SimplymeCWB: April 2010

B. Smith is a pioneer in the lifestyle category whose talents and expertise span a wide range of specialties. An African-American who is at the forefront of a trans-cultural movement, she possesses a unique ability to merge cultures through a shared appreciation for style. Smith regularly offers advice to television and radio audiences, reaching others as an author, and has also earned kudos as a restaurateur and home décor authority. A native of Pennsylvania, B. (Barbara) Smith began her career as a fashion model, going on to grace the covers of 15 magazines including Mademoiselle, becoming the first African-American woman on its cover in July 1976. Smith’s flair for décor, demonstrated in the ambiance of her restaurants, led to the development of her first home collection, which debuted at Bed Bath & Beyond in Spring 2001. 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 (duvet and comforter sets, coverlets, quilts, coordinated sheets, decorative pillows, window treatments) as well as tabletop, bath ensembles and area rugs, doormats, wall art, candles, bathroom furniture, and paper products. At the 2009 October High Point Market Show B. Smith will introduced the B.Smith Home Collection featuring case goods and occasional furniture collections from Hammary Furniture, a division of Lay-Z-Boy and upholstered furniture with Miles Talbot. The B. Smith Collection will also feature area rugs from Surya, mirrors from Roma Home Décor and wall art from Picture Source.
http://www.bsmith.com/about_b.php