REMEMBERING B. SMITH'S BUSINESS LEGACY
On Saturday, February 22, pioneering entrepreneur, restaurateur, author, lifestyle guru, and model Barbara Elaine “B.” Smith passed away at age 70 after battling early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Smith, who was sometimes called the "Black Martha Stewart" parlayed her successful modeling career into a groundbreaking lifestyle brand and successful restaurant business. Check out the elements of her empire below.
May she rest in peace with the same style, sophistication, and grace with which her name became synonymous.
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A PIONEER IN FASHION MODELING
The daughter of a maid and steelworker, Smith began her modeling career in the mid-1960s, participating in the Ebony Fashion Fair and later signing with the Wilhelmina Agency. In 1976, she became the first Black model to be featured on the cover of Mademoiselle magazine.
THE FAVORITE DINING SPOT FOR BLACK PROFESSIONALS
Smith owned several restaurants called "B. Smith" throughout the years, opening the first one in the heart of midtown Manhattan in 1986. She later opened locations in Washington, D.C.'s Union Station and in Sag Harbor, NY. Serving what was often called high-end soul food, B. Smith restaurants were popular destinations for Black professionals.
AN ACCOMPLISHED AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER
Following the success of her restaurants, Smith authored three books: B. Smith's Entertaining and Cooking for Friends (1995), B. Smith's Rituals and Celebrations (1999), and B. Smith Cooks Southern Style (2009). She also went on to publish B. Smith Style magazine.
B. SMITH WITH STYLE
In 1997, her weekly syndicated television show B. Smith with Style debuted, featuring home decor, lifestyle, and cooking segments. Celebrity guests included Eartha Kitt (above), Bebe Winans, and Gladys Knight. For nearly a decade, it aired on NBC stations in more than 90% of U.S. households and in 40 countries.
B. SMITH X BED BATH & BEYOND
In Spring 2001, Smith launched her first home collection, which debuted at Bed Bath & Beyond. The B. Smith with Style Home Collection is the first line from an African-American woman to be sold at a nationwide retailer and includes bedding, tabletop and bath products. In addition to Bed Bath & Beyond, B. Smith brand retail partners today include Belk, Burlington, Home Depot, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and Stein Mart.
