Tyra Banks on Motherhood, The Evolving Modeling World, and Finding Joy Beyond Superstardom

Tyra Banks recently opened up in an exclusive interview, sharing candid insights into everything from navigating the social media-driven modeling landscape to cherishing moments with her adorable 4-year-old son, York. Her reflections offer a rare glimpse into the life of a multi-hyphenate icon balancing unparalleled success with personal fulfillment.

From her iconic runway struts to groundbreaking philanthropic endeavors and hosting a hugely popular talk show, Tyra Banks, 46, has truly conquered nearly every facet of the entertainment industry. Yet, despite reaching the pinnacle of her career, she candidly admits to significant personal struggles during her most successful periods. Speaking exclusively to HollywoodLife at the exciting launch of Nine West’s new Spring collection in Los Angeles, Tyra recalled her experience as a talk show host, describing it as “the hardest thing in the world that I have ever done in my life to damn near this day.” The celebrated model, who hosted the acclaimed Tyra Banks Show from 2005 to 2010, found herself in a paradoxical situation. “I was not happy…I was the most successful in my entire life. Made the most money I ever had in my entire life and sometimes didn’t want to get out of bed,” she revealed. At the time, her empathetic and engaging style earned her comparisons to media mogul Oprah Winfrey, signaling her as a new voice for a generation, yet the immense pressure and demanding schedule took a toll behind the scenes.

This profound realization about the true cost of success came into sharp focus after an illuminating experience during her time at Harvard Business School. Tyra, who dedicated three years between 2010 and 2013 to furthering her education in leadership, recounted a pivotal moment in one of her classes. Her leadership professor tasked students with a unique assignment: to write down moments when they felt successful and, crucially, how they truly felt emotionally at that time. “Everybody [in my class] was sad,” Tyra observed, highlighting a shared sentiment of discontent among high-achievers. It was then that her professor imparted a vital lesson on holistic success: “It’s about finding that balance. It’s not just about winning, it’s about winning it personally, too.” This philosophy, emphasizing that true fulfillment extends beyond professional accolades to encompass personal well-being, resonated deeply with Tyra. She added to this wisdom, saying, “It’s not about excellence. It’s about good enough. You got to keep going.” Reflecting on her talk show era, she attributed much of the difficulty to her dual role as both host and producer, alongside the relentless commitment of producing two cycles of America’s Next Top Model annually. “I was sleepy,” she simply stated, underscoring the unsustainable pace that left her physically and emotionally exhausted.

Today, Tyra’s life has gracefully evolved, marked by what she considers her most significant accomplishment: her 4-year-old son,York Banks, shared with her ex, Erik Asla, 56. Since embracing motherhood, the supermodel has meticulously strived to achieve a harmonious balance between her demanding professional life and her treasured role at home. This commitment is particularly vital given her ongoing projects, which include the highly anticipated *Life Size 3* and the innovative experiential attraction, Model Land. Tyra shared a powerful insight into her approach to parenting: “When I’m with [York] I need to put my phone away. There’s plenty of time to deal with an email and a text from work and stuff when he’s asleep and he deserves my undivided attention.” She confessed to a period where she didn’t initially grasp the full impact of her attention being divided. “I didn’t understand like I’d be at home sometimes and my son would be acting really like, just unruly and then I started to realize after a couple of weeks I was like, it’s only when I’m on my phone. So he just wants mommy’s attention.” This realization profoundly shifted her parenting style, reinforcing the importance of being fully present and engaged, a challenge many modern parents face in our hyper-connected world.

Amidst her diverse ventures and commitment to motherhood, the Inglewood, California native has consciously maintained a strong connection to the modeling world, the industry where she first rose to prominence. However, she readily acknowledges that the “game” has undergone a radical transformation since her early ’90s beginnings. “Social media changed [modeling]…Now power is with the people,” Tyra explained, highlighting a fundamental shift in influence. This democratization of the industry means that traditional gatekeepers hold less sway, as individuals now have direct platforms to define their own image and brand. “And the people were tired of being dictated to and said, ‘This is what we look like, this is who we are, this is how we think, and we’re going to be very vocal about that.’” This movement champions authenticity, diversity, and self-expression, fostering an environment where a broader range of body types, ethnicities, and unique looks are celebrated. Tyra, ever the innovator, expressed her hope for the longevity of this change, stating, “Things are being done and they’ve changed. I hope that it’s not a trend,” emphasizing her desire for a permanently inclusive and representative industry, a vision she has championed throughout her career, notably through *America’s Next Top Model*.

Tyra’s enduring influence and timeless appeal are evident in her prominent role as the Global Ambassador for Nine West’s new “Innovators” campaign. At 46, she looks better than ever, effortlessly rocking one of her favorite shoe trends. She shared her practical yet stylish approach to fashion amidst her busy schedule. “I’m loving the pop of color – I just love it because you’re able to kind of not think about your clothes if you’re rushing out the house, which I am pretty often – dealing with my son, and playing with him and doing breakfast with him, and then I’m like, ‘gosh, I have to get ready,’” she revealed. For Tyra, a vibrant pair of shoes serves as an instant mood booster and a statement piece that elevates any outfit, even on the most hectic mornings. “Then I throw on that pump and there’s these Nine West fluorescent yellow ones that I’m rocking right now!” This blend of high fashion and everyday practicality perfectly embodies the modern woman Tyra Banks continues to represent – a trailblazer who balances a multifaceted career, dedicated motherhood, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth and empowerment. Her journey, marked by both profound success and candid vulnerability, continues to inspire millions, proving that true beauty lies in authenticity and resilience.