A Talk with Ms.Terez Davis – Underneath the Make Up

Lynn Terez Davis is a Bahamian actress who has brought laughter to our lives with her hilarious portrayal of Miss. Dynamite Daisy. But she has also shown us a different side of herself with the 2020 release of her book, Underneath the Makeup: A Journey from Despair to Hope, where she shares her journey of overcoming difficulties and finding hope.

Her talent and resilience are truly inspiring, and Ms. Davis has done an excellent job. The book is concise and relatable, making it an easy read for anyone. It’s perfect to keep on hand as a handbook and roadmap to navigate the many challenges that come with growing up. What really sets Terez’s book apart is that it serves as a mirror, reflecting the universal struggles many of us have faced during those formative years while simultaneously unveiling her true self.

Her story is a beacon of hope and empowerment, offering solace and guidance to those who may find themselves amid their self-discovery journeys. Through her poignant storytelling, she explores the depths of despair and the exhilarating heights of self-discovery, illuminating the path toward embracing one’s true worth. It’s clear that Ms. Davis has poured her heart and soul into this book, and it shows on every page.

I enjoyed chatting with Ms. Davis about the themes in the book that inspired her to write Underneath the Makeup.  It was also interesting to get her perspective on Miss Dynamite Daisy, the hilarious character she created. Our conversation was thought-provoking and insightful. I’m delighted I had the opportunity to speak with her.

B.H.: Throughout the book, there are so many gems, to encourage the reader and to learn from: I would recommend this book to any teenager, young adult, or parents. How has the response been across the age spectrum, from people who have read your book?

Ms. L.T. Davis: The responses  of the readers have been very encouraging. I’ve not gotten responses from teens, but rather young adults and older persons.

B.H.: Where you ever at any point afraid of what people would say , when you decided to write your story?

Ms. L.T. Davis: I must admit, I was terrified to put my story out there. Being open and honest about my journey was a big step for me. But I knew that by sharing my experiences, I could help others who might be going through similar struggles. I wanted to be honest, and genuine, even though it was scary. And I hope my story can be a source of support and inspiration for others.

Lynn with parents Archbishop Ros & Althea Davis

B.H.: In the book you state how important it is for fathers to affirm they daughters. Do you think it affects women’s choice of who they choose as a partner, how they commit to relationships and the mistakes they make?

Ms. L.T. Davis: As a woman, I strongly agree that affirmation from a father is incredibly important. It has a significant impact on a female’s self-esteem and overall emotional well-being. I believe that a father is the first man a woman loves and respects, and his presence can greatly influence her emotional equilibrium. However, if a father is physically or emotionally absent, it can be detrimental to a woman’s emotional stability. It’s important to acknowledge the impact of a father’s presence in a female’s life and strive to provide the necessary support and affirmation for healthy development. It is by Divine design that a father holds this critical role, and I am grateful for the support and love I have received from my father.

B.H.: Do you think the fear of being alone causes people to settle with someone they would regret marrying later in life? Has ‘settling’ ever affected your choice in a partner?

Ms. L.T. Davis: Yes, I agree entirely. The fear of being alone can cloud our judgment and lead us to make unwise decisions. However, it’s crucial to remember that loving oneself is paramount. It’s something that I personally struggled with as well. Looking back, I realize I didn’t love myself as much as I should have. It’s an important lesson that I hope to share with others in my future writing, including continuing my JOURNEY.

B.H.: You wrote about sexual purity, and your conviction as a young Christian to not deviate from it, no matter the temptation. In your opinion, do you think that low-self-worth and pre-marital sex is the cause of many dysfunctional habits that occur in relationships?

Ms. L. T. Davis:  Low self-worth I believe sometimes is the catalyst to pre-marital sex for SOME ladies…. and is the cause of many dysfunctional habits that occur in relationships.

B.H.: Based on your experience, how would you advise young people, who carry the burden of self-hate and the ‘not good enough’ syndrome?

Ms. L. T. Davis: At times  because we as people “mate”…(become involved sexually) before we really “date” …(get to know the person intellectually,  socially, morally, emotionally, and spiritually), we become tangled with a person and although we see red flags, we are so emotionally bound we can’t make wise decisions about the health of the relationship. This sometimes can cause the “burden of self-hate”. I would advise that; young people take the time to get to know the person on all levels. This can help prevent getting tangled up in a relationship that may not be healthy for us in the long run. It’s always best to listen to our intuition and pay attention to any red flags.

B.H.: In our culture people don’t talk about self-confidence and low self-esteem in boys and young men, the focus is predominantly on helping girls and women. What would you say to men, on this subject?

Ms. L.T. Davis: I was one of those persons who felt that the issues of low self-esteem and low self-confidence was predominantly a female issue.  As I have matured and encountered boys and men from various walks of life and in varying circles,   I have come to realize that many of them suffer from the same  challenges as their counterparts, but their reactions are different.   I am definitely no psychologist, but it appears that men who suffer from low self-esteem have a tendency of becoming narcissistic to compensate.  Others resort to substance abuse and even violence from frustration and hopelessness.  

I believe that men are called to lead their families so it critical that they are healed from this issue and secure in their identity found only in Abba Father.  

B.H.: You have found your purpose, not many people find or fulfill their purpose while on this earth. When the average person is asked, if they know what their purpose is, they will reply in confusion; ‘I don’t have any idea what my purpose is.’ 

What would be your response to them?

Ms. L.T. Davis: To the one who says they have no clue of their purpose, I say be encouraged with the truth that if we Seek, we will Find… if we knock the door will be opened.

I believe relationships with The Lord reveals our purpose. The Holy Spirit is not trying to hide it from us. If we WANT to know His purpose for us, then we will go after Him, and the purpose will be an outgrowth of that relationship.

Miss Dynamite Daisy

B.H.: When did you embrace the Miss Daisy character? Do your personalities sometimes clash?

Ms. L.T. Davis: I embraced the character of Miss Daisy in 2000 after my one-woman show where she was 1 of 6 characters. It was such a rewarding experience to bring her to life on stage and connect with the audience through her story. Our personalities never clash, creating and portraying characters is one of my greatest passions, and Miss Daisy will always hold a special place in my heart.

B.H.: Miss Daisy has brought enjoyment to so many lives and made people laugh, does she bring joy to your heart?

Ms. L.T. Davis:  Yes, Miss Daisy definitely has a great sense of humor. There are times when she just cracks me up and I can’t help but laugh along with her. She has a way of lightening the mood and making everything seem a little bit brighter. I also get some joy when I see people enjoy her and find laughter in watching or interacting with her.

B.H.: You committed to your walk with Christ from a young age and have looked to Him for guidance throughout your life. What future plans does He have for you and Miss Daisy?

Ms. L. T. Davis: It has always been my desire and dream to own and operate a Theatre House & Theatre School,  where I can showcase the talents of my students and other performers. I have been working hard towards it and I am proud to say that I have already opened the School. However, my desire doesn’t stop there.

B.H.: When will your next book be available, which platforms can they be purchased from? And how can you be contacted if organizations want to book you to speak or schedule a Ms. Daisy performance?

Ms. L. T. Davis: I am currently working on my next book, and it will be a children’s book. I plan to release it by December 2023 and am excited to see where this journey takes me. Every child deserves access to quality literature that inspires and educates, and I hope my book will positively impact their lives. Those who would  like to reach me or schedule a Ms. Daisy performance, can email me at [email protected] or call me 1-242-557-4684 and please check my website at www.terezdavisnixon.com

Available on Amazon $9.99