West Knoxville, TN September 2023

Style Maven: Jessica Robinson's Passion for Crafting

High-End Handbags

BEAUTY

CROWNING GLORY: SIOBIAN JONES BRINGS CONFIDENCE TO THOSE EXPERIENCING HAIR LOSS

ARTS + CULTURE

LILIENTHAL GALLERY: A CULTURAL KALEIDOSCOPE

YOUR

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In Knoxville, Marble City Dentistry and Facial Esthetics stands as a beacon of innovation, artistry, and holistic care. From revitalizing smiles to enhancing facial features, Marble City is rewriting the narrative of dental and aesthetic excellence, one radiant smile at a time.

September in Style

Football time in Tennessee is one of our favorite times of the year. The bright sunny days filled with orange is always such a hope-filled time in our city. Both Marc and I are UT Alums, and we are always delighted when the Vols win. My roots run deep in Big Orange Country. My Grandfather (L. Roe Campbell) was a gifted athlete and a Tennessee Volunteer who played quarterback and fullback for M.B. Banks’ Tennessee Volunteers from 1920 to 1924. He also played basketball for UT. When we hear the Pride of The Southland Marching Band, we are filled with a sense of pride for our alma mater. We hope you and your friends and family enjoy this vibrant season locally or from afar.

As is the tradition in publishing, September is our Style issue, and we knew months ago who we wanted to feature on the cover. Back in May, at a networking event we co-hosted at the Sunsphere, we met Jessica Robinson, a young woman who’s building her brand of luxury leather handbags. Her energy and vibrancy are unmatched, not to mention her style and passion. So, we are excited for you to meet Jessica and see her incredible bags, which she produces under the brand name Laura Faye.

We also talked to another incredible woman who’s built a career styling hair and designing wigs, both for theater and personal clients. Siobian Jones has two decades of experience in her field, and now she dedicates her time helping people who struggle with hair loss, whether from alopecia, the effects of postpartum and menopause, or as a result from cancer treatments. Her craft brings confidence back, so we’re thrilled to share her story.

For the art lover, take note of Lilienthal Gallery at Emory Place. Ilana Lilienthal creates exhibitions unlike anything else you’ll find in the area, and that’s intentional. Her voice and aesthetic are unique, and she’s designed a space for an ever-growing collection of mixed mediums and points of view.

As always, we’re grateful to feature our incredible partners and columnists, particularly the Knoxville History Project, PYA Waltman, and TriAmicus Law.

We love hearing from readers, so please reach out to us on our social media. Drop a story idea or let us know what features you’ve enjoyed. If you’d like to partner with us, we’d love to chat! This is your community magazine. We’d love to tell your story.

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Marc Rochelson | marc.rochelson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jennie Treadway-Miller | jennie.miller@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER

Carol AuBuchon | carol.aubuchon@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Patricia Broyles

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paul James, Eric Dawson, Mital Patel, Hannah Bryant

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shawn Poynter, Ben Finch, Saray Taylor-Roman, Goelzer Photography, Jean Graston Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

AND MAJOR GIFTS OFFICERS

85 years ago, Children’s Hospital made a vow to treat every child, regardless of race, religion or ability to pay. And in return, the community promised to support our mission. Neither promise has ever wavered. Children’s Hospital stands at-the-ready when children need them the most and the community has always stood with them.

As our number of patients grows each year, so does our need for more equipment and larger facilities to serve our community. Your giving helps us make a difference.

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

2023 Knoxville Walk to End Alzheimer's

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Support the local chapter by walking on Saturday, September 23, with registration starting at 8 a.m. and the opening ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Zoo Knoxville. To register, donate, or volunteer, visit www.alztennessee.org.

Kids Central Pediatrics Opens on Sherrill Blvd.

2023 Tennessee Valley Fair

This month brings the 103rd Tennessee Valley Fair September 8-17 at the Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center. Fairgoers from all over can choose from numerous activities on the fairgrounds including rides, live music, competitions, shows, food, action sports, special events, and so much more. Whether you come one day or every day, the Tennessee Valley Fair isn't to be missed! Buy tickets at www.tnvalleyfair.org Scan

Now open! Kids Central Pediatrics, the leading pediatric healthcare provider in the region, has opened a new clinic at 10133 Sherrill Blvd., Suite 210. The clinic reflects the organization's commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare services to children and families in the community. The clinic offers primary pediatric care, as well as same-day sick care. Visit KidsCentralPediatrics.com to learn more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestKnoxville

local experiences

It's Football Time in Tennessee! If you need to refresh your game day garb, here are a few places to check out around town.

NOTHING TOO FANCY: Nothing Too Fancy is a small, family-run t-shirt shop that specializes in providing comfy, vintage style t-shirts and one-of-a-kind items you won't find elsewhere. 435 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN

DW DESIGNS: DW Designs creates original apparel and goods that showcase state pride and a love for Tennessee. 5209 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN

ALUMNI HALL: Browse the largest selection of Vols gifts, apparel, and accessories for fans of all ages. 7600 Kingston Pike (West Town Mall), 6714 Papermill Dr NW, 11309 Parkside Dr (Turkey Creek), Knoxville, TN

HOUNDDOGS: Gear up at Knoxville’s oldest privately-owned University of Tennessee retail fan shop. They specialize in apparel, novelties, prints, items for home and office, and more. 9250 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN

ORANGE MOUNTAIN DESIGNS: Get a head start on basketball season and stop by Orange Mountains Designs. They specialize in Lady Vols apparel, gear, and accessories for men, women and children. 7240 Kingston Pike #192, Knoxville, TN

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for more photos and the full list. LOCAL EXPERIENCES

W h a t i s I V N u t r i t i o n a l T h e r a p y ?

I V n u t r i t i o n a l t h e r a p y i n c l u d e s a n t i - a g i n g , i m p r o v e d i m m u n e s y s t e m , m i n i m i z e d a n x i e t y , r e v e r s e d s y m p t o m s o f h a n g o v e r s , f a t i g u e , d e h y d r a t i o n a n d m o r e . T h i s t y p e o f t h e r a p y p r o v i d e s t h e q u i c k e s t a n d s a f e s t r o u t e t o r e s t o r e n a t u r a l b a l a n c e b y r e p l e n i s h i n g e s s e n t i a l v i t a m i n s a n d n u t r i e n t s . P h y s i c i a n s b e l i e v e I V n u t r i t i o n a l t h e r a p y i s e f f e c t i v e a n d r e s t o r a t i v e , a n d c a n b e c u s t o m i z e d t o s u i t t h e u n i q u e n e e d s o f e a c h p a t i e n t i n d i v i d u a l l y

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glory CROWNING

When Siobian Jones started her career as a stylist, she was a motivated, goal-oriented person with energy and creativity in spades.

Twenty years later, she is still that person, but instead of welcoming clients in and out of her salon chair every eight weeks for a haircut, she’s helping people find solutions for their hair loss so they can live their lives with confidence.

“My mission is to help people find whatever solution they’re looking for and show them validation and compassion,” says Siobian, owner and operator of The Mighty Wig, currently headquartered in a cozy studio space at Mighty Mud. “Helping someone through alopecia is very different from helping someone who’s going through chemotherapy. Often, they aren’t validated. They’re dismissed with insensitive comments, not necessarily out of cruelty, but from not knowing any different. People think it’s vain, but you cannot grow up in a society where your looks are judged, and then, when you lose your hair, expect people to not care.”

CONTINUED >

Siobian (pronounced Sha-von) started her styling career at an Aveda salon in Murray, Kentucky, followed by a few years in booth rental at another salon. One of her clients was on the board for a playhouse in town, and she invited Siobian to do hair backstage. This experience sparked a new, enduring interest, one that fed her creative side.

“I didn’t grow up knowing much about theatre or going to shows, but I’d be backstage doing hair and fell in love with that community,” she says. “I had another client who was the movement coach for Murray State, and she connected me with Heidi Ortega, the costume designer. I ended up working with them for two years. She was the one who recommended me for the Utah Shakespeare Festival as the cosmetologist.”

Things moved quickly for her then, particularly since most people who work in the theatrical wig department don’t have a cosmetology license or any experience in traditional salons. This gave Siobian an edge. The Utah Shakespeare Festival led to the Chicago Shakespeare Festival, where she worked under award-winning wig designer, Melissa Veal. While her professional experience in Chicago was top notch, the living conditions were less desirable.

“We considered staying in Chicago since it’s a theatre mecca, but we got 76 inches of snow, and it was negative temperatures for 25 consecutive days. I took public transit, but it took over an hour across five types of transportation. It was miserable,” says Siobian, laughing. “At the time, my husband was looking for a specific college program and found one at The University of Nevada in Las Vegas. He’s like, ‘What do you think about Las Vegas,’ and I was like, ‘Yes!’ I remember standing on the train platform right after that, and it was so cold, and I was looking over the rail, thinking, I will never complain about 120-degree weather. I will remember this moment right here.”

CONTINUED >

The move to Las Vegas provided warm weather, but it also opened the door for Siobian to gain experience as a stylist and wig designer for a variety of theatres and shows. For five years, she worked on various shows, such as The Criss Angel Show and ShowStoppers, along with a steady job at the Wig Cottage, where the majority of the clientele were people dealing with hair loss from cancer treatments.

While the work experience was good, Siobian felt burnout from the Vegas show environment. Right on time, she and her husband, Gary, who’s a professional white-water rafter, moved to Idaho for his job, and she picked up odd jobs while discerning her next move.

“We traveled around so he could do his thing, and I’d work for companies doing anything – a beer tender, a front desk person, etc. I say I worked in wilderness therapy to gain my soul back,” she says, laughing. “It’s what I needed to find myself again.”

She started to find herself again at the Idaho Shakespeare Theatre as the wig designer and cosmetologist for Julius Caesar, where the environment was collaborative and edifying. Yet, after one season, she and Gary decided it was time to move back east and spend some time in Knoxville, where Siobian spent her formative years. Soon, she was hired at the Clarence Brown Theatre as a wig designer, but it was 2019, and what loomed the following year would change Siobian’s career forever.

“I had four contracts in a row my first year, but then my dad had a heart attack and needed a triple bypass, so I spent three months taking care of him in 2019,” she says. “Then Covid hit. I did two wig design gigs, and then part of the third, and then it was all canceled. Everything got canceled.”

Though Gary was still able to work throughout the pandemic, Siobian’s career was at a standstill, and to make matters more frustrating, applying for unemployment isn’t simple for a freelancer.

“It took six months to start having unemployment because I’d worked in five states and they couldn’t figure me out. I finally called the governor’s office and left a ten-minute, detailed message,” she says. “I got a call back a couple of days later from someone telling me my paperwork had been flagged and elevated. They got me all of my back pay within about six weeks.”

That back pay became the catalyst for what would become The Mighty Wig, a deeply personal and passionate endeavor to help people with hair loss.

“When I started The Mighty Wig, I was able to bring in customers and actually have relationships with people and get back to some of my salon roots. I help people find wigs, toppers, and even hats. The stigma behind hair loss is that people think you’re sick,” she says, “but there are so many reasons why hair loss happens, permanent and temporary.”

Siobian’s clients range from people living with alopecia and those dealing with the effects of cancer treatment to postpartum women and those going through menopause. She also sees clients with Trichotillomania, otherwise known as hair-pulling disorder. Siobian specializes in both natural and synthetic wigs, and helps clients keep their hair pieces in good shape with regular treatments, resizing, and repairs.

“This has been the most rewarding and healing thing I’ve ever done. There is nothing like having someone come in who’s feeling hopeless for whatever reason, and they’re coming to me with their last bit of hope, and to be able to show compassion…” she says. “If I don’t have something in my shop, we’ll sit on the computer and shop together and look for vendors and find a solution. It builds such a personal experience. To watch them with that final wig that does work, just the way you see the shift. It’s so sudden. It’s incredible. I love it.”

Learn more at www.TheMightyWig.com

“This has been the most rewarding and healing thing I’ve ever done.”

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Style Maven

Jessica Robinson’s Passion for Crafting High-End Handbags

Playing dress-up as a little kid doesn’t mean the child is destined for a fashion career, but for Jessica Robinson, she was just getting an early start.

“My sister always tells me that when she used to see me as a kid, taking pictures, she knew there was something there about fashion,” she says. “Fast forward through elementary and middle school, I was always in Limited Too. Every Friday, Mom would take me to the store to get a new outfit.”

By high school, Jessica was eye-balling the senior who won Best Dressed in the superlatives, the one who wore heels to school and worked at a popular shoe store. The two became friends and helped influence one another in developing their personal styles. (Of course, Jessica was nominated for Best Dressed her senior year.)

Jessica spent her earliest years in Knoxville, finishing sixth grade at Alcoa Elementary, but then her family moved to

Virginia Beach, where she finished high school and went on to graduate with a degree in Fashion Merchandising from Old Dominion University, followed by a master’s degree in business in 2012.

“When I was at Old Dominion, between your junior and senior year, you have to do an internship, which I did with Dillard’s. I met a girl there who became my best friend at the time. She’d just graduated a year before me and got the manager position at Dillard’s. We started doing jewelry together and wanted to add a segment to our brand, so she started making garments on the side,” says Jessica. “Merchandising isn’t about sewing classes. My mom’s best friend had a sewing machine, so I’d borrow it and take it to my friend’s house and learn how to sew.”

For the next few years, Jessica focused on honing her craft, learning from others in person and following step-by-step videos on YouTube. Eventually, she and her

business partner had different visions for the future and parted ways, which gave Jessica the autonomy to focus entirely on her passion for making bags.

“I never looked at what anyone else was doing. When I was doing jewelry, we were interviewed by someone who asked who our inspiration was, and my business partner said a few names, but I’ve never been the girl to flip through magazines to see what everyone else was doing. I keep up with color trends, so I look at Pantone and try to incorporate that, but my brand fits my personality,” says Jessica.

Her brand also reflects two women who’ve had a pivotal role in her life – her mother, whose middle name is Laura, and her grandmother, whose first name is Faye.

“The only preface to the name was when I sat down to think about it and decided I wanted it to mean something. So, I thought about my family,” she says. Thus, Laura Faye was born.

In 2019, Jessica decided to move home to Knoxville with her son, Khalil, and build her career here. When the pandemic hit, she hunkered down and focused on refining the Laura Faye brand. Though she started her brand using faux leather, she ultimately switched to making quality leather bags with her signature navy satin lining.

“Every collection I’d created was cool, but it didn’t have a voice to it. I didn’t even have a brand, really. The first five or six years, it was just a hobby,” says Jessica. “I’d go to New York City regularly to take sewing classes and refine my skills. I only recently got a manufacturer, which is like finding a needle in a haystack. Most affordable manufacturers are overseas, but I wanted one in the USA. Fortunately, I found a facility in New York. I still make the mini-clutch, but they are responsible for the bigger pieces.”

The journey from daydreaming as a young girl to producing luxury bags by hand has been marked by a few key things. She’s followed her instincts, prayed for clarity, learned from those with more experience, and worked steadily to build the brand organically. She’s said no to projects that didn’t feel right and taken chances when they did – including seeing her bags on the runway last summer at the NY Summer Fashion Explosion.

And all the while, her son was by her side, rooting for her.

“He’s been my wingman,” says Jessica. “Everything I’m doing, he’s a part of it. I do my own social media and he’s my photographer. He actually just got back from Paris for the International Rocketry Challenge. He’s in the aerospace club at Hardin Valley.”

(Editor’s note: Representing the United States, the Hardin Valley Academy Team 1 placed fourth in the international competition after the United Kingdom, France, and Japan.)

Decades after those early days playing dress-up, Jessica is still daydreaming. She has a vision for future garments and a signature perfume, and a dream of seeing Laura Faye in boutiques and department stores.

“I know wholeheartedly that Laura Faye is the next big name in luxury handbags. The mini-clutch that I make is an original design that I created the concept for, patent pending. You can’t find it anywhere else,” says Jessica. “I put so much quality and blood, sweat, and tears into everything I do. I stay home, I go to church, I’m a mom, and I sew. I’m pretty black and white. I understand people love their Louis and Fendi, but I can hold up my bags as far as quality to any of those bags.”

Learn more at Laura-Faye.com

“I KNOW WHOLEHEARTEDLY THAT LAURA FAYE IS THE NEXT BIG NAME IN LUXURY HANDBAGS. THE MINI-CLUTCH THAT I MAKE IS AN ORIGINAL DESIGN THAT I CREATED THE CONCEPT FOR, PATENT PENDING. YOU CAN’T FIND IT ANYWHERE ELSE.”

-JESSICA ROBINSON

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Individuality is in

I love TikTok. I know. It is embarrassing. I am 26 years old, and I know I should be reading the Wall Street Journal or watering my plants instead of spending time on the controversial app, but I can’t help it. I love it.

Each time I log in, I find something hilarious or helpful. Unfortunately for my husband, I also find things I want to buy. Tik Tok has become a reference point for me. If I want to know the best way to make chicken in my Ninja Foodi Grill, Tik Tok. Need help decorating a living space? Tik Tok. Easiest way to install new sink hardware? Tik Tok.

One of my favorite uses for the app is style inspiration. Recently I found myself prepping for vacation by planning out what outfits I was to wear. I could not decide between two styles of tops with a new pair of shorts I purchased, so I turned to Tik Tok. “Trending summer outfits” was my search inquiry. As I looked through the endless videos of influencers telling me about their entirely “unbiased” opinions of expensive blouses they had been graciously gifted by *insert luxury brand here,* I realized something. I did not like any of the outfits I was seeing. Despite this, I started ordering more options left and right.

As my cart began to fill up, my increasing credit card balance was not what I was concerned about (although I definitely should have been). The most troubling part was I honestly did not know what I wanted to wear. I never used to struggle just choosing something without reading 100 reviews before deciding I would purchase the item, but it is something I had become scarily accustomed to doing to ensure everyone else (whoever that was) would be satisfied with my outfit choice. I would do this before ever asking myself what I thought.

In my opinion, the most beautiful aspect of fashion is the endless opportunity for self-expression. I love that clothes can represent a portion of who we are, and how we choose to present ourselves to the world.

Financial planning is a lot like that too. Some people may want to give away all their money during their lifetime, while others would rather leave a large legacy. Neither option is right or wrong. It is simply a matter of personal preference. Your goals are specific to what works best for you. You cannot follow every piece of financial advice you ever receive because the giver may not value your goal as highly as you do. Some financial goals are general enough that everyone should heed in some way - such as saving for unexpected circumstances (although the amount can differ based on risk tolerance). But other goals, like purchasing a vacation home, are not general.

Finding unbiased, tailored financial advice can be difficult. But it is a worthy and valuable endeavor. The success of a financial plan is based solely on the accuracy of the assumptions made - which can only be done if your goals are at the forefront. If your wants and needs aren’t factored in, you could find yourself looking like someone else.

PYA Waltman Capital, LLC (“PYAW”) 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 PYAW’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.  PYA-23-31.

A Cultural Kaleidoscope

How does a woman of the world bring art to Knoxville? Buy a block of buildings and open her own gallery.

Born in Tel Aviv, Ilana Lilienthal grew up with both Middle Eastern and European cultures, which cemented her foundational interest in diverse artistic impressions. Bilingual (German and Hebrew), Ilana spent her childhood traveling through Europe, embracing the art, music, and dance that her parents exposed her to. She wound up studying art history, her favorite being Christian iconography of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Ilana eventually landed in New York City in the late 80s, which fed her creativity and provided space to develop her own style.

“I was always painting,” she says. “Being in New York at that time was interesting. People started doing graffiti on the subway trains, and you had to be careful where you went. And then in the early 90s, the city was a little more spiritual. It affected my art.”

Ilana moved to Florida in the mid-90s, where she started experimenting with mixed media, painting murals, and establishing herself in the art community. She played an integral role in the development of Wynwood, Miami’s central creative and cultural space, complete with craft breweries, food halls, boutiques, galleries, and street art. It was a vibrant time, but one that would eventually end and lead Ilana to Knoxville.

“I’d never heard of Knoxville, but my husband is a country boy. I’m a city girl and had no idea what it was going to be like. We drove here, bought an apartment downtown, and fell in

love with Knoxville,” says Ilana. “I still had a gallery in Jupiter, but when Covid happened, we sold our house in Florida and decided to open a studio here.”

For the creative person, there is a natural inclination to be in a space where that creativity can bloom and be celebrated. Ilana is an artist whose work has been in shows all over the world, so she has a keen sense of what a gallery space should and shouldn’t be. While Gay St. had the traffic, it didn’t have the retail space suited to complement an art gallery. Eventually, she stumbled upon Emory Place and decided to buy the entire block and have more control over who would be her neighbors and partners in creating a cross-section of art, fashion, and culture. Lilienthal Gallery opened in 2022, and there are plans in the works for future businesses and neighbors.

Ultimately, the goal for the gallery is to spotlight national and international artists and elevate the existing art community through contemporary exhibits.

“I wanted to bring to Knoxville an art scene that people haven’t experienced yet. I’m not showing things you use to decorate your house. I want to attract collectors,” says Ilana. “Most of my artists have collections all over the world. If you buy from my gallery, you know the piece is going to double in value in a few years.”

This month on exhibition at the Lilienthal Gallery is Metamorphosis, featuring three international artists

– Eszter Bornemisza, Alke Reeh, and Martha Rieger. Gallery goers will appreciate the variety of mediums on display, from fibers created from plants to clay and rope.

“I want to see people coming in to experience a different kind of show. I want to bring more to the fine arts menu in Knoxville and have it be recognized by the art world,” says Ilana. “People shouldn’t have to fly to New York or L.A. or Europe to see art. We have different programs, events, and exhibitions. It’s exciting, and I think Knoxville can benefit from it.”

Learn more at LilienthalGallery.com

“I want to see people coming in to experience a different kind of show. I want to bring more to the fine arts menu in Knoxville and have it be recognized by the art world.”

Giving Back in (Hair)Style

At Ross the Boss Salons our purpose is to create an environment where people can experience professional excellence and genuine love. But that doesn’t just pertain to serving inside our salons’ walls, it extends to wherever we are. A recent back to school event at a local church in Strawberry Plains gave a few of our stylists the opportunity to spread love to kids returning to school. “We appreciate what you all did, and it was so great having you all partner with us. Our people are already so excited for the next opportunity. We are telling everyone we can about what RTB did to impact our community.”

When Lynn reached out to us about possibly offering haircuts at the church’s Back to School Bash, several of our stylists committed their time! Katie at our Oak Ridge salon said, “we are so lucky to have the opportunity to give back to the community. As hair stylists, we have such an amazing craft and it’s wonderful to share that with people. The stories we were told by these children were so funny, and sometimes heartbreaking. Some of them had never had their hair cut professionally. I’ll never forget the smiles on each of their faces. I am absolutely blessed and honored to have been a part of this event and cannot wait for next year.” Ashely at our Emory Road salon added, “the back-to-school bash was such a wonderful experience. Being able to give back to the community and seeing the kids’ faces light up is why I chose this career.”

Even Ross dusted off his cutting shears and hopped on a chair working alongside his staff. “As I pulled in and started setting up, I was overwhelmed by the efforts of Wooddale Free Will Baptist Church. They are a little church with an older building who spent considerable effort and resources to make sure these kids went to their first day of class on equal terms with their peers! The kids received supplies, encouragement, and way better haircuts than their peers . They also got to spend some time eating and playing on bounce houses with friends. It was a precious group of people showing some genuine love to these kids, and I was honored to be a part of it!”

Insurance Claim Denials

Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner dealing with a property and casualty insurance policy, many policyholders are unaware of their rights in the event that their insurance company unfairly denies, delays or underpays their valid claim. Policyholders have the option to file a bad faith claim against their insurance company if the company wrongly denies their claim or if there’s a prolonged

period of inactivity in processing the claim. This legal action accuses the insurance company of not fulfilling their obligation to handle the claim fairly and promptly. It can seek not only full coverage of the underlying claim but also compensation in addition to that coverage for damages caused by the unfair practices and aims to hold the insurer accountable for not meeting their responsibilities.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Recently, there has been a concerning uptick in the number of blanket insurance claim denials, a trend that is casting a shadow of liability exposure over insurance companies. This rise in denials has sparked a growing concern among policyholders who find themselves grappling with denied claims that were seemingly within the scope of coverage. As these denied claims accumulate, so does the potential for policyholders to take legal action against insurers, alleging bad faith practices. The denial of seemingly valid claims not only erodes the trust between policyholders and insurance providers but also opens the door for claims of bad faith, where policyholders argue that the insurance company failed to fulfill its obligation to fairly evaluate and process claims. This concerning trend underscores the importance of maintaining a transparent and equitable claims adjudication process.

The surge in blanket insurance claim denials can be attributed to insurance companies’ pursuit of profitability in a highly competitive market. Recent data analysis reveals a concerning pattern: approximately 92 percent of denied claims are effectively closed because policyholders do not pursue further action. This realization has led some insurance companies to adopt a strategy of denying claims across the board, as it seems to yield a substantial profit margin. By relying on the likelihood that policyholders won’t contest denials, these companies capitalize on the inertia of consumers who may not be aware of their rights or are deterred by the complex claims appeal process. This practice raises ethical questions about prioritizing short-term financial gains over the core principle of providing timely and legitimate coverage to policyholders.

In the absence of immediate reforms, policyholders can turn to legal avenues as a means to counteract unfair insurance practices. Engaging skilled attorneys experienced in insurance litigation can serve as a deterrent against arbitrary

claim denials. Attorneys like our firm have played a crucial role in advocating for policyholders by thoroughly reviewing policy terms, assessing the validity of claims, and investigating the circumstances leading to denials. It is critical that policyholders have strong advocates that can effectively challenge insurance companies’ decisions by presenting compelling evidence, negotiating on behalf of policyholders, and initiating legal actions when necessary to ensure that insurance companies are held accountable for their actions and fostering a more equitable environment for all those seeking rightful coverage.

Property and casualty insurance companies have the highest profitability margin at an estimated 23 percent or approximately $35 billion dollars per year. By standing up against unfair practices, policyholders will inevitably reduce that profit margin and hold insurance companies accountable for their actions and as a result, more policyholders will receive rightful compensation for their legitimate claims.  Additionally, taking action can help policyholders regain financial stability and trust in their insurance coverage while contributing to the overall integrity of insurance processes.  Insurance claims and processes can be complicated, but here are some things to be mindful of as a policyholder during this process:

1. Read! Read! Read! the entire policy, all amendments, and all communications from the insurance company.

2. Timely file claims and pay premiums.

3. Mitigate damages when possible.

4. Document and timeline the process and keep records of all communication.

5. Consult an attorney for denial letters or reservation of rights letters. TriAmicus Law, PLLC (865) 217-1154

“Taking action can help policyholders regain financial stability and trust in their insurance coverage, while contributing to the overall integrity of insurance processes.”

Knoxville Treasures in the McClung Historical Collection

This month, the Knoxville History Project is collaborating on the first of a semi-regular column with Eric Dawson, Manager of the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, part of the Knox County Public Library. Eric is the former head archivist with the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound, itself part of the McClung Collection, which Eric assumed directorship of in early 2022.

Housed in the East Tennessee History Center on Gay Street, the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection is truly regarded among the city’s most valuable sources of local history, and maintains a voluminous digital collection online at https://cmdc.knoxlib.org .

PORTRAIT OF CALVIN MORGAN MCCLUNG BY KNAFFL & BRAKEBILL (CIRCA 1910S)

Calvin M. McClung (1855-1919) was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but became a lifelong Knoxvillian after studying at East Tennessee College, the forerunner of the University of Tennessee, in the 1870s. Highly successful in business, his hardware firm, C.M. McClung and Company, proved to be a Knoxville staple for almost a century. (The McClung warehouses on W. Jackson Avenue were due for renovation, but a fire led to its demolition in 2007.) McClung’s widow, Barbra Adair (his second wife), bequeathed his personal library, containing early history and valuable genealogical records of the area, to Lawson McGhee Library, where he had been a longtime trustee, upon his death.

In its educational programs and publications, KHP regularly uses photographs and illustrations from the McClung Historical Collection, as well as from its own digital collection, Knoxville Shoebox, frequently shared with the readers of this magazine.

CUSTOM HOUSE, KNOXVILLE, TN, CA. 1872

The East Tennessee History Center resides in the renovated Custom House and Post Office, the first federal building to be built in Knoxville. Designed by architect Alfred B. Mullett, known for his Greco-Roman style municipal buildings throughout the United States, construction of this showcase for East Tennessee marble began in 1871, and was completed in 1874. This photograph, taken from a rooftop on Gay Street southeast of the building by T.M. Schleier, shows the building about one year into its construction in downtown Knoxville, at the corner of Clinch Avenue and Prince Street (now Market Street). In the background at left is the Second Presbyterian Church, which stood opposite the First Methodist Episcopal Church (whose spire can be seen on the right), from 1869 to 1894.

“KNOXVILLE, FROM SOUTH OF HOLSTON”

This colorful sketch comes from the handwritten and illustrated books “Memories of the War” by Samuel Bell Palmer (18431872), chronicling his time with Mabry Light Artillery (Kain’s Company) from March 1, 1862 in Knoxville, to the company’s arrival at Cumberland Gap in December 1862. The book offers an intimate account of daily life in the Confederate Army and sketches of scenes of combat and more idyllic moments between work and battle, such as this watercolor sketch of the city of Knoxville from across the Holston River, which appears at the front of the book before Palmer’s journal entries begin. Palmer also kept a sketchbook while confined at the Union Army’s Camp Douglas in Chicago from September 1863 to March 1865.

MARKET HOUSE EXTERIOR, OCTOBER 1928

James E. (Jim) Thompson (1881-1976) was one of Knoxville’s pioneer commercial and professional photographers, who captured a rich visual legacy of East Tennessee people and places from 1907 to 1960. The Thompson Photograph Collection at McClung includes an estimated 75,000 negatives, with preservation printing of these negatives having been the major focus of the McClung Historical Collection for two decades. Almost 10,000 of these have been made available online in the McClung Digital Collection. Though Thompson is perhaps more widely known for his photographs of the Smoky Mountains, he captured just as many images of urban Knoxville and its citizens, such as this 1928 photo of the Market House.

ANDREWS BALD 3-21-1937

Roger Hoffman Howell (1897-1962) was a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who moved to Knoxville in 1936 to work as an engineering draftsman for the new Tennessee Valley Authority. A member of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, he spent a good deal of time in the mountains, and even met his wife, Alice Lynn, while hiking. Howell was also an avid photographer, and his images of Hiking Club members offer a candid look at their excursions that are a vernacular contrast to similar photos taken by professional photographer Jim Thompson. Alice Lynn Howell donated her deceased husband’s collection of 1733 black-and-white negatives and 400 Kodachrome slides to the McClung Historical Collection in 1984.

ABOUT KHP

The mission of the Knoxville History Project (KHP) is to research, preserve, and promote the history and culture of Knoxville, Tennessee. Donations to support the work of the Knoxville History Project, an educational nonprofit, are always welcome and appreciated. KHP’s publications also include Historic Bearden: The 200-year story of Knoxville’s Fourth Creek Valley, and numerous story collections including the “Knoxville Lives” series. Copies are available at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org and local bookstores, including Union Ave Books.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SEPTEMBER 1ST

Movies Under the Stars at Ijams

IJAMS NATURE CENTER | 7:00 PM

Grab your favorite blanket or lawn chair and enjoy Ferris Bueller's Day Off on September 1 and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle on September 22. Doors open at 7 p.m. and movies begin at dark. Food, snacks, and beverages will be available for purchase. No coolers or outside alcohol. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. Tickets are $10 per person or $36 for a family four-pack.

SEPTEMBER 3RD

Big Kahuna Wing Festival

WORLD'S FAIR PARK | 2:00 PM

Enjoy the 10th annual festival that celebrates the buffalo wing! Last year, festival attendees enjoyed more than 100 different sauces from 25 teams representing local restaurants, businesses, and The University of Tennessee Culinary Institute. Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley, East Tennessee Children's Hospital Mental Health Initiative Fund, and food4Vols. Learn more at www.bkwfestival.com

SEPTEMBER 12TH

Guns N' Roses

THOMPSON-BOLING ARENA | 6:30 PM

Rock and Roll legends Guns N' Roses with special guest The Warning will bring their 2023 World Tour to Thompson-Boling Arena on Tuesday, September 12 at 6:30 pm.  All tickets will be sold online via Ticketmaster.

SEPTEMBER 14TH

Wayne Newton

TENNESSEE THEATRE | 7:30 PM

The always suave Wayne Newton is — and will always be — Mr. Las Vegas. The King of Vegas continues his rule, presiding over Cleopatra's Barge at Caesars Palace with his intimate show, Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal, in which he sings his biggest hits, shares his favorite stories and invites the audience to ask him anything.

SEPTEMBER 17TH

HoLa Festival

WORLD'S FAIR PARK | 11:00 AM

The HoLa Festival is returning for its 23rd year to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on September 17, with a kick-off party on Saturday, September 16 at 4 p.m. Since 1999, locals have celebrated the rich and diverse cultures of Latin America by inviting the community to share in live music, dancing, food and drinks, craft vendors, and educational activities for children. Visit holahoralatina.org/hola-festival to learn more.

SEPTEMBER 26TH

Chicago

TENNESSEE THEATRE | 7:00 PM

Hailed as one of the "most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era," the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in as the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine's Top 125 Artists of All Time.

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