Jenny Parkhurst
Hello! My name is Jenny and it’s wonderful to meet you. I grew up in East Tennessee and graduated with a BFA from the University of Tennessee. Go Vols! I met my husband, Nathan, during our time as collegiate runners. We love calling Knoxville our home and raising our two boys, Caleb and Noah. My passion for art and creativity runs deep. I translated my love for good design into a full time business in 2013 when I opened my lifestyle shop, The Back Porch Mercantile in the Bearden area. You can follow my adventures in life and shopkeeping at @shopbpm and @xoxo_jennyleigh on Instagram.
The Gift of Ordinary Days
As I unwrapped a recent shipment of art pieces I ordered in January for my shop, I was caught off guard by my emotions....
Parents Behaving Badly: A Note About Unsportsmanlike Behavior
When the basketball rolled out of bounds, I had to hold my emotions in. This boy who lost the ball was laughing about it...
Making Our Community a Destination By Shopping Small
Take a moment and think of your city. What do you love about it? In Knoxville, we are lucky to have breathtaking views of...
The Gift of Time with Friends
We laughed as we stopped and took our hundredth picture of a blue painted door as we walked along the streets of Paris. We hunted...
What Makes a Good Coach, A GREAT Coach
This year I got to return to the track and see my favorite sport as the parent of an athlete. It’s been a joy...
Succulent Gardening: No Green Thumb Required!
All homes need a touch of greenery. It makes the home feel fresh and welcoming. If you are busy or have a black thumb,...
Being a Mama Makes me a Better Time Manager
I am often asked how I manage my time as a business-owning mama. Owning a brick and mortar business, licensing art and keeping up...