Lifestyle Legend: Barbara Elaine Smith

By Dontrey Britt-Hart

As we kick off Black History Month on this 1st day of February, we at Denim & Damask found it only fitting to shine a spotlight and sprinkle confetti on a true pioneer, tastemaker and entrepreneur, Barbara Elaine Smith, affectionately known to most of us as B. Smith. As an author, TV host on B. Smith with Style, restauranteur, founder of a successful home collection line, and first Black woman to don the cover of Mademoiselle in the mid-70s, B. Smith charted a path for the growing number of multidimensional food and lifestyle professionals we see today. Thank you, B. Smith, for every door you opened, every stereotype you shattered and every space you left warmer by your presence. Though you are no longer physically with us, your light shines on and we bask in your glow.

PHOTO CREDIT: GOOGLE

Photo credit: casey kelbaugh

“I have stood on a mountain of No’s for one Yes.”

— B. Smith

PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH