By Layne Brooks
DZ: What would you do if you were sure you could not fail? LB: If I were sure I could not fail, I would open my own theatre where I would produce and perform not only my original plays but also have a space available to other artists.
DZ: What would you tell your 18 – 25-year-old self based on what you know now? LB: I would tell my 18 – 25-year-old self to never give up who God made her to be in order to fit in. It ' s too hard to get her back, so hold on to her tightly and instead of becoming someone else ' s perfect version, spend her time making her the best version of her original God-self.
By Adrienne Dawkins-Smith DZ: What would you do if you were sure you could not fail? ADS: I would challenge myself to master something completely unfamiliar, like learning to swim and surf, as a reminder that growth requires surrender, courage, and trust.
DZ: What would you tell your 18 – 25-year-old self based on what you know now? ADS: I would tell her to live fully in the present moment and stop rushing toward the future. Success was always part of God’ s plan, so savor the journey, trust the process, and allow yourself to enjoy the beauty along the way.
DZ: How do you define success? ADS: I define success as breaking through your own internal limitations, recognizing your God-given power, and activating it with intention. True success also honors balance by creating space for the people you love and the life you’ re building.
DZ: What are daily / weekly self-care practices? ADS: Daily, I practice breathwork, skincare routines, and intentional movement to regulate my nervous system and maintain clarity. Weekly, I take Pilates as a disciplined form of strength, alignment, and restoration.
DZ: What promise have you made to yourself that you are actively fulfilling now? ADS: I promised myself that my health would receive the same commitment and consistency as my professional success. I am actively restoring my nervous system, strengthening my body, and building sustainable wellness as a daily practice.
ADS: In the company of my sister... I am loved, seen, and spiritually anchored.
ADS: My daily practices of prayer and devotion... are nonnegotiable and I wouldn ' t have it any other way.
DZ: How do define success? LB: To me, success is not fame and / or money but it is living the life that truly fulfills you no matter what others think, feel or desire. Money and fame can equate to " success " in the world, but it doesn ' t guarantee you peace of mind, happiness, and contentment. Those things are crucial for true success.
DZ: What are daily / weekly self-care practices? LB: Number one, daily / weekly self-care practices is staying connected to our Heavenly Father. Second, it is honoring those things that give you energy and purpose. For instance, if you like to read, write, create, or pamper yourself, be available for those things. When you ' re taken care of, you can better take care of others.
DZ: What promise have you made to yourself that you can say you are doing to work to fulfill now? LB: I have made a promise to myself to go back to the original me, resurrect her and make her the best version of me that I was supposed to be. Appreciate that others think highly of me but understand that I have to be the first to approve and think highly of me. Everyone else ' s opinion of me comes second or not at all.
DZ: Finish these two statements in no more than one sentence:
LB: In the company of my sisters …. in the company of my sisters, is connection, safety, love, and acceptance.
LB: My daily practices of prayer and devotion ….. is to get up early to read, get understanding and revelation about what I read, and to talk to God about me and mine.
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