Going All Out
Linda Parrent doubles as a proud mom and business owner

Linda Parrent, owner of Elegant Essentials, a thriving new gift shop located in The Gallery Shopping Center in West Knoxville, is one East Tennessee mom who is not afraid to go all out. That’s why when she opened Elegant Essentials, which features 1,600 square feet of unique gifts and home décor, Linda knew that growing the business would take a tremendous amount of her time.

But before becoming a hard-working business owner, Linda was a full-time stay-at-home mom.

“I was the first person my children saw when they came home from school,” says Linda, who also volunteered for countless extracurricular activities, including cheerleading, swim team, PTA, and band. “It was a sacrifice to stay at home, but I think we raised dynamite kids.”

The Parrents’ three children, Brandon, 29, Jennifer, 25, and Kristen, 20, are all proud supporters of Linda and her business endeavor, something Linda says she takes great comfort in.

“The best compliment I get is when my kids say they are proud of me,” she says.

Linda’s consistent determination as a business owner has also led to success outside of the business arena as she recently took on the title of Managing Director for eWomen Network of Knoxville.

Linda credits the networking opportunities afforded by the organization with having a big impact on her new small business.

“In just two years, despite the dismal economy, we have managed to experience constant growth,” says Linda, who is also a certified interior decorator. “And networking has been so important in achieving that growth.”

Linda says that membership in the eWomen Network (www.ewomennetwork.com), an organization with 113 chapters nationwide and in Canada, gives women a chance to actively help improve each other’s businesses by engaging in monthly accelerated networking events.

“We haven’t been in Knoxville for very long,” says Linda, who runs the store along with her husband Stephen. “So for the chapter to put its faith in me is truly humbling.”

The Knoxville chapter boasts a little over 200 members and as the group’s new Managing Director, Linda is enthusiastically determined to expand that number to 500.

“We have such strong women in our Knoxville chapter,” she says. “Contacts are so important, especially nowadays. It’s all about helping other business owners.”

This summer, Linda will also appear in the July issue of Women’s Day Magazine in which she will be profiled for following her passion for flowers and small business ownership.

“In another six months, it might be a whole other story,” she says.

In the meantime, Linda and Stephen welcome you to find a Treasure, set a Trend, and make a Tradition at Elegant Essentials.