Hughes played a significant role in the early success experienced by Corporate Environments, and in 1997 became owner of the company as a partnership before eventual sole ownership. Under Hughes' direction, Corporate Environments has grown to be the leading design-driven office furniture resource in the Southeast and consistently one of the top three office furniture dealers in the Atlanta Metro Area as ranked by The Atlanta Business Chronicle. In addition, Corporate Environments is continuously ranked among the top twenty largest women-owned businesses (WBE) in Atlanta.

Hughes is a member of The Buckhead Club and she is active with various local charities. Her professional affiliations include memberships in the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, Board of Directors for the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for the Museum of Design Atlanta, Board of Directors for the High Museum of Art, Vistage, and the Committee of 200 (C200).