Daily Inspiration: Meet Emily Lemos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Lemos.

Hi Emily, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved to Los Angeles in 2019, right after graduating college, with a dream to work in film and a prayer that God would use me in a way that mattered. I jumped right in — working as a stand-in on sets, taking any odd job I could find, and soaking up every bit of experience.

Before this, I was actually pursuing a career in law enforcement. But after a serious head injury from playing competitive soccer, I realized that storytelling was my true calling — it’s a powerful way to unite people and bring about real change and healing. That experience helped me embrace a new path in theater and film.

In January 2020, my life shifted dramatically when I was diagnosed with Lyme disease — an answer to years of prayer after being sick on and off since childhood. For me, it was both a relief and a wake-up call. I’d endured multiple surgeries and health crises growing up, so having a name for it meant I could finally focus on healing. Those first few months of 2020 were filled with treatments, doctor visits, and learning to rely on God in a whole new way.

Then the pandemic hit. To stay in LA and keep pursuing my calling, I took a full-time job at Erewhon. It was during this time that God placed a vision on my heart — to write a TV series about human trafficking, but to tell it differently. I wanted to portray the deeper, often unseen realities, the human side of the story, and the hope that can exist even in the darkest places.

Every night after work, I came home and wrote. Some days I was exhausted, but the vision wouldn’t leave me. About six months later, I began nannying for a family in the film industry — directors and producers who took me under their wing. They taught me about the craft and business of filmmaking, gave me opportunities like working on a Lifetime project that earned me my SAG eligibility, and pushed me to write my own work unapologetically.

So I kept going. Page after page, late night after late night, the story began to take shape. What started as a quiet dream in the middle of a very hard season became my passion project — a way to merge my love for storytelling with my desire to bring light into dark places. Out of years of trial, persistence, and God’s goodness, Zia House was born — and I believe it’s only the beginning.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The film industry is going through an unprecedented time of upheaval and change. With the ongoing strike and a complete shift in how content is made and distributed, it’s been challenging to find steady footing and opportunities. Navigating this landscape hasn’t been easy — it’s felt uncertain and sometimes frustrating.

Currently, I don’t have any agents or managers representing me. I’ve intentionally stepped away from that because I haven’t yet found the right partners who truly align with my vision and values. This time has pushed me to be more discerning and patient.

What this season has taught me is to trust God’s timing more deeply than ever before. Instead of rushing or forcing things, I’m learning to be patient and to use this time as an opportunity to refine my character and sharpen my craft. It’s also given me space to build meaningful relationships with the right people who share my vision and values — those who will help bring my stories, like Zia House, to life authentically and with impact.

So while the obstacles have been real, I believe this moment is shaping me into a stronger, wiser creator and opening doors in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

I want to deeply acknowledge Tyus — my life partner, creative partner, and the one who introduced me to surfing, which has become such a healing and transformative part of my journey. I’m also incredibly grateful for my parents, whose unwavering love, encouragement, and belief in my dreams have been my foundation through every step. None of what I’m pursuing — whether in filmmaking, surfing, or storytelling — would be possible without them. Their support lifts me up every day and reminds me I’m never alone on this path.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is a blend of surf photography, filmmaking, and content creation — all rooted in a bigger mission: helping people find joy, healing, and confidence through the ocean. Surfing has been a transformative gift in my own life — more than a sport, it’s a powerful healing tool that God has given us to restore our minds, bodies, and spirits.

Through my photography and films, I aim to capture the authentic beauty and freedom of surfing, showing the real emotions — the struggles, triumphs, and peace — because that’s where true healing and growth happen.

I’m also the founder of Zia Haus Productions, my own production company, and our first project is Zia House — a film that dives deeply into human trafficking, told in a way that brings awareness and hope to a difficult subject. Filmmaking allows me to merge my creative passions with my calling to make meaningful, impactful stories that can inspire change.

Surfing has made me a better creator and person. It’s taught me patience, resilience, and presence — qualities that deeply inform my storytelling and creative work. I’m proud that my content and films help others see surfing not just as a sport but as a pathway to joy, restoration, and faith.

What sets me apart is this holistic approach: blending my love for the ocean, my faith, and my dedication to telling stories that heal and empower.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me in several ways, but my primary focus right now is on Zia Haus Productions and our flagship project, Zia House. We’re actively seeking partners and supporters to help bring this important film to life. Our goal is to start filming in January 2026, with plans for a strong film festival push throughout 2027.

We welcome collaborations with producers, investors, brands, and organizations that align with our mission to tell impactful stories that raise awareness and inspire change around human trafficking. Fundraising support, creative partnerships, and distribution connections are especially valuable as we move toward production.

In addition, I also offer surf and lifestyle photography services for brands, creators, and events that want authentic, ocean-inspired imagery.

Ultimately, working with me means joining a mission-driven creative journey that blends storytelling, healing, and faith. If anyone is interested in supporting Zia House or exploring creative collaborations, I’d love to connect and explore how we can partner to make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilychalene?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@emilychalene_?si=T0WCKpKsy5f621vu
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/ziahausproductions?igsh=MTd0Yzc5bDQ5eDR5ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Kyle Morton