Melissa Joan Hart on her "one big hit" as Sabrina, directing and what's next

"Sabrina the Teenage Witch" may have ended nearly 15 years ago, but that doesn't mean Melissa Joan Hart forgot about her 500-year-old witchy aunts and talking cat Salem.

While some child stars make it their mission to break away from their kid-friendly roles, over the years, Hart has done just the opposite — she's embraced the time she spent as Sabrina and the titular character in "Clarissa Explains It All."

"I love the fact that the number one thing I hear from people is 'I grew up with you,'" Hart told CBS News. "That means you were part of their life in a significant way, and that's amazing."

Still, Hart enjoys moving forward and taking on new roles. 

The 41-year-old has continued to her TV and film career, directing shows and she recently partnered with Jif, becoming a panelist for the "Imagine If, With Jif" contest to award $50,000 to support three families' entrepreneurial and creative ideas.

Three lucky finalists received $10,000 from Jif and will crowdfund on Indiegogo until December 31st. A grand prize winner will receive an additional $20,000 to further help fund their idea.

Here's what Hart had to say about her life post-Sabrina, her latest Christmas film and her partnership with Jif.

I heard you teamed up with Jif to create a contest for young entrepreneurs. Why did you feel this was an important program for you to join?

Jif is asking kids and families to come up with creative ways to help the world. These kids came back with amazing ideas, and it was so hard to pick just three. It's so amazing in so many ways, because it's funding a dream. It's teaching these children that thinking outside the box is worth it. And it's helping a greater cause. I'm so proud to be a part of it. The hardest part is trying to decide which one should get the grand prize. There were so many amazing ideas, but we tried to pick three different ideas. But the good thing is, they all have their own crowdfunding pages now and people can go themselves and help support whatever cause is closer to their heart, whether it's helping the homeless, sick children in hospitals getting dolls or "This American Podcast."

How do you balance everything between acting, directing and being a full-time mom?

I keep a really tight calendar. My husband is on my calendar. He doesn't miss a bath time, knows the kids' homework routine. He's the one in charge of the kids' meals, because if it was left to me no one would eat. We're a really good team. He gave up his career so that I could keep working. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing, because I couldn't have three, healthy, strong, smart boys at home and take off all over the world. It's a priority thing. The kids always know they're loved.

What's it like transitioning from an actor to the role of director. Do you prefer one over the other?

I've been directing for 20 years. But the first 10 years of my directing was me directing myself. That was really hard, you know, trying to be on camera and be behind camera, trying to set the shots and go get hair and makeup done, learn your lines, communicate with the crew and make sure you have chemistry with the cast -- it's a lot to balance. Last year, I directed "Watcher in the Woods," then went off and did a Christmas movie immediately after. I loved directing it. It was a highlight of my life and career, being in Wales and filming with that crew. I really get the best of both worlds when I get to go to a project and direct, then I get to go to another project and be ridiculous and funny.

What's the most recent TV show you've been involved with?

I just did a TV show for truTV. It's Bobcat Goldthwait's "Misfits and Monsters," and it's really funny. I got to go in and be really off the wall and crazy, like suburban mommy -- like "Stepford Wives." 

What's the most recent film you've been in?

I recently starred in the Christmas movie "A Very Merry Toy Store" that came out within the past two months.

Do you get nostalgic when you watch your old TV shows?

It's always been very hard for me to watch my own show. I loved watching "Melissa and Joey," because I live-tweeted it every night that I was on, so I was forced to watch it. I've never seen every episode of what I've done. 

"Sabrina the Teenage Witch" ran for seven seasons. What was it like growing up being labeled as "Sabrina," and how did you transition out of that role?

I don't necessarily want to go back and play it again. I would go back to the experience of being around the cast and crew and having a blast doing it. I loved my experience on "Melissa and Joey." I loved moving forward. I have no problem talking about it. I'm so proud of it, and I know it means so much to so many people. As an actor, as a creative person, you want that one big hit. As artists, we always want more, and we want to be respected for our whole body of work. But at the same time, every artist dreams of that one thing that resonates with everybody, and I've had it three times — and that's just TV shows. 

Is there anything else you want your fans to be looking out for in the near-future?

In February, there's an episode of "The Goldbergs" airing that I just directed. If anyone can support it, that would be amazing. And of course, all the little Christmas movies that I've done in the past 10 years. 

This interview has been edited and condensed.