I’m in a Tourism Video for Folly Beach, SC!

Ahhh!!! The tourism video that I was invited to be in for Folly Beach, SC is out! Here it is…

This is my first time ever being in a professionally-produced tourism video, so here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Q: How did this video opportunity happen?

A: Being a travel blogger since 2009, I’ve made it onto various press lists that PR folks draw upon. When I got the email from Folly Beach proposing to be in the video, I squealed aloud, then — after making sure it wasn’t a scam — replied, “YES!”

Q: What was it like to be in a tourism video?

A: It was hugely fun to be on camera for the two days we filmed in Folly Beach, but I’m not going to lie — it actually was a lot more work than one might think. Having a camera on you for hours at a time means you have to always be “on”, and some scenes required multiple takes, trying again and again in different ways.

Luckily, as a middle school teacher, I do have practice being “on” for 5 classes of 7th grade in a row. Further, the two days we spent in Folly Beach were absolutely awesome, surrounded by friendly people, great food (those biscuits and gravy!), stunning nature… and even dolphins! When my co-star and I collapsed in our hotel room at the end of each day of filming, we were exhausted, but euphoric.

A special shout-out goes to the Folly Beach team for being so welcoming, and to the professional film crew from The Southern Weekend, who were charming and highly skilled. Do you know that they took over FIFTEEN HOURS of video, and had to go through each and every minute of it to edit it down into that short film? Bowing down!

Q: Who is the other travel blogger in the video?

A: That woman is none other than the fabulous Roni the Travel Guru, who is so well-traveled, that over the course of the past few months, she’s “popped over” to Australia, Togo, and England. The title, “Travel Guru” is not an overstatement.

If you enjoy Roni’s “Feeling Beachy” shirt in the film, know that she makes and sells those travel shirts, and many other designs, in her online travel gear store. Yes, you heard that right — Roni actually hand-makes each of these items… and darn, are they cute.

Q: Where are the travel dresses in the video from?

A: Those frocks are from my friend’s dress company, Leota! Read all about these perfect travel dresses here. They don’t wrinkle, they’re stretchy and comfy enough for hiking, and go effortlessly from a work day to party hearty.

I want to give a special cyber-kiss to the green, yellow, blue, and pink flowered dress I’m wearing for most of the video: the Perfect Wrap in Marché Fleur. It is my favorite pattern Leota has ever made. isn’t it a glorious riot of color?

Since Leota’s patterns are one-of-a-kind and never return after they’re sold out, Marché Fleur may be out of stock by the time you read this, but let it be a reminder to check back often to see what new creative design Leota has unleashed!

Q: Who did your hair and makeup?

A: This was the most stressful part of the whole film thing. You see, the last time I wore makeup was in 2012, for my wedding. I don’t own a single tube of lipstick, nor a single pot of powder. (Is it even called “pot”?)

Moreover, I am ignorant of how to apply powder, let alone eyeshadow. However, I was aware that the camera is an unforgiving beast if one faces it bare-faced, so I knew I needed to find face paint somewhere.

Luckily, through the wonders of a cry for help on social media, a friend introduced me to a lovely local woman named Lauren who consults for and sells Beauty Counter makeup: a safer and more ethical beauty line than standard brands. (Click here to see Lauren’s online store. She works with women near and far, so feel free to reach out to her!)

Bless her, Lauren put together a big package of makeup for me to borrow for Folly Beach, and gave me a tutorial in the basics of application. Ultimately, I ended up chickening out on applying eye stuff and just used a bit of powder and lipstick, but I think it turned out ok!

Regarding who did my hair… um… the wind?

Q: Would you be in a tourism film again?

A: Why, yes I would! You hear that, tourism boards of the world? Feel free to reach out!

So there you have it… the back-story behind my first — and hopefully not last — starring role in a tourism video. What are your questions or comments? Do share!