5 Shocking Ways Tyra Banks Is Redefining Her Empire In 2025—From Hot Ice Cream To A Hollywood Lawsuit

Tyra Banks, the ultimate supermodel, media mogul, and "smizing tycoon," is undergoing one of the most significant career reinventions of her life in 2025. After officially stepping away from her high-profile role as the host and executive producer of *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS), Banks has doubled down on her entrepreneurial ventures, most notably her wildly imaginative ice cream company, Smize & Dream, and a massive new project, Modelland. Her focus is no longer on the ballroom, but on a sweet, viral, and sometimes controversial new chapter of business dominance, proving that the woman who taught the world to "smize" is far from done building her empire in December 2025.

This deep dive explores the latest updates on Tyra Banks’ life, from her dazzling 2025 awards season appearances to the viral "hot ice cream" trend she is pushing and the multi-million dollar lawsuit now challenging her business ambitions. The legendary icon continues to command attention, balancing glamour, business power, and an unyielding commitment to her brand.

The Tyra Banks Empire: A Complete Biography and Profile (2025)

Tyra Banks is a global icon known for shattering glass ceilings in modeling, television, and business. Her current profile reflects a shift from a primary focus on television production to a full-throttle commitment to her entrepreneurial endeavors, including a net worth estimated at $90 million in 2025.

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• Full Name: Tyra Lynne Banks (also known by the professional moniker, BanX)
• Born: December 4, 1973
• Birthplace: Inglewood, California, U.S.
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 52 years old
• Net Worth (Estimated 2025): $90 million to $100 million
• Primary Occupations: Model, Television Personality, Producer, Writer, Actress, Businesswoman (Smize & Dream CEO)
• Career Milestones: First Black woman to be on the cover of the *Sports Illustrated* swimsuit issue; Creator and host of *America's Next Top Model* (ANTM); Host and Executive Producer of *Dancing with the Stars* (Seasons 29-31); Author of the *New York Times* Best Seller novel *Modelland*.
• Education: Graduated from the Executive Education program at Harvard Business School.
• Family: Shares son York Banks Asla (born 2016, making him 9 years old in 2025) with ex-boyfriend Erik Asla.

From Catwalk to CEO: Tyra Banks’ Explosive Business Obsession

Tyra Banks' current life is dominated by her relentless pursuit of business mogul status, a move she has prioritized over her long-standing television career. Her decision to step away from DWTS was explicitly made to focus on her growing business interests, which are now making global headlines.

The Viral Phenomenon of "Hot Ice Cream" and Smize & Dream

The biggest news surrounding Banks in 2025 is the explosive growth and innovation of her ice cream company, Smize & Dream. The brand is not just selling frozen treats; it's selling an experience, with Banks pioneering the viral concept of "hot ice cream."

• The Innovation: "Hot ice cream" is a conceptual head-scratcher that Banks has been introducing through a series of global pop-ups, including a high-profile debut in New York City in December 2025.
• Global Reach: Banks has been actively hosting pop-up events to introduce more fans to the brand, sharing her "Smize & Dream" through international ventures.
• The Lawsuit: Despite the viral success, the company is facing a legal challenge. Banks was hit with a $2.8 million lawsuit over an allegedly "abandoned" ice cream shop project in Washington, D.C. This legal battle puts a spotlight on the intense, high-stakes nature of her entrepreneurial drive.

The Long-Awaited Modelland Theme Park

Another major project finally gaining traction is Modelland, a model-themed entertainment park. Banks, the self-proclaimed "smizing tycoon," announced that the flashy, interactive theme park is set to open in Santa Monica.

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Modelland is designed to be a permanent destination, a fantasy world that blends fashion, beauty, and entertainment, inspired by her own young adult novel of the same name. This venture positions Banks not just as a model or a host, but as a visionary creating physical, immersive experiences for her fans.

Stepping Out of the Ballroom: The DWTS Departure and New Media Moves

Tyra Banks made headlines by confirming her departure from the host and executive producer roles on *Dancing with the Stars* after three seasons. She stated that the decision was driven by her desire to dedicate her energy and focus to her rapidly expanding business empire, particularly Smize & Dream.

While she has left the weekly television grind, her presence in the media and fashion world remains as strong as ever, marked by a series of high-profile appearances and accolades in 2025.

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2025 Awards Season and Fashion Buzz

Banks has been a fixture on the 2025 awards and red-carpet circuit, turning heads with her bold fashion choices and striking new looks.

• Luminary Spotlight Award: She was honored with the prestigious Luminary Spotlight Award at the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood event, a testament to her enduring influence as a supermodel and media mogul.
• Fashion L.A. and ARIA Awards: Banks captivated attendees at the 2025 Fashion L.A. Awards and the 2025 ARIA Awards, showcasing a stunning transformation that sparked online buzz and highlighted her views on graceful aging.
• Essence Magazine Cover: Proving her modeling prowess is undiminished, Banks graced the cover of *Essence Magazine*'s March/April 2025 issue with an editorial that was praised for being reminiscent of her high-fashion runway days.

The Icon's Legacy and Future: Victoria's Secret and Beyond

Tyra Banks’ legacy as a pioneering supermodel continues to influence her future projects. She was one of the original and most iconic Victoria's Secret Angels, and nearly two decades after her retirement from the runway, there is strong speculation about a potential return.

Banks has openly discussed returning to the catwalk and the changes she has observed in the industry, suggesting that a high-profile return to the Victoria's Secret stage could be on the horizon. This potential comeback would solidify her status not just as a businesswoman, but as a timeless fashion figure capable of commanding any stage.

Topical Authority: The Tyra Banks Business Model

Tyra Banks’ career trajectory serves as a masterclass in brand diversification and reinvention. Her success is built on a foundation of leveraging her personal brand—The Smize, ANTM, and her supermodel status—to launch highly profitable ventures in adjacent industries. This model allows her to maintain relevance and topical authority across multiple sectors: entertainment (ANTM, DWTS), fashion (Modelland, Victoria's Secret), and consumer goods (Smize & Dream). Her decision to focus on the latter two in 2025 underscores a strategic pivot toward becoming a true retail and experience-based entrepreneur.

In 2025, Tyra Banks is not just resting on her laurels; she is actively challenging the status quo, whether by introducing "hot ice cream" or building a model-themed park. The former DWTS host has successfully transitioned from a television personality to a full-fledged business powerhouse, with her current activities proving that her relentless ambition and ability to reinvent herself are the true keys to her enduring success.