domestic goddess {b. smith}

b. smith has often been called the 'black martha stewart.'  and although she seems to have just as much talent, that is still selling b. short.  besides her obvious creativity and skills, what helps mrs. smith get by is her beauty, charm and charisma.  b. smith actually began her career as a model, gracing the covers of fifteen different magazines.  in fact, she was the first black model on the cover of  'mademoiselle.'  eventually, barbara smith ventured over into the food and service industry.  soon, she would open three namesake restaurants in the heart of nyc, d.c and sag harbor, long island she specialized in high end southern cuisine.  this opportunity would help to launch many of her successful future projects.  one of those successes was her syndicated television show 'b. smith with style.'  the b. smith brand would extend to numerous products such as her home decor line with bed bath and beyond, a furniture collection with la-z boy, and an olive oil company.  she is also a spokeswoman for quite a few companies (betty crocker, palmolive...).  her three books have all been very well received and quite helpful to many.  very recently, smith revealed that she is battling alzheimer's disease.  by sharing her story, she is hoping to assist others and remove some of the shame and stigma often associated with the sickness.  we wish her well in her fight and all her future endeavors.