artifacts from Sobieski’s renowned collection, many of which will be displayed publicly for the first time.

How difficult has it been engaging public support and interest?

“Over the years, people have been very interested, but the most common reaction has been ‘surprise’ over the fact Tennessee was the state that finally put suffrage over the top and unfamiliarity with the backstory. I was appointed to serve on the Governor’s Tennessee State Commission to celebrate the 75th anniversary of suffrage in 1995. I realized very quickly that, in spite of the fact Tennessee had this rich, important place in the history of suffrage, nobody knew it. There were no statues, memorials or plaques that I or any of our representatives could find anywhere in the state honoring the leadership of Tennessee women. I was flabbergasted. Memorials can keep events from completely dying out, even if those events fall out of the public eye. I was determined that we needed statues, preferably all across the state.

Being on the Commission frustrated me as I discovered another pervasive problem. Suffrage had never been a significant part of the school curriculum anywhere. That means in one generation you lose the history. People my mother’s age didn’t know much about it because the campaign happened a generation before. I thought going to law school and understanding our government better, and how laws are made, would help me with other issues women were still facing. Suffrage didn’t solve everything.”

What was happening leading up to Tennessee’s historic vote?

“When the 19th Amendment came out of Congress in 1919 and went to the states for ratification, northern and western suffragists were the engine of the movement. At first, they rushed to ratify, but then it started to fail in states they had counted on. Movement leaders

realized the South would make or break the amendment. The suffragists needed 36 states to ratify the amendment. When they got to 35, it looked like they might not be able to ratify it without winning at least one more former Confederate state. During Reconstruction, black men were given the right to vote, but black women, just like white women, could not, and racist backlash emerged against the suffrage case, especially in the South.

I am not native born, but I have a special place in my heart for the Southern women, both black and white, who, in a climate that was much more difficult, stood up for what they believed to be right. The Suffrage Coalition’s memorial statue in Market Square has three women who lived in and did their work in Tennessee and prevailed against what was clearly very controversial. I thought it was critical that people understood what an amazing accomplishment it was, and get to know some of the women who worked at their own peril to ensure the right to vote for women.”

Febb Burn’s letter to her son feels like a “hand that rocks the cradle” moment.

“One Suffrage Coalition project was digitizing the papers of Harry Burn, the 24-year-old East Tennessee representative whose vote changed history, for the McClung Collection. The Tennessee House of Representatives was split as the ratification vote was set for August 18, 1920. Febb Burn was against her son being a politician. When he went to the state house in Nashville, she said she didn’t want to influence him or get in the middle of issues with neighbors. But when she read in the newspaper what Senator Candler had said about the suffrage movement in the special session’s debate, it so upset her that the night before the vote, she broke her own rule and wrote Harry a letter. It was mailed from the train station in Niota that night and delivered to him the next morning—the day of the historic vote.

The letter was seven pages long and kind of breezy. They were farmers, so she talked about the weather, the family, the neighbors and then she dropped in lines to push him toward suffrage. Ultimately, it’s very Southern. She makes it clear she wants her son to be ‘a good boy’ and vote for suffrage … closing, ‘With lots of love, Mama.’

After he got her letter, her son, wearing the symbol of the anti-suffragists, switched his vote, broke the tie and gave the 19th Amendment the 36th state it needed. Everybody was shocked that he changed his vote. The opposition tried to charge him with bribery. When asked to answer charges, he pulled out his mother’s letter and told them that he found it best to follow his mother’s advice.

It was important to me that the whole Harry Burn’s story never get lost again and that’s why we put the Burn memorial up to pique people’s interest to discover what an amazing final chapter was written to the suffrage story in Tennessee.”

What artifacts will the Women’s Suffrage Museum house to commemorate events?

“Over 1,000 artifacts in our collection are stored securely until the museum is built, with special thanks to East Tennessee History Center’s staff who have advised me over the years on storage protocol. A lot of the artifacts are fabric and paper and particularly fragile.

I am especially excited about exhibiting two guest chairs from Harry Burn’s office and one chair from his reception area. We have original handwritten letters of Susan B. Anthony and letters signed by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Carrie Chapman Catt and others. We have a set of books that are personally moving to me from a six-volume set chronicling the history of suffrage from the Seneca Falls convention in 1848 up until passage of the 19th Amendment. The first four volumes were written by Anthony and Stanton and after they had passed away, the last two completed by a close associate. I have the first four in a leather-bound set donated to the City College of Rochester, New York, where Anthony lived and also won a campaign for women to attend the college. Our set contains a full-page inscription for each of the four volumes, handwritten and signed by Anthony. That’s a treasure!”

Do you see the museum as part of educational tourism?

“Absolutely. By joining the two buildings at South Gay–706 (9,000 square feet) and 708 (14,000 square feet), and adding 2,000 square feet onto 706 to square the floors up, we’ll have the largest suffrage museum in the country. It gives us the opportunity to tell the story much deeper than any place else. The concept model is fabulous. We brought in a world-renowned architect as designer [Bob Fleming, creative conceptual designer and master planner] who will associate with a local team to deal with local issues. We hope construction starts early in 2027, opening spring of 2028.”

What is the Perfect 36 Circle?

“We started Perfect 36 Circle to help identify serious supporters who wanted to know more about the suffrage story and lend their talents and resources to our projects. The cost of membership is $36 a year, $1 for each of the “Perfect 36” states. Upon renewal, supporters get advance information and newsletters to keep abreast of progress. Even if they can’t afford to be in donor circles, supporters still have a way to be part of what we are doing.”

“THIS STORY, BORN IN EAST TENNESSEE, ABOUT A MOTHER’S COURAGE, A SON’S CONSCIENCE AND THE POWER OF ONE INDIVIDUAL TO CHANGE THE COURSE OF HISTORY, BELONGS TO THE WORLD.” –WANDA SOBIESKI.

What is an overarching message from the Suffrage Coalition?

“Not understanding the history makes it easier for people to ignore the rights of women. The bias had been to tell history from the viewpoint of kings, generals and presidents. And there’s so much more to history than that. The common people’s history helps shape history because it shapes how we think about things.

Because of our Coalition, Tennessee law now requires that all fifth graders are taught the Harry Burn story. Now more people will know there was controversy and a time when it looked like

suffrage would be defeated in Tennessee—until a young man from East Tennessee did the right thing and brought our country much closer to a full democracy.

We can inspire future generations, connecting to modern conversations about civic engagement. It’s our story about what a difference one vote can make and how crucial being informed, exercising your right to vote and participating in the system is for everyone.”

To learn more, visit WomensSuffrageMuseum.org

April Showers and May Flowers

ARTICLE BY MELISSA BALLARD, CFP | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN FINCH

Years ago, when I was still early in my career, a seasoned financial planner showed me a photo of a beautiful garden in bloom and asked what it had to do with an investment portfolio.

For folks who are avid gardeners, this will sound obvious. But for someone who is a novice gardener and, at the time, did not yet own a home, her question was “a lightbulb moment” for me. Different types of flowers bloom in different seasons. No flower is going to bloom the entirety of the year, at least not in East Tennessee. Thus, someone who wants flowers blooming year-round needs to plant a wide variety with different blooming cycles. The result is a garden that is always in bloom, but with different highlights depending on the time of year.

What does this have to do with an investment portfolio? Just as irises don’t bloom in the fall and asters won’t thrive in the spring, a healthy portfolio with diverse investments is likely to have positions that are “in bloom” while others are dormant—but that doesn’t mean either is of low quality. One may spring to life at a time when another starts to wilt, but it will come back in turn.

If one plants only tulips, the garden will be magnificent in April, but quite dull in July. But with the right mix and balance, a garden (or investment portfolio) can grow and flourish while becoming more beautiful over time, ebbing and flowing as it matures.

Pruning is also important—we want to make sure one plant isn’t getting so large that it chokes out another that has an equally important role. And if a plant simply isn’t producing year after year, it may need to be pulled out altogether, through no fault of the gardener. The same is also true for a healthy investment portfolio.

We could take this illustration still further by discussing the appropriate climate. Your portfolio likely needs to look different from someone else’s if they are in a completely different stage of life. Likewise, it would be silly to compare your garden in East Tennessee to someone’s in Costa Rica. They’re in completely different environments, so of course the plants that are perfect for their garden will be very different from those well-suited to yours.

Just as with a thriving garden, unexpected droughts or storms come to a healthy portfolio as well. Some things are simply out of our control. But with appropriate planning and a healthy perspective, moments of unpleasant surprise don’t have to cause panic. They can simply trigger the reminder that portfolios go through cycles and storms, just like gardens. If we plant according to a plan and are patient and diligent, we will reap a harvest.

At PYA Waltman Capital, our purpose is to help our clients build a financial plan (much like a garden) that is thoughtful and allows for peace of mind and perspective through all of life’s seasons.

The opinions expressed are those of PYA Waltman Capital. This material is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice.

PYA Waltman is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about PYA Waltman's investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2 and/or Form CRS, which is available upon request. PYA-26-22

Trained,

Guaranteed

HUNLEY Leisurewear Rooted in PURPOSE

Holly Martinez Honors Her Grandmothers’ Appalachian Heritage with HUNLEY–an Elevated Clothing Line That Looks Back and Gives Back

ARTICLE BY PATRICIA STORM BROYLES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY MARTINEZ

After raising twins who left for college at the same time, Holly Martinez turned her energy, organizational experience and entrepreneurial skills that stay-at-home moms develop running 24/7 hectic households to a new venture. “Our twins, Walker and Willow, had been incredibly active in Anderson County sports at a high level: Walker in football and Willow in cheerleading. And my full-time job was supporting their academic, practice and game schedules,” Martinez says. “Now an empty-nester, I wanted in my next chapter to create something beautiful that meets the lifestyle needs of women like me, and also allows me to give back to others.”

“When my husband, Mike, asked me what that might look like, I said, ‘What about elevated leisurewear … comfy for hanging out at home … but then, when you go out, you still look very put together?’” Martinez says her designs and fabrics blend timeless style with everyday ease for women who want to feel relaxed and look refined. She adds, “Elevated leisurewear means something that takes you from morning to night. Our cashmere sweat sets are so cozy to get up in the morning and put on, drink your coffee, answer emails … and then go about your day, run errands, lunch with friends, after school practice, wherever your life takes you!”

The apparel brand emerging from brainstorming sessions became HUNLEY, to honor Belle Hunley and Mary Lou Hunley, two generations of beloved grandmothers, born and bred in a small Appalachian community, who impacted Martinez’s life in endearing and enduring ways.

“With HUNLEY, I try to pay homage to where our family grew up with our collections and individual style’s names. I like adding Appalachian cultural pieces that enhance branding, like our 3D embossed hoodies featuring Southern sayings like Milk and

Honey, In the Pines and Buttermilk. In true Southern style, I named an off-the-shoulder crewneck sweatshirt the Willow Sway, after my daughter, and the Blue Belle polka-dot sweatshirt set after my great-grandmother. Seasons influence our styling. This spring, I focused on big florals, like our Mountain Garden set. For summer, we did some longsleeve tops in terry cloth so they’re still cool, and a waffle knit set. I always think fabric, fabric, fabric. I want customers to touch our leisurewear and say, ‘Yes! I love the way it feels and want to wear this.’”

CONTINUED >

Consumers can shop online, but HUNLEY has also begun securing local boutiques and stores, and a few out-of-state retailers. “It means so much to us to support local businesses. Our points of distinction set us apart. I like designing and working in sets, but women can order in sizes they want: a small top with a medium bottom. Our waffle-knit set is a jogger that’s tight around the ankle and ties at the waist with a flatline drawstring, which a lot of women prefer over metal. We’ve added the HUNLEY logo at the bottom of long sleeves. We offer elevated merchandising touches, like handcrafted wood hangers custom-burned with our logo, hang tags carrying our story and photos of my granny and aunt, and handwritten thank you cards in every order.”

Like many family enterprises, it’s a labor of love. Martinez’s brother, a woodworking craftsman, customizes the hangers. Her husband, the president of All Star Outfitters, is in the apparel industry and helps with sourcing manufacturers and vendors. Daughter Willow is a University of Tennessee cheerleader (just like her mom, a UT alum who cheered in the 1998 UT National Championship days), and she and her friends help as catalog models. Her mother, aunt and niece pitch in with administrative duties.

“I never met my great-grandmother, Belle Hunley, but I adored her daughter, my grandmother, Mary Lou Hunley, a woman of

deep faith with a true servant’s heart, devoted to caring for others in need in her community. Both grew up very poor in an economically depressed small town in Campbell County, which is sadly true of a lot of Appalachia. Giving back to communities like theirs has become a calling for me.”

Martinez searched for nonprofits making a difference in underserved Appalachian communities. “I found Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC.org), a nonprofit that provides essential household assistance to families. I called the executive director and told her I was starting a clothing line, and my focus is ‘what can I do to bring awareness and support to ADFAC?’” Annie Cacheiro was delighted, and Martinez now serves on ADFAC’s board of directors and offers support ranging from volunteering to bringing awareness to their programs that help stabilize families. As HUNLEY grows and becomes more financially viable, Martinez plans to become a sustaining partner financially.

As Martinez fashions this next chapter in life, her website biography describes her best: “Holly Martinez draws daily inspiration from family, faith and the Appalachian landscapes that shaped her upbringing—proving that roots and purpose can grow into something both meaningful and enduring.”

Learn more at HunleyShop.com

Ossoli Circle of Knoxville

Over a Century of Civic Service and Advocacy for Women’s Access to Opportunity

Founded by Lizzie Crozier French in 1885, Ossoli Circle of Knoxville started as a reading circle. It was referred to as a “circle” because women at that time were not allowed to form clubs, according to Ossoli Circle President Jan Coley. The term “circle” emphasized equality among members without hierarchy, where each voice carried equal weight.

Ossoli was the first women’s circle in Tennessee and later, the first in the South to become a charter member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC).

Mary Boyce Temple, the first president , named the circle after Margaret Fuller Ossoli, a 19th-century feminist

and journalist. From its earliest days, Ossoli Circle, like all GFWC affiliates, has been dedicated to civic involvement and access to opportunity. They have advocated for improved education for women, helped open the University of Tennessee to female students in the 1890s, supported rural schools, established traveling libraries and promoted vocational training for girls.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the clubhouse was built for Ossoli Circle in 1933, hosting weekly Monday morning meetings from September through May and fundraising events, dinners and seasonal

ARTICLE BY PATRICIA STORM BROYLES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA CASNER

parties throughout the year. “Our foremothers raised the money themselves to build the house through bake sales and other kinds of grassroots efforts during the Great Depression,” Coley explains. Like all historic buildings, the clubhouse is an expense to maintain. This past year, they completed a facelift of the exterior, a renovation of the commercial kitchen and rewiring of the entire house, supported solely by Circle fundraising efforts.

Ossoli has continued its legacy of advocating for women’s rights and access to opportunities into the 21st century. “We’re very proud to be a Founding Donor of the Women’s Suffrage Museum. We helped sponsor a reception at our clubhouse honoring the speaker, Ellie Smeal, for the annual 2025 Febb Burn’s Dinner. Wanda Sobieski, Founder of the Suffrage Coalition and the Women’s Suffrage Museum, is an Ossoli Circle member,” she adds. “Several of our members have been with the Coalition since its founding, and we’re active in supporting projects like the Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial and the museum.”

Over the past five years, which included the challenging Covid era, Ossoli has maintained holding member meetings, and fundraising and volunteering efforts for many East Tennessee nonprofits, logging nearly 40,000 volunteer hours and over $400,000 in donations and in-kind donations. Coley explains, “Ossoli Circle is much like a clearinghouse with a vast array of projects that benefit the arts, education and health as we serve our communities. Our members can find opportunities that fit their interests, talents and allotment of time to commit within their schedule. Our diverse range of projects offers members flexibility. Some are group service projects, while other projects allow members to participate individually.”

Currently, the Ossoli Circle website lists over 30 East Tennessee nonprofits that members support.

“These include supporting Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, collecting supplies for local animal shelters, collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids for the Lions Club, and supporting domestic violence shelters and help programs, to mention a few,” Coley says. “Ossoli has a mix of sustaining projects, including Alzheimer’s events and a long-time service relationship with the Appalachian Assistance Program, supporting the Unicorn Fund serving Scott and Morgan counties,” she continues. “Each year we fill Christmas shoeboxes, donate gently used

clothes for their boutique and provide two $1,500 college scholarships.” Another favorite member partnership is Friends of the Library, which supports community libraries through book donations.

Coley says that each year the president gets to choose a special project. “I’m very excited about my choice–an educational project for the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. In April, Tremont held a natural science workshop for teachers in the Knoxville area. We assembled 30 teachers’ kits with all the supplies needed to implement the workshop curriculum, Playgrounds as Classrooms Playbook, for each classroom of thirty children.” A retired high school science teacher and adjunct college professor, Coley continues, “Many times, teachers attend workshops and return to the classroom without the materials to implement the activities.

“We’re proud to be a Founding Donor of the Women’s Suffrage Museum.”—Ossoli Circle President Jan Coley.

We supplied magnifying glasses, rulers, bug boxes, mats, whiteboards, insect, wildflower and butterfly guides and spring scales for each teacher. This is a prototype teaching kit for Tremont, and it’s very satisfying that we could fund and create kits for each teacher.”

It’s an experiential example that, no matter what the project, Ossoli Circle has members with specific experience and expertise to create successful service outcomes. “We appeal to women of all ages and interests, and that’s the reason we’re so excited to welcome new generations of young women and professional women, as well as women looking for community.”

Celebrating the significant contributions Ossoli Circle of Knoxville has made to the community for 140 years is especially relevant for the May Ladies issue . “We have the kindest, most compassionate members who cross all backgrounds, vocations, experiences, interests and talents,” Coley says. “What they always have in common is placing a high value on making volunteer service a priority in their own lives as they help make life better for so many others.” Coley invites interested women to reach out to the membership chair for more information. GFWCOssoliCircle.org

residentofOssoli Circle, 2025-2026,JanColey

Ossoli Circle of Knoxville

The Ossoli Circle is a community service women’s club dedicated to supporting various nonprofits and offering volunteer opportunities in civic projects that advance the arts, education, health, civic engagement and advocacy for women. GFWCOssolicircle.org

Step into a KARM Stores location and discover a shopping experience unlike any other thrift store. You’ll find a curated selection of gently used goods, from everyday essentials to unique finds. You can find designer brands, like Coach, Michael Kors, and Louis Vuitton, at a fraction of the retail cost. We also have amazing gold and silver jewelry adorned with emeralds, sapphire, and diamonds. Every day is a new treasure hunt, so shop often!

What makes this shopping experience even better is that 100% of the profits from your purchase directly fuel the vital work of Knox Area Rescue Ministries. Your decision to shop with us goes beyond acquiring quality goods at a great value; it becomes an act of compassion and a tangible contribution to making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families facing hardship right here in East Tennessee.

Saturday, May 9th 10 am - 4 pm

ARTICLE BY PAUL JAMES AND JACK NEELY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CALVIN M. MCCLUNG HISTORICAL COLLECTION,

KNOXVILLE HISTORY PROJECT, JOHN KELLEY AND SHAWN POYNTER

Lawson McGhee Library: More than 140 Years as Knoxville’s Public Library

The Lawson McGhee Library, on the corner of W. Church Avenue and Walnut Street, has stood there for more than 50 years. Crammed full of books, DVDs, vinyl records and other media, serves the community, just like its numerous branches, almost every day of the week. The library has been a downtown fixture, albeit not always in the same place, for over 140 years.

Although there is a claim that Knoxville’s first library dates to the early 1800s, it was in 1873 when a band of “public-spirited citizens” came together to support what they termed the Reading Room Association. They described their ambition to establish a library, which would “make such an institution not only interesting but valuable as a source and means of instruction and information to every man, woman, boy and girl in Knoxville.” However, the fledgling library would serve only those who could afford to pay a subscription fee. It would remain that way for a few years while the library occupied several locations before settling at the Board of Trade on the 100 block of Gay Street.

By 1879, subscribers and supporters came together to consider a new charter: to become a public library to serve everyone. The motion passed, and the association became the Public Library of Knoxville. It wasn’t strictly free yet, although over the years, membership fees were reduced. Still, the original Lawson McGhee Library is regarded as the first durable public library in Tennessee.

In 1885, Knoxville industrialist Charles McClung McGhee, who accumulated his wealth through railroads and coal mining, declared that he wished to erect on the northeast “corner of Gay and Vine Streets a building to be used as a public library, and at the same

time a memorial to a beloved child.” That child referred to his own daughter, Mrs. May Lawson McGhee Williams, who had died two years prior. Her passing occurred during the birth of her child in New York at the age of 23.

After a ceremony to lay the building’s cornerstone that summer, the new library opened in late 1886. Rev. Thomas Humes, then aged 70, the former President of the University of Tennessee and a pastor at St. John’s Episcopal Church, took the position of librarian. To help pay for operations on the upper floors, the library rented the ground floor to the Knoxville Business College.

Following Humes’s death in 1892, the library hired its first trained librarian, Mary Louise Davis, who had previously served at the New York State Library in Albany.  Although Davis stayed only a few years, the library continued its investment in professional leadership.

In the late 1890s, the Tennessee state legislature passed an act “authorizing free public libraries in the state,” which encouraged cities with populations of more than 20,000 (about 30,000 people lived in Knoxville at the time) to fund their own public libraries. However, it would be another 20 years before that happened here.

After a fire damaged the original library in 1904, books were moved to a temporary location, and trustees put the building up for auction to pay for a new library. A surprise bidder, Italian immigrant Fiorenzo Rebori, who had sold fruit and peanuts in a lean-to building alongside the library for many years, purchased the building and continued to own it for several decades, while maintaining his own business on the street.

The new Lawson McGhee Library, on the corner of Market Street at Commerce Avenue, two blocks up from the northern part of Market Square, opened in January 1917. Finished in marble, this new library would be open free of charge to all city residents.

Ahead of the opening, trustees had hired a new librarian, Mary Utopia Rothrock, who would greatly advance the library system in her 20-year career, including the addition of new branch libraries.

A year later, with the help of Charles Cansler, the Free Colored Library opened on Vine Avenue, and another in Mechanicsville would open to serve the Black community in 1930.

Not long after the city and Knox County library systems consolidated in 1967, the Knox County Library system sought a new location to accommodate its growing resources and a growing population. A third library building, this time designed by Knoxville architect Bruce McCarty, opened during the summer of 1971. Meanwhile, despite efforts to save the empty Market Street library building for other uses, it was torn down in late 1974 to make way for Summit Hill Drive.

The new library on W. Church Street at Walnut, with its concrete modernist design, replaced Second Presbyterian Church (which moved to Kingston Pike) and remains there to this day. Just inside the lobby hangs a portrait of Lawson McGhee herself, painted by local artist John Kelley in 1985, who fondly remembers the library as “a great oasis of culture and inspiration.”

One of the Knoxville History Project’s Downtown Art Wraps features Kelley’s painting of Lawson McGhee on a nearby corner, which is seen by thousands of drivers and pedestrians every day, not far from where Charles McClung McGhee once lived himself, up the hill on Locust Street.

ABOUT KHP

The educational nonprofit Knoxville History Project tells the city’s true stories, focusing on those that have not been previously told and those that connect the city to the world. Donations to support the work of KHP are always welcomed and appreciated. Learn more at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org

The moments of our lives we remember usually have very little to do with money, but finding a little time now to plan for the future can make more of those memories happen. That’s why we’ve built an in-house, independent team of experts to help you create more moments that matter.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

events

MAY 3RD

2026 Tour of Homes and Gardens

E. Third Avenue | 12:30 PM

Guests will self-explore six architecturally significant homes, including the Gothic Revival Central United Methodist Church, and two curated gardens. Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m. at 201 E. Third Ave., May 3, with tours starting at 1 p.m. FourthAndGill.org

MAY 8TH

Puccini's Gianni Schicchi

Bijou Theatre | 7:30 PM

The "Masters of Mischief" season concludes with this fast-paced one-act farce. Schemes, wills and deceit collide in this tale, featuring the beloved aria O mio babbino caro. Puccini's Gianni Schicchi  May 8 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 at 2:30 p.m. is sung in Italian with English translations. KnoxvilleOpera.org.

MAY 8TH

Knoxville Museum of Art Presents Soundscapes

Knoxville Museum of Art | 7:30 PM

Live musical performances unfold alongside open galleries on May 8, 7:30-9:15 p.m. Visitors are invited to experience regional contemporary art in an elevated, social atmosphere. Tickets and more information: KnoxArt.org.

MAY 14TH

Blount Mansion's Centennial Anniversary Lecture Series

Blount Mansion | 6:00 PM

UT senior Emma Patterson will present "Women of the Progressive Era in Appalachia" for the Blount Mansion Centennial Celebration. The lecture contrasts urban and rural Appalachian life by comparing mountain missionary Helen Dingman's philanthropy with local clubwoman Temple's work, examining regional themes. BlountMansion.org.

MAY 20TH

Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Tennessee Theatre | 7:30 PM

Be Our Guest at the Tennessee Theatre for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, May 20-24. This enchanting and timeless tale, filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love, has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. TennesseeTheatre.com.

MAY 25TH

Annual Knoxville Memorial Day Ceremony

World’s Fair Park Edit | 11:30 AM

American Legion Post 2’s annual Knoxville Memorial Day Ceremony takes place at East Tennessee Veterans Memorial. Members assist with the Memorial Day flag placement at the Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries in Knox County. LegionKnox.com.

MAY 26TH

Chicago

Tennessee Theatre | 7:30 PM

Legendary, two-time Grammy and AMA winning rock ‘n’ roll band, Chicago, takes the Tennessee Theatre stage on May 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at TennesseeTheatre.com

MAY 30TH

Knoxville Margarita Festival

The Mill & Mine | 6:00 PM

The 3rd Annual Knoxville Margarita Festival returns. Local restaurants compete for the title of Best Margarita. Your Sample Passport includes 10 mini margaritas to try. Enjoy sips, food, live entertainment, photo ops and cast your vote. 21+ only. KnoxvilleFests.com/Margarita

MAY 30TH

Knoxville's Largest Kids' Party

World’s Fair Park Lawn | 10:00 AM

Kick off summer with a bang at Knoxville's Largest Kids' Party. This community-focused, family-friendly event is the ultimate experience, packed with high-energy activities, interactive fun and unexpected surprises. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Childhelp Tennessee. KnoxLargestKidsParty.com

MAY 30TH

Red Panda Run 5K

Zoo Knoxville | 7:00 AM

Zoo Knoxville’s new Red Panda Run 5k starts and finishes inside the zoo, taking participants past iconic habitats. The event supports wildlife conservation. All ages welcome. RunSignUp.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/ZooKnoxvilleRedPandaRun5K.

MAY 31ST

Amadeus Concert Ensemble Season Finale

Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus | 5:30 PM

The Amadeus Concert Ensemble (ACE) concludes its season with a free concert, "Rachmaninoff & Friends." This performance, conducted by ACE Artistic Director Brian Salesky, is a featured event in the Cathedral Concert Series. For details, visit SHCathedral.org.

MAY 31ST

Yoga at the Garden

Knoxville Botanical Garden | 1:00 PM

All-levels yoga at the Garden—held outdoors when weather allows or inside the Garden Club Room. Led by a 500-hour certified instructor, Simon Bradbury. Bring your mat and reset your body and mind. Tickets are $20. KnoxGarden.org

Want to be featured?

YOUR TRUSTED FAMILY JEWELER IN THE KNOXVILLE COMMUNITY FOR 15 YEARS

The only full-service and in-house Luxury Jewelry and Watch Store in East Tennessee with unparalled available inventory.

Where Luxury Meets Local

At Estate House, luxury isn’t just a label — it’s a legacy.

As Knoxville’s locally owned source for estate jewelry and preowned luxury timepieces, we’re proud to offer an outstanding selection of coveted designer brands.

Estate House is built on a passion for timeless craftsmanship, luxury materials and personalized service. Our in-store collection spans designer handbags, rare estate pieces, gold and silver coins, and luxury wristwatches — each authenticated and offered at prices well below retail.

What sets us apart? A Graduate Gemologist on staff. A Rolex-trained, in-house watchmaker. And a team with more than 75 years of combined experience in luxury goods. From vintage Tiffany & Co. rings to David Yurman classics, we offer more than just jewelry — we offer enduring style and smart value.

Visit Estate House to discover pieces that are anything but ordinary. Whether you are buying, designing or restoring, we are here to help you find luxury that lasts.

Over 300 Luxury watches are available daily. Rolex®, Patek®, Audemars®, Piquet®, and Omega®

We Care for Your Skin

Receive the care you deserve in a friendly, welcoming environment with knowledgeable staff. Medical Services include treatment for skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, moles, rashes, eczema & more. We offer a variety of laser procedures including vein treatments, pigmented lesions, hair removal, micro-needling, skin tightening, CO2, and tattoo removal. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain healthy skin. You will see only Board-Certified Dermatologists at each and every medical visit. We promise to schedule an appointment within 1-7 business days.

FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines look better in adults.

Dermal fillers made with Hyaluronic Acid to help add volume to different areas of the face without surgery.

A series of injections to the treatment area under the chin, destroying fat cells and producing gradual results.