The Scoop on Tyra Banks’ Ice Cream Dream: A Messy Business

When fashion icon Tyra Banks ventured into the ice cream industry, she infused her passion for desserts with aspirations of empowerment. However, her recent endeavors have taken a tumultuous turn, entangling her and her business partner in a substantial legal battle. Let’s delve into the complexities of Banks’ foray into cold treats, her ambitious vision, and the challenges that have arisen along the way.

From Supermodel to Ice Cream Entrepreneur

At 52, Tyra Banks has set her sights on a new venture: launching her ice cream brand, Smize & Dream. The name itself is a nod to her famed catchphrase “smize,” a playful twist that encapsulates her personality and passion. The brand aims not only to satiate sweet cravings but also to be a conduit for community engagement and youth empowerment.

In 2021, Smize & Dream was born, driven by Banks’ desire to blend her love for ice cream with meaningful initiatives that support underserved youth. However, the road to success has not been without its bumps.

The Lawsuit: Allegations Run Deep

The recent legal troubles stem from a $2.8 million lawsuit filed by Christopher Powell, a landlord in Washington, D.C. Powell alleges that Banks’ company, School of SMiZE LLC, breached their contract connected to a 10-year lease for a flagship ice cream shop in D.C. The agreement promised not only an ice cream shop but also a community hub designed to educate and support at-risk youth.

Court documents reveal that Powell believed in Banks’ vision for the location, which was to be a cornerstone for her expanding brand. Banks had touted the D.C. establishment as a flagship store critical to her ambitious dream of creating a global chain dedicated to serving communities. However, legal filings indicate that after signing the lease, the business failed to move forward with the buildout, neglected to pay rent, and ultimately abandoned the space—a move that left Powell in a precarious financial situation.

A Shift in Focus

One of the most striking allegations is that as Banks’ ice cream ambitions flourished elsewhere, particularly with a recent flagship location launched in Sydney, Australia, the commitments tied to the D.C. location were seemingly overlooked. This pivot toward international endeavors raised eyebrows, especially since the intended D.C. shop was positioned as a cornerstone of her overall mission.

The lawsuit has sparked discussions about the operational focus of Smize & Dream. Critics question whether Banks can effectively balance her various commitments and whether her vision was realistic from the start.

Response from Banks and Her Partner

Despite the gravity of the lawsuit, both Banks and her partner, Louis Bélanger-Martin, have firmly denied the allegations. They argue that the legal case is flawed and have filed a motion to dismiss it. Their response reflects the challenges faced by entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of business agreements while pursuing their dreams.

The duo’s recent relocation to Sydney has also captured public interest, as they strive to expand Smize & Dream internationally, creating buzz in the global ice cream market while navigating their legal woes back in the U.S.

Journey of the Smize & Dream Brand

Since its inception, Smize & Dream has primarily operated through pop-ups and limited-time engagements. A notable example was the pop-up shop in D.C.’s Woodley Park in July 2024, which showcased the brand’s approach to building community ties. These temporary locations have allowed Banks to cultivate her ice cream brand and engage with fans personally, but also highlight the struggles of establishing a permanent footprint.

As the brand continues to make waves, the juxtaposition between Banks’ mission of empowerment and the current legal landscape presents a fascinating, albeit messy narrative. The ice cream world may be sweet, but the complexities of launching a community-focused business are anything but.

In a world where dreams meet reality, Tyra Banks’ ice cream adventure is serving up a story filled with both hope and uncertainty, marking yet another chapter in the life of one of the fashion industry’s most dynamic personalities.