What's new with some of Knoxville's favorite local businesses and organizations?

In this special episode of Big Orange Business, host Haley Jones reconnects with three returning guests to hear what's changed, what's coming next, and how they're continuing to make a difference across East Tennessee.

🎄 FANTASY OF TREES

Natalia Havasy from Dolly Parton Children's Hospital returns to share what's happening with the 2026 Fantasy of Trees. From a new name and holiday theme to family activities, volunteer opportunities, and the important healthcare programs supported by the event, there's plenty to look forward to this year.

Learn more:
https://www.dollychildrens.org/ways-to-give/events/fantasy-of-trees/

🍩 SUGAR QUEEN CREAMERY & DOUGHNUTRY

Staci Woodward joins Haley to talk about Sugar Queen's continued growth, including the Belltown location, the Doughnutry's first year in business, seasonal favorites like pumpkin cheesecake and Thanksgiving pies, and the possibility of future expansion. She also shares why running a doughnut shop has been more challenging than running an ice cream business!

Sugar Queen Creamery:
https://thesugarqueencreamery.com

Sugar Queen Doughnutry:
https://thesugarqueendoughnutry.com

🎁 KARM STORES

Josh Lively returns to discuss KARM's popular Christmas stores, the unique treasures shoppers can discover, and how donations and purchases help support Knox Area Rescue Ministries. He also shares a remarkable story about a family finding a meaningful Christmas decoration with an unexpected connection to their past.

Learn more:
https://karm.org

Whether you're a longtime Knoxville resident, new to East Tennessee, or thinking about relocating to the area, this episode is a reminder of the people, businesses, and organizations that make Knoxville such a special community.

Big Orange Business, hosted by Knoxville Realtor Haley Jones, celebrates local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and the stories behind the businesses and organizations shaping East Tennessee.

Follow the podcast for more conversations about Knoxville businesses, local favorites, and life in East Tennessee!

What does it take to start a coconut water company in Knoxville, Tennessee? Apparently, a trip halfway around the world, a lot of determination, and a willingness to bet on yourself.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Knoxville entrepreneur Nick Devore, we explore how he turned an unexpected idea into LUSHDROP Bevco, a coconut water company based right here in East Tennessee.

Nick takes us behind the scenes of his journey to Thailand, where he searched for the perfect coconut, met with suppliers who didn't believe he'd actually show up, and learned firsthand about the challenges of bringing a beverage product to market.

We also talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, from financing production and navigating international logistics to building a brand, finding customers, and making sacrifices to pursue something you believe in.

And through it all, Nick explains why Knoxville is the place he chose to build his business.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a Knoxville local, or someone considering a move to East Tennessee, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and businesses making Knoxville such an interesting place to live and work.

Learn more about LUSHDROP Bevco:
https://lushdropbevco.com/

Subscribe to Big Orange Business with Haley Jones for more conversations with the entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders shaping Knoxville and East Tennessee.

What would make you walk away from a successful family business to build something of your own?

For Knoxville native Nick Devore, growing up around Litton's, one of Knoxville's most beloved restaurants, meant learning firsthand what it takes to run a business, serve a community, and build something that lasts. But Nick had ambitions of his own, and pursuing them meant leaving behind the security of the family business.

In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, host Haley Jones sits down with Nick to talk about growing up in Knoxville, taking his first steps into entrepreneurship, building and selling businesses, and navigating the successes, setbacks, and unexpected turns along the way.

They also explore how Knoxville's restaurant and business community has evolved, the role of locally owned businesses, and what it takes to carve out your own path in East Tennessee.

Whether you're a longtime Knoxville resident, a local business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone considering moving to Knoxville and bringing your business along, this conversation offers a firsthand look at the people, opportunities, and challenges that shape the city's entrepreneurial community.

Today, Nick is also the founder of LUSHDROP Bevco, a coconut water company based in Knoxville. In the next episode, we'll dive into the remarkable story behind LUSHDROP, from discovering coconut water abroad to building a beverage brand right here in East Tennessee.

Learn more about LUSHDROP Bevco: https://lushdropbevco.com

Big Orange Business with Haley Jones introduces you to the people, businesses, neighborhoods, and stories that make Knoxville and East Tennessee such an interesting place to live, work, and call home.

Subscribe for more conversations about Knoxville businesses, local entrepreneurs, community life, and moving to East Tennessee.