Over the weekend, we received news that the legendary and beautiful B. Smith passed away. The annoucement came via her husband, Dan Gasby’s, Facebook page.

As the condolences started to make their way around, I thought about my own experiences with her and her impact on me.

I first remember seeing the iconic model, author, restuaranteur and history maker on her television show, B. Smith Style, where I spefically remember the segment on how she cared for her makeup brushes (of course that had me hooked!).

I knew she was a model and that she’d made history in the 70s as the first African American model to grace the cover of Mademoiselle but I didn’t know a lot about her brand and what she offered. All I can say that is I’m glad to have experienced it in some way.

In addition to watching the tv show, I also attended an event where she was also in attendance, along with her husband here in Richmond. They were very personable and down to earth. It’s one thing to see people on stage or from afar and another to experience them up close and personal.

Later, I had the opportunity to eat at her restaurant-both the DC and NYC locations. The fare was different at each spot-both eateries were upscale and simply elegant. I enjoyed my food and her interpretation of each dish was both culturally and regionally befitting.

I am so grateful for the beauty icon that we knew as B. Smith. She will be greatly missed.