About Us

Before opening the doors to their gift shop, Linda and Stephen Parrent knew beginning a new business depended on finding two things: the right time and the right place. As hard as those conditions can be to come by, the Parrents feel they’ve found them. Now that their three children have graduated high school and college, the time is right. So that just leaves the place, and the right place for the Parrents is Knoxville, Tennessee. With a roll of the dice, Linda and Stephen set out to the Volunteer State not knowing a soul, but have since built a solid base of customers and support. The couple says they’ve lived in a number of different locales, but have never felt as welcome as they do in east Tennessee.

The Parrents say Elegant Essentials would not be possible without their family’s backing - everyone plays a role in the business. Linda is a master floral designer; the couple moved to Knoxville with their shih-tzu Gizmo from central Arkansas. The Parrents say they are doing what they love, and love what they are doing - especially being in Knoxville. The city is their new home, and they thank area residents for letting them be a part of the local community. It is here that they look forward to many happy years to come.

Linda and Stephen invite you to find a treasure, set a trend and make a tradition at Elegant Essentials.