Supermodel and entrepreneur Tyra Banks has officially relocated to Australia with her partner, Louis Bélanger-Martin, and their 9-year-old son, York, as she builds out the next chapter of her booming ice cream brand, SMiZE & Dream.
At 51, Banks is embracing both family life and business growth Down Under, revealing that her deepening ties to Australia were sparked by her company’s operations there.
SMiZE & Dream manufactures its products at a major facility in Australia, where Banks has been involved in developing recipes and overseeing production.
“We were making a lot of our ice cream there in this big facility, doing our recipes,” she said during an April 14 appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends, according to People magazine. “I just fell in love with it.”
Citing the country’s strong appetite for frozen treats, Banks joked about her business instincts.
“The top three countries that eat the most ice cream are the U.S., New Zealand, and Australia,” she said. “So I was like, ‘I’m happy here and they love to eat some ice cream, so, are we going to do this family?’ And we did.”
Now based in Sydney, Banks is preparing to launch a 3,000-square-foot flagship store for SMiZE & Dream, marking a major milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
She described the expansion as not just a business move, but a personal dream she’s long nurtured — inspired by her mother, Carolyn, to whom she dedicated the brand.
In a recent video diary, Banks offered fans a glimpse into her new life in Australia. She begins her mornings with coffee at home, then heads to Tumbalong Park, a family-friendly urban oasis where she and York enjoy the water features and playgrounds. She also frequents Darling Harbour and the Sydney Opera House, where she takes in live performances.
One especially magical moment she shared was a ferry ride through Sydney Harbour at night — an experience she said sealed her love for her new city.
“Making ice cream has been a lifelong dream of mine, and it’s all happening right here in Australia,” Banks said. “Australia has been a dream come true for me and my family.”
From catwalks to cones, Tyra Banks continues to reinvent herself — this time with a scoop of sunshine and a swirl of sweet ambition.
