Smith-Goodwin entered Birmingham-Southern College to study musical theater. After receiving her degree there, she moved to New York City, where she had performed in concerts, readings, and benefits. She was an original cast member of the Off-Broadway production, Freckleface Strawberry. 　　Smith-Goodwin appeared as the lead in the Birmingham, Alabama, production of Sweet Charity during October 2011. She is currently based in New York City. Smith-Goodwin also appeared in the 2006 drama Circumstance directed by Lena Khan. 　　Smith-Goodwin gained national attention when she was selected to be the face of Wendy's Restaurants' current advertising campaign, titled Now That's Better. Television commercials carrying that theme began airing in April 2012. Naturally a dark blonde, her hair was dyed "orangey red" for the commercial role.