Tyra Banks Just Made Another Dream Come True — and This Time, It’s Sweet and Meaningful

Tyra Banks has done it again — turning her vision into something both inspiring and delicious. The supermodel, entrepreneur, and entertainment powerhouse has officially launched SMiZE & Dream, an immersive and interactive ice cream experience now open in Sydney, Australia. But as Tyra explains, it’s far more than just an ice cream shop — it’s a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Carolyn London, the woman who has stood beside her through every chapter of her life, from the runway to the boardroom.

According to People Magazine (source: People, Sept. 2025), Banks described the opening as “a dream built on love, perseverance, and the sweetest memories of my childhood.” Growing up in Los Angeles, Tyra’s mother — affectionately known as Mama Banks — would take her out for ice cream at the end of every week. It was their way of celebrating small victories, marking the end of long days, and creating moments of joy despite the challenges of single parenthood.

Those nostalgic memories eventually inspired the foundation of SMiZE & Dream. “It wasn’t about the ice cream,” Tyra shared in an Instagram video, “it was about the time, the smiles, the dreams we talked about while sitting on the curb with our cones.” (Instagram/@tyrabanks, 2025). Now, decades later, she’s transformed that simple weekly ritual into an innovative global concept designed to inspire others to dream big — one scoop at a time.

The Sydney location brings Tyra’s signature flair to life with a bright, whimsical interior and interactive elements that make the store feel like part fantasy, part empowerment zone. Customers can enjoy the brand’s signature SMiZE Surprise — a hidden edible “treasure” at the bottom of every scoop — while being surrounded by colorful decor that celebrates creativity and confidence. As Forbes reported, Banks’ goal is to “combine indulgence with inspiration,” offering “an ice cream experience that’s both emotionally and sensorially rich” (Forbes, 2024).

In a tearful moment from her launch video, Tyra thanked her mother for being her lifelong motivator: “Mom, this one’s for you. Every dream I’ve had started with your belief in me.”

SMiZE & Dream isn’t Tyra’s first business venture — far from it. She’s conquered modeling, acting, and television as the creator of America’s Next Top Model, earned a degree from Harvard Business School, and founded multiple brands empowering women and young entrepreneurs. Yet, as Essence noted, “this may be her most personal and emotionally resonant project to date” (Essence, 2025).

Beyond the cones and sprinkles, Tyra sees this shop as a symbol of legacy. It honors the strength of Black motherhood, the resilience of single parents, and the power of nurturing dreams — no matter how improbable they seem. “SMiZE & Dream is about remembering where I came from, but also creating a space where future dreamers can believe in where they’re going,” she said.

At its core, the brand’s mission remains true to Tyra’s philosophy: celebrate yourself, share joy, and keep dreaming boldly.

So while it may just look like a scoop of ice cream, for Tyra Banks — and for every customer who walks through those doors — it’s really a sweet reminder that dreams, like dessert, are best when shared.