Taryn Delanie Smith

Taryn Delanie Smith (born 3 January 1997) is an American beauty pageant titleholder and TikToker. She was crowned Miss New York 2022, and was named first runner-up in the Miss America 2023 competition.

Early life and education

Smith was raised in Seattle, Washington, where she experienced housing insecurity as a child.

She attended St. John's University, where she earned a Bachelor's in communication studies and a Master's in International Communication & Intercultural Studies. She worked as a receptionist at a call center to finance her education.

Pageants

Smith was first inspired to participate in pageants during a talent show in high school, when one of her teachers suggested she compete for Miss America. She began competing at age 17, and placed as a runner-up for the Miss Washington title in 2017.

Smith was named Miss New York 2022. She was the first Black Miss New York to be crowned while wearing her natural hair. For her advocacy work in the role, Smith focused on initiatives to assist those experiencing homelessness. She was the first runner-up in the Miss America competition in December 2022.

Online presence

Smith began posting on TikTok in 2021. In March 2023 Smith posted a video where she played Denise, a receptionist in Heaven, which quickly went viral. She continued to focus on sketches about Denise and her job. As of May 2023 she had gained 1.2 million followers.

Personal life

Smith lives in New York City.