Tyra Banks, the iconic supermodel and entrepreneur, is stirring up a frosty frenzy with her latest venture: 'hot ice cream.' Yes, you read that right. The internet seems… skeptical, to say the least. Is this a stroke of genius, or a recipe for disaster? Let's dive in.
But first, what exactly is hot ice cream? If you're scratching your head, you're definitely not alone. The concept seems inherently contradictory, doesn't it?
Here's what we know so far: Banks owns an ice cream company called Smize & Dream, which already has a presence in Australia. The inspiration for this venture, according to the Smize & Dream website, stems from cherished memories with her mother, Carolyn London. Banks recalls their Friday night rituals: after-school homework, dinner and a trip to the local Häagen Dazs in Hollywood!
"During Mama’s hard working years, every Friday night after homework and dinner, we’d have girls night at the Häagen Dazs ice cream shop in Hollywood!,” Banks explained on the site. “While licking our chocolate (her fave) and coffee (my fave) ice creams in her white Honda Accord, in her cray-cray-in a-good-way style, she’d school me on her laser-focused one-more-bedroom goals and more. We’d laugh, cry and DREAM our biggest, most outrageous CREATIVE DREAMS… together.”
Fast forward to today, and Banks is a powerhouse known for her modeling career, and the unforgettable reality TV show, "America's Next Top Model." She recently unveiled what she's calling "the world's first HOT ice cream experience."
"Not a latte. Not a hot chocolate," Banks declared on social media. "But your favorite scoops, transformed into liquid. hot. ice cream. Sippable, baby."
Dubbed "Hot Mama," the product sounds suspiciously like… well, melted ice cream.
And this is the part most people miss...it's the experience she's selling, not just the product. It's about recreating those warm, fuzzy feelings of connection and shared dreams, just like she did with her own mother. But does it translate?
The internet's reaction has been a mix of confusion and, frankly, a bit of a cold shoulder. Many are questioning the logic and practicality of the concept. "Tyra what the hell are you talking about?," one commenter bluntly asked. "We need more details."
Jaya Saxena, writing for Defector, points out Banks' unique, shall we say, unconventional approach to business. "Banks started her girlbossy ice cream company Smize & Dream in 2020, the kind of place that is dedicated to the concept of 'mamas' and employs a 'Director of Smize theatrics' to hire ice-cream scoopers who are camera-friendly," Saxena writes. It seems the focus is as much on the performance as it is on the product itself.
Saxena admits to being "completely riveted" by the concept, but also suspects that she is "being lied to." The mystery surrounding "Hot Mama" is only adding to the intrigue. The product isn't even listed on the company's website yet, and the team is being deliberately vague in response to inquiries. Is it custard? "So … naw." A warm milkshake? "Not quite." Melted ice cream? "It’s a drink. But it’s not melted." Warm milk? "If only it were that simple."
"I cannot even tell what we are left with here. At a certain point, it seems like a liability to refuse to tell customers what is in the cup," Saxena concludes.
Parade magazine attempted to shed some light on the situation. According to writer Lauren Murphy, "Hot Mama" is "designed to be a fun, interactive treat for audiences." Unlike traditional ice cream or hot chocolate, it is intentionally churned and warmed to create a creamy, dreamy consistency that can be sipped from a cup. The U.S. launch slated for this winter aims to introduce fans to this unique dessert experience, which has already gone viral in Australia."
But here's where it gets controversial... Is it really a groundbreaking new product, or simply a clever marketing gimmick? Is the mystery and intrigue part of the appeal, or will it ultimately alienate potential customers? Some might argue that the lack of transparency is a red flag, while others might be drawn in by the sheer audacity of the concept.
Banks is clearly betting on the latter. She's banking on people being curious enough to try "Hot Mama" for themselves. But will it be a sweet success, or a melted mess? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Is Tyra Banks onto something brilliant, or is this just another celebrity-endorsed fad that will quickly fade away? Would you be willing to try "hot ice cream," or does the idea leave you feeling cold? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
