B Smith net worth in 2024 is a reflection of her multifaceted career that spans modeling, television, restaurants, and business ventures. As a renowned African-American model, B Smith broke barriers, especially when she became the first Black woman to grace the cover of Mademoiselle magazine.
Her ventures into the restaurant industry and collaborations with major brands, such as Bed Bath & Beyond and La-Z-Boy, further elevated her financial standing. I, Ando Money, am excited to dive deeper into how her remarkable journey led to her impressive net worth.
Let’s explore how B Smith’s early career, achievements, and entrepreneurial ventures shaped her financial success.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Barbara Elaine Smith |
| Popular Name | B Smith |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | August 24, 1949 |
| Age | 70 (Died: February 22, 2020) |
| Parents | Florence Smith, William Smith |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Birthplace | Everson, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | Graduated from Southmoreland High School |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Dan Gasby (m. 1992–2020) |
| Children | Stepmother to Dana |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Source of Wealth | Modeling, Restaurants, Television, Books, Author |
| Height | N/A |
What is the Net Worth Of B Smith in 2024?
As of 2024, B Smith’s net worth remains an impressive $20 million, which reflects her incredible success across multiple industries.
While her financial status holds steady, it’s worth comparing her career earnings to others in the field. B Smith’s rise in the restaurant business and collaborations with big brands put her alongside other prominent figures.
Compared to some of her contemporaries, she made a name for herself by diversifying her income streams, leaving a lasting legacy.
Here are some individuals and companies related to her field of work:
- Dan Gasby
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- La-Z-Boy
- Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
- Union Station
- Sag Harbor
- Mademoiselle magazine
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch
- Martha Stewart
- Conchata Ferrell
B Smith’s influence also extends beyond her net worth. She is among the successful figures in the financial rankings, much like the richest authors featured here.
Finance Overview
Early Career in Modeling and Television
B Smith’s career in modeling started in the mid-1960s when she participated in the Ebony Fashion Fair. Her work with Wilhelmina Models opened the door to opportunities that set the stage for her future success.
The pinnacle of her modeling career came in 1976 when she became the first African-American model to appear on the cover of Mademoiselle magazine, breaking racial barriers in the industry.
Television also played a major role in her rise to fame. She was a frequent guest on shows like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, where she highlighted her passion for cooking and hospitality. Later, her syndicated show, B. Smith with Style, focused on lifestyle, cooking, and home decor, further cementing her influence.
The Rise of Her Restaurant Empire
One of B Smith’s key contributions to her wealth came from her work as a restaurateur. In 1986, she opened her first restaurant in New York City, marking her transition from modeling and TV into the culinary world.
Her restaurants became well-known destinations, and she expanded her empire to locations in Sag Harbor and Washington, D.C.. These ventures significantly bolstered her income and helped her establish a long-lasting brand that combined her love of hospitality with her entrepreneurial spirit.
Collaborations and Business Ventures in Home and Furniture Design
Beyond restaurants, B Smith capitalized on her public image by collaborating with leading home and furniture brands. Her partnership with Bed Bath & Beyond led to the development of an exclusive home collection, which became a hit with consumers.
She further expanded her influence by launching a furniture line with La-Z-Boy, showcasing her versatility as a businesswoman. These ventures not only contributed to her financial success but also broadened her brand recognition in different industries.
Authorship and Publications as a Source of Income
B Smith’s role as an author also played a crucial part in her financial portfolio. She published several books, including B. Smith’s Entertaining and Cooking for Friends and Before I Forget, the latter co-authored with her husband, Dan Gasby.
These books focused on cooking, lifestyle tips, and her personal journey, with the latter documenting her battle with Alzheimer’s. Through her writings, she connected with a wider audience, and the sales of these publications added to her overall wealth.
Awards and Recognitions in Her Career
Throughout her career, B Smith earned numerous accolades and recognitions. She was praised not only for her groundbreaking work in modeling but also for her success in the restaurant business and television.
Her dedication to promoting Black excellence in various fields did not go unnoticed, and she was honored for her role in empowering the African-American community in business and entertainment.
Impact of Her Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s on Her Career and Legacy
In 2014, B Smith revealed her diagnosis with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which brought new attention to her life and career. While the diagnosis marked the later stages of her professional life, she turned it into an opportunity to raise awareness about the disease.
Her book, Before I Forget, co-authored with Dan Gasby, offered insights into her battle with the illness and how it affected her and her family. This stage of her life did not diminish her legacy but added another layer of resilience to her story.
FAQs About B Smith
How did she start her career in modeling?
She began her career by participating in the Ebony Fashion Fair before signing with Wilhelmina Models and becoming the first African-American woman on the cover of Mademoiselle magazine.
What television shows did she appear on?
She appeared on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and her own syndicated show, B. Smith with Style.
What restaurants did she own?
B Smith owned restaurants in New York City, Sag Harbor, and Washington, D.C., all named after her.
What collaborations did she have in home design?
She collaborated with Bed Bath & Beyond for a home collection and La-Z-Boy for a furniture line.
What books did she author?
Her notable books include B. Smith’s Entertaining and Cooking for Friends, B. Smith’s Rituals and Celebrations, and Before I Forget.
Conclusion
B Smith’s remarkable career is a testament to her versatility and passion across industries. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, or explore more about famous figures’ financial journeys on Ando Money.
