Shawn Smith
Shawn Smith
Owner | 1) Hush Piggies 2) The Jewelers
Shawn Smith, whose entrepreneurial leadership has spawned two successful businesses in different industries—a barbecue sauce-based boutique Hush Piggies since 2008 and a fine jewelry retailer The Jewelers since 2010—honed his dual crafts for decades before launching his success.
When Mr. Smith was a child, and throughout his teens, his family participated in a large barbecue fundraiser every Labor Day weekend, and his birthday weekend, which took place at a small community center just outside Nashville, Tennessee. It was here that his father wound up with the recipe of a popular spicy sauce, which would be jarred and given to people.
Over time, he himself changed the recipe, making it his own completely—a popular tangy vinegar-based blend of Carolina and Memphis styles among friends and family now known as Smitty’s Small Batch—and started selling it and others as a roadside business in 2007. He made it more official the next year as he found people enjoyed it more than expected, ultimately making 50 gallons a year. Hugh Piggies today stands as a major brand for grillers, having since added two sauces—“Hot Hot Honey Mustard” and “Hot Honey Habanero”—plus spices and rubs.
Additionally, Mr. Smith has been involved in the jewelry business since 1997. Well on his way to pursue a career in plumbing, a visit to a local jeweler changed his life forever. He saw a custom piece in there that opened up new possibilities for him. From that day, he developed a passion for designing and creating fine jewelry—he would hone his craft at a local store for years. Then, in 2010, his life changed once more when he was able to open his own shop with his wife, Lindsay. Ever since, they have strived to make their store the premier jewelry retailer in the area—a goal has been rewarded with recognitions as Retailer of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and Best Jewelry Store in the State by a publication in 2025, winning against 70 other stores, as well as several local awards. As a testament to his dedication to his field, he is a member of the Gemological Institute of America Inc. and American Gem Society.
Looking ahead, Mr. Smith aims to take Hush Piggies to a national level, hoping to expand it beyond just their local boutiques and turn it into a household name. As for The Jewelers, he plans to potentially open another store in a neighboring town and to continue its growth as a customer-focused, intimate shopping experience.
Press Release
Marquis Who’s Who Honors Shawn Smith for Expertise in Business
Shawn Smith is a distinguished leader in the business industry with 28 years of experience
LEBANON, TN, December 15, 2025, Shawn Smith has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Smith has established a distinguished career spanning 28 years, marked by entrepreneurial leadership and expertise in both the retail jewelry and specialty food industries. Since 2010, he has served as owner of The Jewelers, a business that has become synonymous with quality and customer service in Lebanon, Tennessee. Under his stewardship, The Jewelers has garnered significant recognition, including being named Best Jewelry Store in the state in 2025 by a prominent publication. This accolade is particularly meaningful to Mr. Smith, as it was awarded through votes from both customers and industry peers, including fellow jewelry store owners. The store’s consistent receipt of local honors further underscores its reputation for excellence within the community.
Mr. Smith’s journey into the jewelry profession began in 1997 after an inspiring visit to a local jeweler shifted his career trajectory away from plumbing. Witnessing the creation of a custom piece ignited his passion for fine jewelry design and craftsmanship. He dedicated years to refining his skills at a local jewelry store before opening his own establishment in 2010. Alongside his wife, Lindsay, Mr. Smith has committed to providing an intimate and premier shopping experience, focusing on personalized service rather than large-scale expansion.
In addition to his achievements in jewelry retail, Mr. Smith is also the owner of Hush Piggies, a venture rooted in family tradition and culinary creativity. His interest in barbecue sauce began in childhood, when he participated in annual community fundraisers near Nashville, where he first experienced the unique flavors that would later inspire his business. Over four decades, he refined his original recipe—passed down from his father—and began sharing it widely. By 2008, demand for his sauce had grown substantially, prompting him to formalize the business. Since then, Mr. Smith has expanded Hush Piggies’ offerings to include multiple sauces and is developing additional seasonings and products.
Mr. Smith’s expertise in both retail jewelry and barbecue sauce production is complemented by active membership in industry organizations such as the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America. These affiliations reflect his commitment to professional standards and ongoing development within his fields.
His accomplishments have been recognized with several awards beyond the statewide honor for The Jewelers, including Retailer of the Year from the local Chamber of Commerce.
Educationally, Mr. Smith earned a high school diploma in 1990. The foundational experiences from his youth—particularly those centered on family traditions and community involvement—have shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and approach to business.
Looking ahead, Mr. Smith aspires to elevate Hush Piggies to national prominence by expanding its reach beyond local boutiques and establishing it as a household name across broader markets. For The Jewelers, he envisions continued growth with the potential addition of another location while maintaining the personalized service that defines the brand.
Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has demonstrated dedication to excellence, innovation and community engagement, qualities that have solidified his standing as a respected leader in both of his chosen industries.
