Overview

• Tyra Banks revealed on Today with Jenna & Friends that her mother almost named her Kelly, a decision that could have shaped her identity differently.
• Throughout her career, Banks has alternated between using her full name and just her first name, adapting her public persona over time.
• She briefly attempted to rebrand herself as 'BanX' during her 40s, but the change did not gain traction.
• Banks trademarked 'smize,' her signature phrase meaning 'smile with your eyes,' before introducing it on television, solidifying it as part of her brand.
• During the interview, she expressed neutrality about being addressed as just 'Tyra,' neither favoring nor disliking the informal usage.