STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Tyra Banks Shows the World Who's the Boss for Zink Magazine

The supermodel media mogul opens up about her TV-producer goals and investing in start-ups and dreams.

(Photo: Z!NK Magazine, Spring 2014)

Tyra Banks has come so far in her career and it's not just her smizing skills that got the model from the catwalk to the boardroom. Over the years, Banks has collected a business certificate from Harvard as well as experience and knowledge that she's happy to dish to other hopefuls through her business ventures, social media and her successful televised modeling competition, America's Next Top Model, which is now entering its 21st season. As cover girl for Zink magazine's spring issue, Banks talks about what it's like to live like a boss.

"It's really mind blowing what Top Model has evolved into. Sometimes I think about being that young model with an idea for a television show and how far it has come," she said. "People send me photos on social media or take photos with me in person and say, 'Smize,' instead of, 'Cheese.' Words like 'Tooch' and 'Booch' that I made up are now mainstream. That's a true sign of a pop culture mainstay, and I'm so excited by that."

Banks doesn't just help pave the way for young models, she also invests in tech startups though her firm Fierce Capital.

"For Fierce Capital, I look for companies that are either founded by, run or targeting females. Entrepreneurialism among women is something that I teach my TZONE girls, and it is something that I am very passionate about supporting. Ideas that solve the small intricacies of life and make it easier, quicker or more enjoyable are the kind of startups I look for."

But despite all her success in media, Banks continues to shoot for the sky with her goals.

"Being the first to break into a certain genre or production style and being unique is how I approach television. I have a lot of ideas on my creative slate right now that incorporate digital platforms and out-of-the-box ideas," she said. "I really believe that the future of how people will be consuming their entertainment is not just staring at a screen and I try to think about producing through that lens."
BET.com always gives you the latest fashion and beauty trends, tips and news. We are committed to bringing you the best of Black lifestyle and celebrity culture.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, Jill Scott, A$AP Rocky, Rick Ross and many more. Click here for more details and info on how to purchase tickets.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.