Tyra Banks has traded the runways of Paris for the aisles of Kmart as she embraces a surprising new life Down Under.
Banks, 51, is embracing local life while quietly building her ice cream empire, SMiZE & DREAM, and teased a possible return to television on Wednesday.
The supermodel has been living in Sydney for the past 18 months, and she’s made it clear—she’s fallen hard for life Down Under.
For Banks, Australia is more than just a business venture; it’s a place that feels like home. ‘It’s very special to me, very special to my family,’ the America’s Next Top Model host told Daily Mail Australia.
‘The people are so warm, so kind, so helpful. You’ll be lost, and they’ll be like, ‘Do you want me to walk you there?’ I’m like, ‘Oh, okay.’
Banks confessed that even her mother is enamoured with the country. ‘My mum can’t believe we’re here. She’s like, ‘This is crazy!’ Tyra revealed.
Tyra Banks has traded the runways of Paris for the aisles of Kmart as she embraces a surprising new life Down Under
Banks, 51, has swapped the glitz of Hollywood for the laid-back charm of Australia, embracing local life while quietly building her ice cream empire, SMiZE & DREAM, and dropping hints about a possible return to television
‘Australia’s not real to Americans. I know you guys, this is where you’re from, but this is like fantasy land.’
Tyra has fully embraced the Aussie way of life, trading designer boutiques for shopping trips to Kmart.
‘I went the other day and bought stuff for our kitchen,’ she said with a laugh. ‘Kmart here is fancy! Where’s the cheque? This is ridiculous—I just keep talking about it!’
While her focus is on launching the brand Down Under, Tyra hasn’t ruled out a return to television—and this time, it might happen in Australia.
‘I think I’m going to go back to do some TV,’ she teased. ‘I might even do stuff here—morning shows, hosting, something. When I do, it’s going to feel like home.’
Reflecting on her career, she admitted she once found TV stressful but now sees it differently.
‘I used to think, ‘Oh, I’m so stressed with all these TV shows,’ she said. ‘But that is nothing compared to being an entrepreneur. When I go back to TV, it’ll actually feel relaxing!’
Produced in Sydney with Australian ingredients, SMiZE & DREAM reflects Tyra’s hands-on approach to business.
While her focus is on launching the brand Down Under, Tyra hasn’t ruled out a return to television—and this time, it might happen in Australia. Pictured here in 2021
‘I’m involved in everything—from the flavours to the branding to the overall creative vision,’ she explained.
She’s also championing local businesses, including a First Nations chocolatier whose creations will feature in her ice cream.
‘I called her myself,’ Tyra shared. ‘She was shocked. She was like, ‘What girl? Tyra, what are you calling me for?’ Her chocolates are going to be in our ice cream.’
Tyra’s passion project, SMiZE & DREAM, is her ice cream brand that promises more than just a sweet treat.
Ahead of her Darling Harbour flagship opening, she’s been showcasing unique flavours through the Time Travel Tasting Tour, a series of pop-up stations across Sydney.
‘We’re creating a time capsule of taste,’ she said. ‘Every scoop has a story.’
