The Belle Meade Shoppes

Emory (Pete) Stone:

I started my work life (career) working for a large department store then moved to a small design firm in Kentucky where I developed a clientèle in Tennessee and Kentucky.

I moved to Nashville in 1989 and started my own design business.

I am a member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and a registered designer in Tennessee. I increase my knowledge each year by taking continuing education classes.

I have always loved buying (the hunt if you will) fine design items so it was a natural fit when I met my partners and we opened The Belle Meade Shoppes.

Bill Hunt:

I started my business in 1972 in Green Hills selling unique antique pieces with an emphasis on lighting. This combined the electrical skills I learned at a summer job while in high school with my quest of finding treasures in unexpected places.

In 1983 I moved the business to 21^st Avenue South and operated my retail store from one of the last residences in that area, a foursquare home circa 1918, which I restored myself. (Bringing old things back to usefulness is also one of my passions.)

I operated my business from there until 2005, and still own the property as it approaches its 100^th year.

I became a partner in The Belle Meade Shoppes  in 1998 and continue to offer furniture, unique and vintage lighting as well my repair and restoration services.

Sandy Smith:

I have been buying and selling antiques for over 35 years.  My merchandise has been gathered while traveling to England and France.

Each item I place in The Belle Meade Shoppes is hand selected from English and French antique dealers, fairs and shows. An eclectic array of antiques is available including English and French porcelains, writing slopes and sewing boxes, French mirrors, small silver pieces as well as pine, mahogany and bamboo chests, stools, chairs and tables.

Susan Basham:

I started my working career in the gift and decorative accessory business industry almost 40 years ago as the senior buyer of China, Silver and Gifts for Castner-Knott.

After that, a second career as an Interior Designer. As a licensed and professional Member of ASID, I spent many wonderful years with Phyllis Avant in our design firm, first called Zeitgeist, then Bonner-Avant Interiors. We did residential design and a lot of those Jr. League Showhouses together.

Currently as one of the co-owners of The Belle Meade Shoppes, I maintain the space everyone calls the "Pillow Room". (My back got tired of hauling all the antique furniture and I decided pillows were easier to display) I also divide my time with a few design clients, gardening, and as one of the three commissioners of Watkins College of Art, Design & Film.