Tyra Banks' mother Carolyn London breaks down in tears after her daughter surprises her with an ice cream shop in Australia

TV personality Tyra Banks had a heartwarming surprise for her mother, Carolyn London. She opened an ice cream store in Australia, and when London got its first glimpse, she couldn’t hold back her tears.

On June 24, 2025, Banks posted a video on Instagram showing her mother’s reaction to the ice cream parlour, a franchise named SMiZE & DREAM. As seen in the video, Tyra Banks counted to three and asked her mother to turn around. After London saw the ice cream shop, she screamed with excitement and said:

“Oh my God! It’s huge. I thought it was going to be a little ice cream store. Oh my God! It’s beautiful. Look at that.”

Carolyn London was moved to tears after seeing the inside of the store. She said:

“You worked so hard and I get to see what you worked so hard for. It’s like a dream. Years and years ago, when I was working so hard as a single Mom, I worked more than one job. I worked two jobs. I worked three jobs. I did whatever I could and the way we would celebrate each week that I got through is I would take her for ice cream in Hollywood. We lived near Hollywood and we would go for ice cream.”

Carolyn London said they would talk about what they wanted in life and the places they would explore. They would discuss spending a good life and fulfilling Tyra Banks’ dreams.

Carolyn London said ice cream was an obsession for both her and Tyra Banks

In the video, Carolyn London said the ice cream they had once a week held a special place in their hearts. She said wherever she went and saw ice cream, she was reminded of how the delicacy makes everyone happy and calm. To her:

“It’s moments together having those ice cream treats, sitting in the car on Hollywood Boulevard, people watching and dreaming and sharing everything. And now this.”

Tyra Banks also became emotional at that point. She said:

“It’s crazy Mama because when I look at everything, I am like, I can’t believe this is real. You know? Yeah, it’s my dream and vision because it’s more than what I dreamed.”

Carolyn London said Tyra Banks always loved to have ice cream. She mentioned that the two were obsessed with it. However, her daughter’s new venture with the ice cream shop was much more than she ever thought. What she thought as a little ice cream shop turned out to be a grand avenue. Tyra Banks mentioned:

“And Mama, you know, this is dedicated to you.”

The video then flashes to a message written and displayed in the shop. Addressed to Carolyn London, it read:

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“Mama, I will never be able to repay you for all the sacrifices you made for me and Devin. So what if I dedicate my biggest dream to you?”

London hugged her daughter, and the two had an emotional moment. She thanked her, saying she was happy for Banks. As the video ends, a message, seemingly from Banks, is displayed. It encouraged people to chase their dreams and bring along someone they cared about on the journey.

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