Tyra Banks may be known for runways and empires, but these days, she says one of her biggest challenges happens much closer to home. The supermodel, entrepreneur, and mom recently shared rare insight into motherhood, fame, and her son’s surprising ambition.
Speaking exclusively with HELLO! during a festive private tasting event on December 10 at ARTECHOUSE, Banks got candid about what it’s really like to juggle motherhood while running multiple businesses. The event doubled as a celebration of her viral Hot Ice Cream brand and the world premiere of her holiday song, “Santa SMiZE, Santa SMiZE.”
“Balancing mom and entrepreneur is very difficult, especially in today’s day when a lot of the times I’m working at home because your child doesn’t understand that you’re at work,” the former Victoria Secret’s model shared. She explained that while York often wants to play, she has to gently remind him that work still counts, even when she’s home.
“So sometimes I’ll go into another room and let him kind of have his time so he’s not conflicted and confused with that. But then there are some times where I’m like, ‘Mommy wants to be with you, but I do have to work, so I’m gonna work at the kitchen table, give mommy her time, but we’re still here.’ So that’s kind of the balance.”
The former supermodel also reflected on how York has gradually come to understand her public life. Early on, she tried to shield him from the reality of her fame.
“I just wanted to keep him pure as long as possible – of not understanding that,” she said, adding that now, “he kind of doesn’t care, which is really great.” That perspective shifted during one memorable moment.
“I remember once, there [were] a lot of people that were coming up to me and he was like, ‘Mom, I don’t know if I really like when people do that.’” After Tyra explained that the attention took time away from them, York surprised her. “And he’s like ‘Well no, I actually kinda want them to do it to me.’ And I was like, ‘What?’ So that was hilarious.”
As for whether she’d support York entering entertainment one day, Banks is open to the idea but firm.
“I would want my son if he expressed interest in being in entertainment, to study, to earn it. …,” she said. Aware of the “nepo baby” conversation, she added, “They’re gonna say it, but have them just say it just because, not because you’re not excellent.”
Photo Credit: Tyra Banks Instagram
