Expanding the definition of beauty is something Tyra’s always believed in, as a supermodel and as a super-businesswoman. Tyra (and her big forehead) were rejected by six modeling agencies before being signed at age 15. Now, hundreds of magazine covers and thousands of runways later, for almost two decades, she has been grooming the next generation of newbie models to make their dreams come true as creator, Executive Producer and host of “America’s Next Top Model”, which airs in 140 countries. She’s also enlisted fierce supermodel ambassadors from around the world to find unique, unconventional beauty through 40 international versions of the “Next Top Model” franchise, including Russia, Brazil, Africa, South Korea, Germany, India and China.

She’s the Chairman & CEO of The Tyra Banks Company – a place where beauty meets entertainment. Housed underneath her parent company is Bankable Productions where TyTy and her team create cool film & TV projects they hope you’ll be tweeting about soon.

IN 2012, TYRA GRADUATED FROM THE 3-YEAR OWNER/PRESIDENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AT HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL AND IS NOW A PROUD ALUM! FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS, SHE HAS TAUGHT PERSONAL BRANDING AT STANFORD’S GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS.

Tyra’s addicted to ice cream and working in the middle of the night – and can do your makeup like a pro! She loves barbeque, interior design, binging TV shows, lounging in her pajamas all weekend, relishes airplane food (yeah, you read that right), can freestyle rap, and adores freckles, but isn’t the biggest fan of chocolate (but her son is.) You can catch her chugging lots of flavored sparkling water, and she’s an inventor of words: “SMIZE” (smile with your eyes), “Flawsome” (Flaws + Awesome) and “H2T” (head-to-toe.)

Tyra will soon launch Modelland, a first-of-its-kind experiential attraction that will emulate a fantasy version of the modelling world with state-of-the-art interactive entertainment where beauty, fashion, tech, theater, retail, and an eating extravaganza collide.

SOME THINGS YOU MIGHT CATCH TYRA SAYING:

BYOB – BE YOUR OWN BOSS!

In terms of drive, I think some people are born with it. But not everyone. I think with some people, certain circumstances push you towards success… like trying to prove people wrong. I’m not exactly sure where my drive comes from, but, I have this thing inside of me that, when someone tells me that I can’t do something, I become obsessed with showing them just how wrong they were. I take a certain pleasure from it.

Being a boss for me is using Power to Empower, really ‘seeing’ people and that unique thing that makes them special, and giving them the opportunity to Step Into Their Light and really harness their talent, passion and grit.  

WHEN LOOKING IN THE MIRROR, ASK YOURSELF:

Goals, Dreams, Wishes. I’m obsessed with helping others make them come true. I tell them, “Let’s get down to business. Or, let’s strategize to help you start your own.”