Audrey Lavinia Smaltz was born and raised in Harlem and began her career as a model and salesperson at Bloomingdale's before moving to Lane Bryant Clothing and Ebony Fashion Fair as a commentator and fashion editor. In 1977, Smaltz established Ground Crew, a backstage management group staffing fashion shows for Vera Wang, Giorgio Armani, Betsey Johnson, Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Alice Roi, Michael Kors, Luca Luca, Nanette Lepore, Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, and Ralph Rucci. Smaltz has also worked with corporations like Nike, Vogue, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, and J. Crew. She lives in Delaware.