INSIDE HERITAGE Jewelers on the Shelbyville square, each gleaming gem seated in engagement rings and wedding sets, earrings, fashion rings, and estate jewelry is poised to hold a memory, a celebration, or a love letter engraved in gold or silver. Linda Brown isn’t just the shop owner and curator; she’s the keeper of secrets, the confidante of dreams, and the woman who has assisted Shelbyville with adorning its moments with sparkle for nearly four decades.
For Brown, Heritage Jewelers is more than just a business. It’s a community gem where generations have found exquisite jewelry, personalized service, expert advice, and a genuine connection. After almost 40 years of stories and service, the store’s approaching milestone anniversary reflects not just the power of local businesses but the heart and soul poured into it by its owner.
Brown’s journey began while working as a financial analyst for Nissan Motor Manufacturing in Smyrna. In 1985, she and her then husband took a leap of faith, purchasing the store and becoming the first local owner in the location of the former statewide chain, Rone Jewelers. Equipped with her financial expertise and technical knowledge, Brown computerized the store’s operations — a pioneering move in its time.
But her ambition didn’t stop there. Determined to become a true jeweler, she enrolled in the Gemological Institute of America’s program, acquiring the knowledge that shines through in customer interactions.
“People appreciate it when you can tell them more about a piece than just how pretty it is,” she said.
Her dedication extends far beyond the sparkle of diamonds. Brown understands that jewelry holds immense sentimental value.
“The most rewarding part,” she confides, “is when a customer tells you how much you helped them find that perfect piece — the one that captures a special moment.”
She recalled a young man recently tipping her for his custom-designed engagement ring, a gesture that speaks volumes about the trust and appreciation she has earned.
But Brown’s commitment goes beyond individual transactions. She recognizes the vital role local businesses play in the community’s well-being.
“Shopping locally keeps our teachers, police officers, and firefighters employed,” she emphasizes. “It builds the community we want to live in.”
Challenging the misconception of high prices, she highlights the lower overhead costs of local stores, enabling her to offer competitive prices alongside a wider selection and personalized service.
Looking back, Brown acknowledges that owning a small business comes with its challenges. She tackles the long hours, the diverse tasks, and the constant need to adapt — all with unwavering resilience. The rewards far outweigh the difficulties.
“The most challenging part of being a small business owner is how many hours you work and how many hats you wear. I spend a tremendous amount of time keeping my store stocked with new jewelry, displaying jewelry, designing jewelry for clients, ordering parts for jewelry repairs, searching for a special item for a customer, purchasing supplies, performing accounting duties, writing up jewelry appraisals, creating advertising for print and social media, photographing jewelry, adding items to our website, and so much more. All of this is in addition to being the face of the business and serving customers. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful staff to assist me,” Brown said.
She shares her expertise with customers and actively contributes to community initiatives.
“I have been a member of the Habitat for Humanity Ball committee for the entire 25 years it’s been in existence. I make my largest donations to the Habitat Ball. I truly believe in [its] mission to change lives by helping deserving families own a home,” she said. “I am a Rotarian, a member of the Shelbyville Woman’s Club, and have served on numerous boards through my church, my business, and my children’s activities. I’m the organizer of the annual wine tasting around the Shelbyville square — Sip, Shop, and Stroll. This past December was our 13th year, and we raised $4,000 to donate to the Shelbyville-Bedford County Library.”
Her husband, David, is a local certified public accountant with offices next door to the jewelry store. The couple’s Bell Buckle home enables them to be close to two of Brown’s three adult children.
Brown said, “My son, Cameron Hix, is a cardiovascular nurse in Murfreesboro, and he and his wife, Justina, have an 18-month-old son. My daughter, Allison Davis, is a pharmacist in Shelbyville, and she and her husband, Caleb, have two children — a 2-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. My other son, Jarrod Hix, lives in Mississippi with his wife, Cecilia, and their 1-year-old son. He is a pediatric physician assistant. I enjoy providing child care two days a week to my daughter’s children and wish I could do the same for the other two, but there’s not enough of me to go around.”
Heritage Jewelers is a shining local spirit and a testament to the power of passion. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most precious treasures are not found in showcases but in the connections we forge and the communities we build. GN
