Moving to Knoxville, Tennessee, is exciting. But once the boxes are unpacked and you've settled into your new home, how do you actually meet people, make friends, and become part of the community?

On this episode of Big Orange Business, Knoxville Realtor Haley Jones welcomes Kirstine Buchanan and Laura Wallace from Summit Choral Collective to explore how music can bring people together, create lasting friendships, and help newcomers feel at home in East Tennessee.

We talk about the power of community, the friendships that develop through shared interests, and how getting involved in local organizations can make a new city feel a little less unfamiliar.

Whether you're relocating to Knoxville, have recently moved to East Tennessee, or have lived here for years and want to meet new people, this conversation offers a reminder that building a life somewhere goes beyond finding the perfect house.

Sometimes, finding your place in a community starts with finding something you love to do.

And for some Knoxville residents, that connection begins with music.

Want to experience Summit Choral Collective in person?

Join them for their Fall 2026 concert, "Measure Me, Sky," on Sunday, November 22, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Church Street United Methodist Church, 900 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN 37902.

It's a wonderful opportunity to experience live choral music, support a local organization, and discover another way to connect with the Knoxville community.

Learn more about Summit Choral Collective:
https://www.summitchoralcollective.com/

Join Knoxville Realtor Haley Jones on Big Orange Business as we explore the people, businesses, and organizations that make Knoxville, Tennessee, a wonderful place to live, work, and call home.

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.