By Gail Davis DZ: What would you do if you were sure you could not fail? GD: I would audition for roles in film or television and pursue work as a costume designer for movies, television, and theater— an arena I’ ve always found fascinating. After my spiritual transformation, this long-held desire resurfaced. I shared it with a friend who had gone to school with Ruth Carter, and while that connection was unfolding, I was introduced to Spike Lee and worked on a couple of commercials he was producing at the time. Ultimately, the answer became clear when my church launched a Drama Ministry, where I served as the costume designer— bringing together creativity, calling, and faith.
DZ: What would you tell your 18 – 25-year-old self based on what you know now? GD: Value and honor yourself. You are an amazing young woman— never allow past hurts, other people’ s opinions, or what was done to you to hinder your destiny for greatness. You were created fearfully and wonderfully by God; if anyone has an issue with that, they’ ll have to take it up with Him. Live your life grounded in truth and reality, not fantasy.
DZ: How do you define success? GD: I define success as seeing what was once desired, dreamed, and envisioned come to pass— watching a vision manifest into reality. As Zig Ziglar reminds us,“ You don ' t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” Success isn’ t measured solely by income; it’ s about faithful beginnings, growth, and purpose fulfilled.
DZ: What are daily / weekly self-care practices? GD: My self-care practices begin with quiet time in the morning with the Lord— journaling, reading the Word, and reflecting on a devotional while sipping coffee. I also find deep peace and joy in gardening and caring for my indoor plants. Tending to what is growing, both spiritually and physically, nourishes my soul and grounds me in gratitude.
DZ: What promise have you made to yourself that you can say you are doing to work to fulfill now? GD: I made a promise to myself not to follow the path of my family’ s health history— high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, or being overweight. My goal has always been to grow older as healthy as possible. Turning 60 made me extremely nervous, as my mother suffered a stroke at that age. That milestone became a turning point for me. I changed the way I eat and committed to moving my body through walking and dancing, while intentionally managing stress. Today, I’ m grateful to be medication-free and especially thankful as I look 71 squarely in the face— healthy, active, and at peace.
GD: In the company of my sisters... I find laughter, joy, strength, and a diverse flavor of culture, style, faith and sistering. GD: My daily practices of prayer and devotion... help me make it through the day and it keeps me grounded in the love and protection of God.
By Tashena N. Middleton DZ: What would you do if you were sure you could not fail? TM: That’ s a big question, but two things immediately come to mind. First, I’ d combine my passion for interior decorating with a commitment to serving the homeless by launching a home building and interior design company that creates truly unique custom homes, alongside a mission-driven division focused on innovative housing solutions to make homeownership more accessible and address housing insecurity in the United States. Second, I’ d be a multipassionate entrepreneur and establish a global foundation dedicated to hands-on philanthropy, especially in Kenya, a place close to my heart.
DZ: What would you tell your 18 – 25-year-old self based on what you know now? TM: I’ d tell my younger self that it’ s about progress, not perfection. Be kind to yourself, build healthy self-care habits early, and seek God’ s wisdom in everything while surrendering your plans to Him. When it comes to money, give to God first, then pay yourself by saving and investing— even if it’ s just a high-yield savings account— because compound interest is a total game changer! Whatever remains becomes your budget, putting God and your future financial independence ahead of instant gratification.
DZ: How do define success? TM: My definition of success has evolved over the years; in this season of my life, it’ s less about titles or accolades. Success is about living a purpose-driven life I love waking up to— prioritizing my relationship with God and self-care, helping others, and leaving a lasting legacy of service, and having the financial and personal freedom to support God’ s work, nurture relationships with loved ones, and fully enjoy my hobbies and passions.
DZ: What are daily / weekly self-care practices? TM: I talk to God throughout the day, which helps me stay centered and at peace. I do CrossFit twice a week and try to fit in some type of workout or activity for at least 30 minutes every day— even if it’ s just running up and down the stairs at home. Occasionally, I fast from television during the week and take a few moments to sit in silence and reset my mind. I also enjoy unwinding with candlelit baths and soft music, even though it hasn’ t yet become a regular part of my weekly routine.
DZ: What promise have you made to yourself that you can say you are doing to work to fulfill now? TM: Over time, I allowed my demanding schedule to lead me to eat out more frequently and sacrifice sleep. I resolved that 2026 would be the year I recommit to preparing nutritious meals at home and truly prioritize adequate rest. To help me achieve these goals, I’ m working with a nutrition and wellness coach to cultivate sustainable habits for healthy eating and restorative sleep, despite having a busy life.
TM: In the company of my sisters … I feel loved, seen, valued, supported, and empowered, and I always have a great time.
TM: My daily practices of prayer and devotion … must intensify as I prepare, with anticipation, to give birth to God’ s promises this year.
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