Smize & Dream Flagship Launch Brings Carolyn London to Tears
Tyra Banks gave her mother, Carolyn London, a surprise she’ll never forget — the opening of her flagship Smize & Dream ice cream shop in Sydney, Australia. The emotional moment was captured on video and shared on Instagram, showing Carolyn overwhelmed with tears as she stepped into the colorful new store.
“She had no idea what to expect,” Tyra wrote in her caption. “Her reaction? I’ll never forget it. Ever. This is all for you, Mama Carolyn.”
The surprise wasn’t just about business. It was deeply personal.
Childhood Ice Cream Dates Inspired the Shop
Carolyn shared how weekly ice cream trips were a reward for getting through long days of work as a single mother. “I worked two jobs. I worked three jobs. I did whatever I could,” she recalled.
Each weekend, she and young Tyra would sit in the car with their ice cream and talk about dreams and goals. Those small, sweet moments became the heart of their bond — and, years later, the inspiration behind Tyra’s growing ice cream empire.
“This is like a dream,” Carolyn said, her voice cracking as she walked through the shop. “You worked so hard and I get to see!”
A Sweet Celebration of Legacy and Love
Now 76, Carolyn saw the shop as more than a store — it was a tribute to the life she built with her daughter. Tyra, now 51, has long credited her mother’s sacrifices as key to her success.
“It’s crazy, Mom, because when I look at everything, I can’t believe this is real,” Tyra told her at the store. “It’s more than what I dreamed. This is dedicated to you.”
The moment adds another layer to their close relationship. They previously co-wrote Perfect Is Boring, a book about confidence and growth, and Carolyn often appeared on America’s Next Top Model.
Building a Brand With Meaning
Smize & Dream isn’t just another celebrity business. It’s a brand grounded in family, perseverance, and purpose. Tyra’s focus on storytelling makes the brand stand out. Each scoop comes with a toy or surprise inside — a nod to the joy and discovery of childhood.
The Australia flagship shop marks a new chapter for the brand. But its heart still rests in those old Hollywood ice cream runs between a hard-working mother and her dreamer daughter.
