B. Smith, a trailblazer in the lifestyle and entertainment industries, made a name for herself not just through her talent but also her financial acumen. B. Smith’s net worth reflects a successful career spanning modeling, television, books, and entrepreneurship.
In this article, we will explore the many facets of her wealth, from her restaurant empire to TV appearances and business ventures. Read on to discover the financial journey of this influential figure.
B. Smith Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Barbara Elaine Smith |
| Popular Name | B. Smith |
| Birth Date | August 24, 1949 |
| Age | 70 (Died: February 22, 2020) |
| Birthplace | Everson, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Education | Southmoreland High School |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Dan Gasby |
| Children | Stepmother to Dana (Dan Gasby’s daughter) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Florence Smith, William Smith |
| Height (meters) | N/A |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20 million |
| Source of Wealth | Restaurants, TV appearances, books, product lines |
What is the Net Worth of B. Smith in 2025?
As of 2025, B. Smith’s net worth is estimated at $20 million. Compared to other figures in the lifestyle and entertainment sectors, this wealth places her among influential celebrities who successfully branched out beyond their core industries.
Some of B. Smith’s peers and close figures in the entertainment and hospitality industries include:
- Oprah Winfrey
- Martha Stewart
- Tyra Banks
- Gale Gordon
- Rachael Ray
B. Smith’s net worth reflects the long-term value she built through multiple business ventures and a highly successful career. For more details on the wealth of other notable figures, check out this list of wealthy personalities.
B. Smith Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth?
B. Smith’s wealth wasn’t just earned from her modeling career or her TV shows—it was the result of a diversified business strategy.
Starting with her iconic role as the first Black woman on the cover of Mademoiselle magazine in 1976, she leveraged her early success to build a restaurant empire.
In 1986, she opened her first restaurant in New York City, a venture that set the stage for other B. Smith-branded dining establishments.
Her TV career also played a significant role in growing her wealth. Through her show B. Smith with Style, she connected with a broad audience, allowing her to expand her personal brand further.
Her business savvy extended into partnerships with companies like Bed Bath & Beyond and La-Z-Boy, where she created home product lines.
In addition to her media presence, B. Smith authored several books, which allowed her to reach a wider audience and add additional income streams. These business ventures significantly contributed to her wealth.
Business Ventures and Their Role in Her Financial Success
Her restaurant businesses were the cornerstone of her financial success. She opened multiple restaurants under her name, which attracted both food enthusiasts and fans of her lifestyle brand.
These eateries became cultural touchstones in major cities like New York, where she was regarded as a pioneer for Black entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry.
Her furniture and home products line helped further cement her financial legacy. Collaborating with La-Z-Boy and Bed Bath & Beyond, B. Smith offered stylish and accessible home goods that spoke to her expansive brand. This foray into lifestyle products proved to be a lucrative part of her financial portfolio.
Her TV appearances were equally influential, with her appearing on shows like Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and The Cosby Mysteries, making her a household name.
Her TV show, B. Smith with Style, was a key platform that helped increase her public profile and solidify her financial standing in the competitive world of lifestyle brands.
How Her Wealth Was Managed and Invested
Her wealth management strategies were influenced by her close partnership with her husband, Dan Gasby, who also acted as her caregiver during her later years.
Together, they managed her business interests, making decisions that allowed B. Smith’s brand to remain strong even as she faced personal health challenges, such as her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
While specific details about her investments remain private, it’s clear that her focus on real estate and brand-building played a role in her financial success. Her personal real estate holdings likely contributed to her overall wealth, along with the long-term value of her various business ventures.
Her Impact on the African-American Community and Financial Legacy
B. Smith’s success story goes beyond her financial achievements. As a trailblazer in a predominately white industry, she became a role model for Black entrepreneurs looking to break into the hospitality, media, and fashion industries.
B. Smith’s work demonstrated that African-American women could excel in both business and entertainment, opening doors for other women of color to enter the field.
Her philanthropic efforts, particularly her advocacy for Alzheimer’s awareness, allowed her to give back to communities in need, while simultaneously educating the public about the financial and emotional challenges faced by families coping with Alzheimer’s.
Her legacy is one of inspiration, innovation, and empowerment for future generations of entrepreneurs.
Her Final Years: Health and Financial Challenges
In the final years of B. Smith’s life, her health, particularly her diagnosis with early-onset Alzheimer’s, put significant pressure on both her personal and financial life. While her career had provided her with a solid financial foundation, managing her health and the costs associated with long-term care proved to be a challenge.
Dan Gasby, her husband, took on the role of caregiver while also managing her affairs, which included ensuring her business interests were well-maintained.
Despite these challenges, B. Smith’s financial legacy continues to impact the entertainment and hospitality industries, with her influence still felt in her restaurant brands and lifestyle products.
Conclusion
B. Smith’s journey from model to business mogul is a testament to her resilience and versatility. Her wealth was not merely a product of one career path, but the culmination of many successful ventures.
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