News

TDA announces winner of 'Heart for Hospitality' Award

Barbara Hughes is shown with Debi Smith.

By Bill Moss, Published: March 14, 2024

Barbara Hughes, owner of Narnia Studios in downtown Hendersonville, was named the 2024 recipient of the Debi Smith Heart for Hospitality Award, an honor given by the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority to recognize a Henderson County tourism industry champion.

This award was created in 2022 by the HCTDA’s current Board Chair Richard Rhodes as a way to recognize the outgoing chair of the HCTDA Board, Debi Smith. The recipient must be someone “who demonstrates the traits of selfless and tireless service to tourism in Henderson County.”

The winner is decided through an open nomination and submissions are reviewed by the HCTDA Board’s Community Outreach Committee, who recommends a winning nomination to the full HCTDA Board for their approval. 

Hughes has owned and operated Narnia Studios downtown for nearly 30 years, striving to curate a unique shopping experience where patrons feel welcome and inspired.

Hughes also founded and organizes the annual Chalk It Up temporary public art event in downtown Hendersonville, as well as the Tulip Extravaganza, a celebration of the gorgeous blossoming tulips in downtown Hendersonville every spring, the Gingerbread Cookie Contest every December and a Black History Month Essay Contest for local school children.

Hughes prides herself on how much she cares about Hendersonville, and in working with the other downtown businesses. She helped found an online group for downtown businesses as a way to build community, to stay in communication with one another, and make sure all local business owners are involved and in the know.

“Hendersonville is truly fortunate to have someone with such a creative mind among the shopkeepers downtown,” TDA Executive Director Michelle Owens said. “Barbara’s distinctive store and events, like Chalk It Up, contribute to what makes Hendersonville so special to visitors and locals alike.  Barbara's dedication stands as a hallmark of our town's identity.”

Barbara was surprised by the honor at the HCTDA’s annual Henderson County Tourism Conference on Feb. 29 when her adult son, Cody Hughes, regionally known for his stand-up comedy, appeared on stage and spoke about his mother’s commitment to downtown Hendersonville, the community, visitors and the local art scene.

Hughes was nominated for the award by her daughter, Katie Hughes

“I am so proud of her and everything she's accomplished and done for Downtown Hendersonville,” Katie said. “I grew up in Hendersonville, spending every afternoon at my mom's store.”

"I feel as the good book says, we pay honor to whom honor is due," Rhodes said. "It is a pleasure to pay honor to Debi Smith, who invested so much of herself to the TDA, by honoring someone each year that has done the same."

This is the second year the award has been given. Last year’s winner was Waverly Inn owner Mike Burnette.