B. Smith, a beloved figure in the entertainment, culinary, and lifestyle sectors, achieved incredible success across multiple domains, becoming a household name in the process.
From her groundbreaking career as the first African American model to grace the cover of Mademoiselle magazine to owning a string of successful restaurants, B. Smith’s financial journey is one of resilience and innovation.
But what is B. Smith’s net worth in 2025? In this article, we will explore how she accumulated her wealth, her various income streams, and her lasting legacy in the worlds of business and media. Let’s dive into the financial details of her life, salary, and assets.
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?
B. Smith’s net worth has fluctuated over the years due to her diversified career. She accumulated substantial wealth through her ventures in the restaurant industry, television shows, and books.
By the time of her death in 2020, her estimated net worth stood at $20 million. As of 2025, B. Smith’s financial legacy still holds considerable influence in the culinary and media worlds.
Compared to other celebrities who have leveraged multiple revenue streams for success, such as Oprah Winfrey or Martha Stewart, B. Smith’s financial trajectory highlights her success as a pioneer in multiple fields, including hospitality and entertainment.
Her lasting impact, especially as an African American female entrepreneur, has influenced many in the business sector.
Related personalities and entities:
- Oprah Winfrey
- Martha Stewart
- Dan Gasby
- La-Z-Boy
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- The Cosby Mysteries
- Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
- Mademoiselle magazine
- Nicole Smith (Daughter)
- Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
For a closer look at other high-earning celebrities, check out our article on the wealthiest stars.
B. Smith Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Accumulate Her Wealth?
B. Smith’s financial success is rooted in her multi-faceted career. She first gained widespread recognition as a model, making history as the first African American woman on the cover of Mademoiselle in 1976.
This was a significant breakthrough, not just for her career, but for diversity in fashion media.
However, it was her ventures beyond modeling that significantly boosted her wealth. She expanded into the restaurant industry, where she opened the first B. Smith restaurant in New York City in 1986.
This was followed by several more successful locations. The restaurants became a key source of her income and helped solidify her status as a leading entrepreneur.
Her success in TV and publishing also contributed substantially to her wealth. She hosted B. Smith with Style, a popular TV show, and authored several books, including B. Smith’s Entertaining and Cooking for Friends.
These ventures were not just a means of expanding her brand but also additional income streams that helped her achieve financial independence.
What Were the Major Sources of Her Income?
B. Smith’s income primarily came from four key sources:
Restaurants:
he chain of restaurants she opened across the country was one of her major financial contributors. Each location brought in steady revenue, and the brand itself became synonymous with upscale dining and hospitality.
Television Appearances:
s the host of her own lifestyle and cooking show, B. Smith with Style, she earned a significant salary. She also made appearances on other notable TV shows such as Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, further building her brand.
Product Lines:
. Smith expanded her brand into consumer products. She developed a home collection for Bed Bath & Beyond and a furniture collection for La-Z-Boy, which allowed her to tap into the lucrative home décor and furniture market.
Books and Royalties:
ver the years, she authored several cookbooks and lifestyle guides. These books, including B. Smith’s Entertaining and Cooking for Friends, earned her royalties that contributed to her wealth.
What Was Her Salary as a TV Personality and Author?
While exact salary figures from her various roles are not public, her television and book royalties certainly formed a significant part of her income.
As a TV personality, her earnings were likely bolstered by her own cooking show and numerous guest appearances. Her books, especially in the culinary and home décor niches, continued to bring in income after their release, contributing to her financial standing.
What Assets and Investments Contributed to Her Financial Portfolio?
She was not just a businesswoman; she was also a savvy investor. She owned several properties, including the spaces where her restaurants operated. This was a key part of her financial portfolio.
Real estate is often a reliable long-term investment, and for B. Smith, it became an additional revenue stream. Moreover, her association with brands like La-Z-Boy and Bed Bath & Beyond provided her with royalty income from product sales, solidifying her wealth.
How Did Her Personal Life and Career Affect Her Financial Journey?
Her personal life, particularly her marriage to Dan Gasby, was an essential factor in her professional and financial success.
The couple worked together on various projects, including co-authoring the book Before I Forget, which documents her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Gasby played a crucial role in helping B. Smith manage her career and public image, especially during her later years.
Despite facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s, her career continued to thrive, and her financial success remained a testament to her resilience and work ethic.
Conclusion
B. Smith’s financial journey is a remarkable tale of perseverance and innovation. From her history-making role as a model to becoming a successful restaurateur and media personality, her wealth reflects the diverse sources of income she established. For those interested in celebrity finance and more insights into B. Smith’s legacy, feel free to leave a comment or explore more content on Pennbookcenter.com.
