In the time of shoulder pads, power suits and oversized blazers, Mary Bryant Smith was making a name for herself by establishing her interior design firm, M.B. Smith Design. Embodying the demands of modern womanhood by working full-time as an interior designer and as a mother of three, Bryant Smith’s career flourished over the years by word of mouth and referrals.

For those embarking on a career in interior design, Bryant Smith can provide a wealth of wisdom to bestow. Next on her horizon? Partnering with a longstanding client’s son to embark on a project to transform two Victorian homes into boutique hotels in North Carolina.

To read more about Bryant Smith’s career and her advice to young designers, check out this story from “The Network,” an e-newsletter from our sister magazine, the Baton Rouge Business Report, aimed at professional women making a difference in our city. Subscribe here for more.