Jessica Wang and Lauren Fenske met through their husbands’ long-term friendship, developed their own friendship, and found a shared connection for creativity, design, and beautiful spaces.
They’ve merged their shared passions to create a new welcoming, calming, and inspiring retail space that helps people elevate their home and personal style. Excited to develop a local retail concept as an alternative to franchise stores, Jessica and Lauren envisioned a bright, fresh, and inspiring aesthetic, and with the help of Amanda at GrowCoLab, created a brand and color palette to match their vision.
This elevated retail experience, Mellow, opened in the historic Kern’s Food Hall last summer.
Jessica and Lauren saw a gap in Knoxville for a more unique and elegant shopping experience where guests can test how products will look in their homes. Mellow offers the opportunity to check out quality, color, texture, and scale. They describe Mellow as a woman-owned small business that empowers guests to improve their living spaces by demystifying the design process. From a redesign of a corner of a room to refreshing larger living spaces, Jessica and Lauren help people make design decisions they can feel good about in their home.
“There is a mental barrier to how people want their home to look – if you think something is cute – you can work these pieces into your home. Our motivation for creating Mellow was to show people how they can improve their spaces. These trendy pieces seen in high-end spaces can also work in anyone’s home. We help people to overcome that mental barrier and empower them to reimagine what their home and personal style is or could be.” Says Lauren.
Mellow sources unique, distinct, and eye-catching home goods from all over the world to bring home to Knoxville: plates, dishes, throws, blankets, bowls, vases, ceramics, candles, and glasses. Personal style options? Leather purses and handbags, sunglasses, everyday wear jewelry, high end and special occasion jewelry, and hair accessories. Discover more at the store’s companion website Mellowknox.com
Coquette Picnic Plate Regular $22.00 Small $18.00
Delicate peach and yellow blooms dance along a scalloped edge, creating a playful border on pure white ceramic. Accent plate combines classic French countryside charm with modern simplicity. Perfect for casual dining, picnics, or displaying delicate pastries and desserts. The versatile size works for appetizers or individual servings. Dishwasher/microwave safe.
Coastal Hues Glass Regular $15.00 Small $12.00
The Coastal Hues Glass transitions from ocean blue to seafoam green in an organic ombre effect, while its textured surface catches and reflects light like water. The cylindrical shape fits comfortably in hand. Designed for everyday use: water, iced tea, or summer cocktails. Dishwasher safe.
Misty Mountain Glass Regular $18.00 Small $15.00
Inspired by the serene majesty of mountain peaks. Crystalline mountain range, delicately sculpted into the base, creates interplay of light and shadow. Its artistic statement brings the tranquil essence of nature to your daily tea ritual. Dishwasher/microwave safe.
Medium Donut Vase $45.00
A playful twist on the traditional vase, this ring-shaped design combines whimsy with modern minimalism. Smooth circular form creates an unexpected frame for floral arrangements. Arrange flowers around the center opening for a sculptural display, or stand alone as a decorative piece. Soft pastel buttercream or blush. Matte finish. Indoor use only.
The Flutter Necklace $75.00
Make a statement with the sleek Flutter Necklace, where minimalist design meets modern elegance. This versatile piece features a delicate gold chain that creates a flattering Y-silhouette, perfect for elevating both your work and weekend look. 18k Gold Plated. Silver Core. Adjustable length (16” chain -18”). Layer or wear solo.
Ginger Yellow Weave Mini Crossbody $75.00
A compact statement piece featuring exquisite hand-woven leather work in a vibrant mustard hue. This versatile bag can be carried as a crossbody with its Gunmetal and leather-woven chain strap or transformed into a sophisticated top-handle bag for elevated occasions. Removable coin purse. Removable crossbody strap. Magnetic closure. Ultrasoft interior lining.
Co-founder Jessica Wang holds a degree in interior design and has a wealth of experience in procurement and sourcing for small businesses, residences, and corporations. Co-founder and UT alum Lauren Fenske studied vocal performance and later entered the tech field, performing various roles in project and portfolio management, while maintaining a passion for interior design as a personal hobby.