The moment I stepped through the door of Woodland Wellness, I could already feel the Amberlight Apothecary stirring to life. The scent of herbs and candle wax, the way sunlight pooled across the floor, the quiet hum of transformation… it was as if the world I’d written had finally decided to step out of the page and breathe beside us. This enchanting transformation wouldn’t have been possible without my dear friend Ryanna Hendrix, the owner of Woodland Wellness. Her kindness, creativity, and willingness to open her space to our production brought so much heart to this part of the film. I’m endlessly grateful to her for sharing it with us.

Directing is one of those roles that looks glamorous from the outside, but when you’re in the middle of it, it’s equal parts creativity, problem-solving, and trust. Every day on set is full of decisions—some small, some huge—all of which shape how a story comes alive on screen. Today, I want to share a few of my favorite lessons and tools with you—whether you’re a filmmaker yourself, a storyteller curious about the process, or just someone who loves a peek behind the scenes.

When I first stepped into the world of film, I didn’t expect to find myself in the director’s chair. Writing has always been my first love, but directing? That felt like another world entirely. And yet, over time, I’ve discovered how naturally the two roles intertwine. Stories are meant to be seen and felt, not just read—and directing has given me a new way to bring them to life. Today, I want to share a few reflections from my director’s journey so far, in case you’re curious about what it looks like behind the scenes (or secretly dreaming of directing your own stories one day).

There’s a moment in every creative journey when the intangible becomes real… when a story you've held in your heart begins to breathe outside of you. Directing is where that moment lives for me. It’s the bridge between dream and embodiment, and somehow, it still feels like alchemy every single time. Here’s what it’s like to direct through the lens of someone who still can’t quite believe this is real… but knows in her bones it is.