After 22 cycles, and 12 years on television, one of the top rated fashion reality shows came to an end last year after the head honchos at CW and the host and co-executive producer, Tyra Banks, decided that America's Next Top Model had run its course.
After much disappointment by fans everywhere, VH1 decided to bring it to their network complete with a new host and judges. After thinking that we would never see Tyra back in the judges seat she announced recently that she's coming back to ANTM for cycle 24; she's back with new rules!
“There have been 23 cycles of America's Next Top Model and every single cycle we say you have to be 27 years or younger. You know what I hear all the time? 'Tyra, come on. Why have an age limit?' So you know what? I'm taking that age limit off.'"
I'm excited about Tyra's return of the show because I will never forget what I learned from watching ANTM. When I was just eight years old, on Wednesdays I would be dressed in my PJs, finished with my chores, and sitting in front of the TV before 8pm so that I didn't miss a minute of that show! It was considered “Tweety's TV Time"! I dreamed of the day where I would grace the screen just like the many models that appeared on the show each season.
I just knew I would have my opportunity to stand before Tyra and receive my photo letting me know that I would make it to the final two.
By the time I was 13, my dreams changed and my pursuit to become a model were null and void but it didn't change the fact that I learned so much from watching ANTM. There were many lessons to take away from the show that even today, I see many beautiful girls using it to enhance their beauty on the 'gram.
Here are just a few tips that I learned from Tyra and the original ANTM that I will never forget:
1. How to Pose
Before ANTM came on the scene, we girls had a limited amount of poses. Mine was definitely the hand on my hip while leaning on my knee, or the terribly concave look that every model looks great doing but makes an amateur look quite—amateur. After watching the show, I learned how to elongate the neck to appear taller, and how to create shape with the body that can make you look lean and fierce in every photo.
2. To Always “Smize"
"Smize" is a word created by Ms. Banks that means to smile with your eyes. This is one that took some time for me to accomplish but I finally got it. Smizing has a way of making your face look bright and happy.
3. To Do the “Booty Tooch"
Another word that was created by Tyra, "tooch" means to pop out the booty just a lil bit to give shape to your profile. This is like having an instant butt lift in images.
4. Not To Be Afraid of Change
One of the most anticipated moments on the show was definitely the makeover. Yes, this when the models literally had breakdowns because they were going to be transformed into something that they were unfamiliar with. From drastic haircuts and colors to changing the models teeth (remember Cycle 6 Joanie Dodds), the young women were made to look edgier in order to take their look to the next level.
5. Full-Figured Girls Are Beautiful
Tyra was never afraid to break the rules and set trends on her show! While the industry insisted that supermodels could never be plus-sized, Tyra introduced real-sized women, like Toccara Jones, who were Ah-mazing! Toccara was featured on the cover of King and she also had a full spread in Vogue Italia showing off her all her sexiness. Thanks to people like Tyra and other trailblazers, we see more real-sized women strutting their stuff down the runway and I hope it continues.
6. Shortie Got It Going On
While Kate Moss reigned as one of the most famous short models to have a long lasting career in the modeling industry, Eva Marcille Pigford came on to ANTM and took the modeling industry by storm being featured on the cover of several publications, like Essence, and had an on-going career as an actress on shows that include The Young and the Restless.
7. The Modeling Industry Can Be a Beast
Tyra has never sugar-coated that the modeling industry is a beast and those with thin skin need to develop layers or go home. Women in the industry are faced with body shaming, color prejudice and many other jabs at people's self-esteem. Because of shows like ANTM, the standard of the fashion/modeling business has been scrutinized in order to make the business safer for young models and the young women who hope to be like them.
8. Never Take Your Opportunities Lightly
Who can forget the time that Ms. Banks went all the way off on contestant Tiffany Richardson (Cycle 4)? Yes, she let loose and let have because she felt that Tiffany did not take her opportunity seriously when she was eliminated. This was Tiffany's second opportunity as she was disqualified after getting into a fight on cycle 3. Tyra wanted her to know that her failure was because of her own actions and not anyone else's. After watching this moment, I think we all learned that all opportunities are blessings that should be counted, especially from Tyra.
9. No Matter What, You Are Beautiful! 
No matter who we chose as our favorites, Tyra made sure that we saw the beauty in each of the models through their images because most of the time, then were young women who are just like us. Just look at runway model Winnie Harlow (Cycle 21), the beautiful girl with Vitiligo, who is seen taking prideful strides down the runway—stunning! Although she didn't win, it hasn't stopped her from popping up in fashion spreads like Ebonyand Glamour and being featured in publications like Cosmopolitan and Complex, as well as major campaigns with brands like Diesel. Yes, Gawd! With our insecurities and flaws, Tyra taught young women to own them because they are a part of what tells our story and those stories make us beautiful.
10. #BlackGirlMagic Is Real
Tyra used her platform to feature the beauty of black women. Thanks to ANTM, young black women saw the likeness of their own beauty on the runway. Although many of them did not win the show, they are #winning in their careers.
Don't believe me?
Check out the careers of Fatima Siad (Cycle 10) who did ad campaigns with Armani Exchange, Ralph Lauren, and Pantene; Naima Mora (Cycle 4) did print modeling for CoverGirl and ELLE Magazine. She also released a book in 2012 titled Naima Mora's Model Behavior; Isis King (Cycle 11 and 17) was the first transgender on the show who became a model and actress that was featured on several episodes of the Bold and the Beautiful. She is also a spokesperson for the transgender community. And last but not least, Yaya DaCosta (Cycle 3) has made it clear that she is more than just a beautiful face. The multi-lingual and professionally trained dancer has been featured in countless ad campaigns and several movies that include her portrayal of Whitney Houston in the Lifetime film. Awesomeness!
What were some of the lessons you learned from ANTM that you continue to use and favorite moments from the show? Share below!
RELATED
Whether you're planning to meet a certain financial or fitness goal, or you're simply trying to maintain and build on the progress you made this year, having something to look forward to is always a good look. Setting actual goals, according to research, actually leads to more success than just playing things by ear. So here are a few to get you started, sis:
(Disclaimer: Not everything is for everyone, so do like my Granny always says: "Eat the meat. Spit out the bone." Take on five out of the 40 and focus on that for the remainder of the year, or do them all. Either way, this is just to get you started.)
40 Ways To End The Year Strong and Inspired
Money Moves
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1. Increase your retirement (or other savings/investment) contributions by 1%.
Experts have found that you could be leaving money on the table by not upping your contributions when you can.
2. Cancel two to five subscriptions.
You could be missing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year due to sneaky price hikes and "updates."
3. Create a "fun" in a high-yield savings account.
This is especially important if you struggle with the dreaded b-word (budget) and will make next year's efforts a lot less intimidating. Even if it's $10 a month, do it.
4. Put on your big-girl panties, and set up automatic transfers and payments for at least one bill.
It reduces the stress of managing bills, lessens the chance of a missed payment---and the fees that come with that---and there can be cost savings for doing so.
5. Invest in a cleaner or housekeeping service.
Bosses who value their time (and mental health) invest their dollars into areas where the time they'd spend doing those tasks themselves could be better used to focus on other money-making projects. (And yes, rest is part of that.) Get a housekeeper, sis, or drop off that laundry, even if it's once per month.
6. Donate to a charity.
Beyond the tax benefits, it's a win-win for the greater good of communities you care about.
7. Review your insurance policies and negotiate a better rate (or move on) before their end dates.
Experts often agree this is a small but mighty step to take each year, especially since insurance rates are competitive, you could be spending more money than you need to (or not enough) and your insurance rates can affect your mortgage payments.
8. Call your loan provider and refinance.
As interest rates fall, “millions of borrowers may be able to refinance and get more affordable payments. As interest rates eased down to 6.5%, about 2.5 million borrowers could already refinance and save at least 75 basis points (0.75%) on their interest rate,” the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports. You can also refinance student and other types of loans.
9. Stop buying individual items and stock up via going bulk.
Research has found that, among 30 common products, buying in bulk could save you 27% compared with buying in lower quantities. Water, paper products, and baby products like diapers, toiletries, and garbage bags are the top items where people see the most cost-effectiveness. (This has been a lifesaver for me—children, large family, or not—especially when it comes to toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products, saving stress, time, and money.)
10. Go cash-only for the holidays.
If you set smart goals and stick to limits on things like gifts, going out to eat, or groceries, you'll see the benefits of this. Cash-stuffing is one method recommended, but something as simple as taking a $10 bill out for lunch, disabling that card for an hour, and leaving your card in a safe place at the office can give you that mindset jump start to see how far you can take your money without the need to splurge.
Love And Romance
11. Say "no."
There are clear mental and physical health benefits to saying no including the setting of healthy boundaries, creating time and energy for other self-care activities, and protecting yourself from physically harmful situations (i.e. unprotected sex or abuse). Just say it, clearly and simply, when you need to.
12. Set a fun, free, adults-only date night for once a week or twice a month with your spouse.
If busy, high-profile folk have touted the success of this, even you can make the time for quality time with your partner. And it's even better when it costs nothing. The best connections are made doing something chill, challenging, or outside the usual dinner-and-a-movie date. Play a game that allows you to reconnect, take a walk in your neighborhood to chat and laugh, or try a little erotic chocolate/edible liquid/paint episode a la Mea Culpa.
13. Go out with Mr. or Ms. "Not My Type."
I love my man, but if I were waiting out for my "type" at the time, we wouldn't be celebrating seven (going on eight) years together. Sometimes having strict, unrealistic expectations for a spouse (especially related to things like height, physical features, or career path) is what's keeping you alone and lonely.
Take the pressure off and explore all your options. I'm not telling you to stop popping the balloon on the guy who earns $20,000 less than you if that's a hard no that Jesus himself told you to skip. I'm asking you to explore other options and see what else God might have out there for your love journey.
14. Immediately apologize and pray together.
I've learned that always being "right" isn't always ideal when you truly care about someone and you're in a relationship for the long haul. Defaulting to an apology when necessary, even when things aren't 100% resolved, is a good way to prioritize peace and save your energy for more worthwhile battles. Research has even supported the benefits of apologies in relationships, and how couples married for five or more years do it often.
15. Get a Rose and discover true self-love.
Do I really have to explain this? You've gotta know what satisfies you, and how better to figure that out than to practice self-love in the bed by yourself? You can also try this with a partner, but as a woman who got on this train very much later in my sexual activity journey. I have a lot more learning to do on my own, and even in a satisfying relationship, I like to find out new things about myself, by myself.
Figure out what you're into, watch what you want to watch, and read what you want to read to define pleasure for yourself. There's a freedom and empowering element there especially if you're used to prioritizing pleasing your partner.
16. Be direct and have the "money talk" with bae.
Money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce, so you need to have those conversations before you even think about marrying someone. And true, nobody can predict the future so you won't be able to avoid some challenges altogether, however, talking with your potential spouse about how they view money, their spending habits, and the pain points in terms of their approach to money management can at least give you a glimpse into what's in store if you do walk down the aisle, move in with them, or decide to share a bank account/business/child with them.
17. Invest in the "paid" version of that dating app.
I know plenty of successful, married folk who did this and met "the one" as a result. Let's be honest: The free version is for playing around. I had a lot of fun with my "free" profile back in the day, trust me. Upgrade that photo, profile, and package, and see if the quality of your dating adventures changes when you're serious about finding a true partner. Dating coaches and matchmakers cosign this.
18. Solo travel to meet that long-distance connection.
Sometimes, your perfect match isn't within 100 miles of you, and that's okay. Make it an adventure, enjoy the memories, and book that ticket. I met my man this way and it's been a whirlwind escape ever since. If you're not comfortable traveling solo, travel or (network to plan travel) with a group via Facebook.
Career And Business
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19. Schedule coffee or virtual meetups with smart people from your graduating class, previous employer, or current employer.
I have gotten many freelance opportunities by doing this. It's as simple as connecting and offering value (or simply learning how you can better equip yourself to do so.) It's also a great way to expand your network, spark new friendships, or find out about new job opportunities.
20. Invest in a well-made suit.
I don't care what industry you're in, a suit says "power," and it's not as old-school or out-of-style as you'd think. Plus the whole experience of looking for a new one (or getting one tailored) is fun and affirming. Try these options. I swear, anytime I wear a blazer, I'm treated like a celebrity or boss, especially when traveling. I was once upgraded to first-class wearing a yellow blazer outfit, and the airline professional literally said, "You look like somebody important. Here you go."
21. Volunteer for a worthwhile project or cause that's important to your company.
If you're overworked and underappreciated, skip this one, but if you truly have the time, love what you do, and want to advance, this move is clutch. Volunteering for extra projects got me where I am today in media because I had foresight, and knew that was the only way at the time to leverage relationships, and I was able to challenge myself to learn skills that 20 years later are still bankable. That VP you can't get a meeting with will be at that gala your company is planning, so join that committee, sis.
22. Write down why you deserve a raise and ask for it in your next one-on-one.
Gather those receipts (ie sales increase numbers, KPIs met, deals closed, people acquired via recruitment, the impact of systems updates, or other tangible success metrics) and ask for that raise before the first or second-quarter budgets are being finalized.
23. Instead of quitting, write down your exit plan.
While revenge quitting is set to be a thing next year (and maybe you're among those who will be leading the trend), try the better boss move and quit with a real plan.
24. Start automatically separating that estimated self-employed quarterly tax estimate.
If you have side hustles (or you're collecting 1099 income,) baby, you do not want to neglect those quarter tax payments. Talk to a professional, do your research, and set up automatic transfers to an account specifically for paying these at the appropriate due dates.
25. Sign up for a free one- to 11-week course related to your industry—or the industry you want to be in next year.
Institutions like Harvard University and platforms like Coursera offer free courses that can enhance your skills. You can also invest in certificate courses with accredited colleges as well as tech training.
26. Hit "Easy Apply" for 10 dream jobs listed on LinkedIn.
While you shouldn't solely rely on this when actively job-seeking, using this convenient LinkedIn option is a great way to get into the habit of applying for positions. And if you're already employed, you should still be "dating" other employers if you're looking to make a move in the next six months. Keep your interview skills sharp, practice toughening up for the "nos," and get a bit of an ego boost in the process.
Self-Care And Wellness
27. Pre-schedule three month's worth of massages.
Oftentimes this is cost-effective since some spas offer deals for multiple bookings. Also, it makes an act of self-care deliberate and important, not an option. When you get that reminder call, you'll know it's real.
28. Fire that therapist and try another one.
Cultural competency in mental health support is one major problem that can hinder Black women from even bothering with therapy. And who wants the added stress of spending multiple, paid sessions explaining why something is a microaggression? Cut the cord and move on to try someone else, either via a Black women therapists channel or recommendations from others.
29. Join a small group at church.
Bedside service ain't gonna cut it and neither is going to the usual Sunday service. Join a smaller group and upgrade your efforts to connect, network, and elevate spiritually. Even if virtually, take a step to dig a bit deeper with more targeted Bible study and discussions.
30. Say no, even to loved ones.
This is on here twice, for a reason. Saying no is the simplest, most powerful micro-action you can take today to make 2025 better. No explanations. No guilt. Say no.
31. Choose one "luxury" beauty product for skincare and stick to it.
This was trending big on social, especially for millennials hitting their 40s. There's just something so freeing about not giving in to every trend and sticking to the basics that work, especially when there are quality, healthy ingredients involved. Put those orders on auto-renew.
32. Sign up for a new sport or fitness class just for fun, not for results.
It's great to be on a weight-loss or weight-lifting journey, but try something just for the fun of it. Switch things up with a couple of these fitness activities.
33. Book a staycation.
Leave the passport at home and explore a nearby community or another town in your state. There's so much enrichment in your own backyard right here in the U.S., and you don't even have to break the bank.
34. Pre-schedule your mammograms, Pap smear, and peri-menopause checkups for next year.
Take control of your health by pre-scheduling essential appointments like mammograms, Pap smears, and peri-menopause check-ups for 2025. Prioritizing these screenings early ensures you stay on top of your wellness and make time for self-care in the new year.
35. Cut off support of beauty and wellness professionals whose customer service is below standard.
This is another one that many Black women have been vocal about—from unrealistic pre-appointment requirements, to booking fees, to long waits, to unsavory in-salon experiences. Spot the red flags early, and just stop accommodating foolishness. Support salons or experienced stylists who are kind, have proper systems in place and value your time.
36. Schedule five to 10-minute moments of silence on your calendar.
Again, wellness is not optional, and if it's not on my calendar, it's not official. Sit quietly. Pray. Meditate. Or do nothing. The benefits of silent moments are almost endless.
37. Download a meditation app.
If you've found that meditation is difficult to schedule or to even start, an app can help. Try this, this, or this one, and take that step to embrace something new to enhance your wellness routine. If you're tired of downloading apps, create a playlist for meditation via Amazon Music or Spotify and schedule a reminder to do it once a day or week.
38. Invest in a healthy meal prep or delivery service.
Time is emotionally expensive, so save as much of it as possible. Getting into meal prep to keep to your goals is a great way to save time, stress, and effort. The health benefits of meal prepping have also been proven via research.
39. Create a positive playlist on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or other streaming platform.
It can be podcasts, music, affirmations, or somatic sounds. It's a game-changer. You can even set an alarm to wake you up to start your day with the positive playlist. Not into creating your own? There are plenty to choose from with a quick search.
40. Set up reminders for Alexa (Siri or other AI) to remind you, "You are loved," and "You are okay."
This simple effort can boost your endorphins and remind you that you're indeed, not alone, and you will be okay, regardless. To set mine up, I simply commanded, "Alexa, remind me everyday 'Jesus loves me,'" and like clockwork she does. She almost scared the ish out of me one day when I'd forgotten the reminder was active, but it was the reminder I needed when anxiety had gotten the best of me that week.
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