B. Smith’s net worth reflects an impressive journey through the worlds of television, modeling, restaurants, and more. As an influential figure in the lifestyle and entertainment industries, she capitalized on her diverse talents to build a solid financial foundation.
From her role as a TV host to owning a string of restaurants, B. Smith’s wealth comes from various sources.
In this article, we’ll explore B. Smith’s net worth, break down her salary, examine her wealth-building strategies, and look at the financial impact of her business ventures.
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 2020, B. Smith’s net worth was estimated at $20 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. While her net worth remains relatively steady, it’s important to compare her financial standing with others in similar industries.
Celebrities like Martha Stewart, known for a career in TV and lifestyle, and food-focused figures such as Rachael Ray, also have multimillion-dollar fortunes. B. Smith’s wealth, built from her work in restaurants, television, books, and product lines, reflects a diverse portfolio.
Related figures with significant financial success include:
- Martha Stewart
- Rachael Ray
- Oprah Winfrey
- Tyra Banks
- Gordon Ramsay
- Maya Angelou
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Huda Kattan
- Lisa Vanderpump
- Dan Gasby
For more insights into celebrity wealth, check out the richest celebrities and discover how these individuals stack up.
B. Smith Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth?
B. Smith built her wealth through a combination of entrepreneurial spirit and broad industry involvement. Initially starting her career as a model, she became the first African-American to appear on the cover of Mademoiselle magazine.
This groundbreaking achievement opened doors in television and fashion, paving the way for her long-term success. With her ability to leverage her name and personality, she transitioned into television, creating shows such as B. Smith with Style, where she combined cooking and lifestyle advice.
Her restaurant chain, B. Smith’s, was another significant contributor to her wealth. Opening in 1986, her restaurants became highly regarded, offering both a fine dining experience and her signature blend of hospitality and style.
Over the years, she expanded her brand to include product lines with major retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, and she even launched a furniture collection with La-Z-Boy.
The Role of Her Restaurants in Her Financial Success
B. Smith’s restaurants were one of the cornerstones of her wealth. Opening in New York City in 1986, her first restaurant quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists.
Over the years, B. Smith expanded to other locations, including Washington, D.C., and Sag Harbor, New York. Her ability to blend culture, food, and a lifestyle experience made her restaurants a success.
However, in the mid-2010s, her empire started to decline as she faced health challenges, and her restaurants were eventually closed. Still, her restaurant ventures significantly contributed to her overall financial standing.
Her Impact in Television and Media
B. Smith’s television career also played a major role in her financial success. She became a household name with B. Smith with Style, a daytime television show that aired from the late 1990s into the 2000s.
Her presence on television allowed her to expand her brand and reach an even broader audience. Through TV appearances, product endorsements, and syndication, her financial success in the media was undeniable.
Her appearances on shows like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Sabrina the Teenage Witch only furthered her reach. Television gave her the platform to promote her brand beyond just food, with segments on interior design and lifestyle, which boosted her revenue streams.
Her Book Publications and Product Lines
In addition to her TV career and restaurants, she authored several books that contributed to her wealth. Her books, including B. Smith’s Entertaining and Cooking for Friends and B. Smith Cooks Southern Style, were well-received and contributed significantly to her financial portfolio.
The success of her books was a reflection of her diverse talents and ability to create a holistic lifestyle brand.
She also launched home decor and furniture lines, collaborating with brands like Bed Bath & Beyond and La-Z-Boy. These ventures were yet another revenue stream that helped solidify her place in the financial landscape of American celebrities.
How Did She Manage Her Wealth?
Her wealth management strategy was multi-faceted, relying on diversification. She didn’t just rest on one source of income; she capitalized on multiple ventures across different industries.
This diversification helped her stay financially secure even as the restaurant business experienced challenges in the later years.
She was known for her savvy financial decisions, including her product lines and investment in her brand.
By creating a recognizable name in the lifestyle sector, she was able to build a lasting financial legacy that extended beyond her immediate ventures.
Conclusion
B. Smith’s wealth is a result of her diverse career and smart business decisions. As her legacy continues, it’s clear that her ability to diversify her income streams helped her create lasting financial success. Feel free to leave a comment, share this article, or explore more about celebrity net worth and financial insights on Aupeo.
