Tyra Banks Embraces New Beginnings in Australia Leaving LA Behind

Tyra Banks has made a significant life change, trading her vibrant lifestyle in the United States for a fresh start in Australia. The 51-year-old model and entrepreneur recently shared her journey during an engaging appearance on the morning show, Today with Jenna and Friends.

The founder of SMiZE and Dream, an ice cream company, Banks explained her rationale for the move. After spending considerable time in Australia for her business, she developed a deep affection for the country. “I’ve been going to Australia a lot because we were making a lot of our ice cream there in this big facility, doing our recipes,” she noted during her conversation.

Her fondness for Australia became evident as she recounted, “I just fell in love with it. Every time I went back, I was drawn to this beautiful country.” She acknowledged the strong ice cream culture in Australia, highlighting that the three nations with the highest ice cream consumption are America, New Zealand, and Australia. This sparked her decision to relocate. “I’m happy here and they love to eat some ice cream, so, are we going to do this family? And we did,” she expressed.

A Leap of Faith

In a brave move, Banks relocated her entire family, including her boyfriend Louis Bélanger-Martin and her nine-year-old son York Banks Asla, who she shares with ex Erik Asla. This transition marks a new chapter in their lives, filled with opportunities and adventures in a different cultural setting.

During her appearance on the show, Banks provided fans with a glimpse into her new life in Sydney. She arrived on-screen with a warm greeting, announcing, “Rise and shine. Welcome to my home in Sydney, Australia.” The morning routine kicked off as she prepared her coffee, a relatable moment for many viewers.

Exploring Sydney’s Allure

Banks enthusiastically guided her audience through some of Sydney’s most captivating sights. Among the highlights was Tumbalong Park, which she fondly described as a beloved local destination. “People come from all over Sydney to enjoy this park,” she explained, highlighting its family-friendly features, including a mini water park and playgrounds.

“There’s this new place that they’ve built for the bigger kids that you really can’t get your kid away from. So be careful when you come here,” she added, showcasing her newfound pride in her surroundings.

Additionally, Banks showcased iconic landmarks like the renowned Sydney Opera House, the harbor ferry, and Darling Harbour. The latter has become a focal point for her ambitious plans to establish an ice cream shop. “Look at the water, so amazing. And over there is where my future ice cream dream is going to come true,” she disclosed, revealing her enthusiasm for this new venture.

Pursuing Lifelong Dreams

Creating ice cream has long been a dream for Banks, and she expressed her excitement about the project. “Making ice cream has been a lifelong dream of mine, and it’s all happening right here in Australia. This idea is a tribute to my mama, Carolyn,” she shared, revealing her emotional connection to this entrepreneurial endeavor.

To further expand on her plans, Banks confirmed they are constructing a 3,000-square-foot flagship store, marking a significant milestone in her career. “Australia has been a dream come true for me and my family,” she added, emphasizing the positive impact the move has had on their lives.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the excitement surrounding her new adventure, Banks has also faced personal challenges. She disclosed to People that she celebrated her 50th birthday in Australia among family after having lived and worked there for some time. However, this joyous milestone was shadowed by a devastating event – a loss she has rarely discussed publicly.

During an appearance on Sunrise, Banks revealed her home in Los Angeles was destroyed in the recent devastating fires that ravaged parts of the area. “I lost my house,” she stated candidly. Though she chose to keep the details private, she acknowledged the reality of her situation. “I just didn’t want to pull a lot of attention to me. I feel like there’s a lot of people that need that attention, so I haven’t really talked about it, but I can’t sit here and not tell the truth that, yeah, we lost our house,” she explained.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Tyra Banks continues to navigate life in Australia, her resilience shines through. Embracing both the opportunities and challenges that come her way, she exemplifies the courage to adapt and grow.

With her ambitious ice cream venture and a fulfilling family life, Banks looks to the future with optimism and determination. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that sometimes, chasing dreams requires bold steps into the unknown.