A bit about Me !
It's important find a celebrant who fits with you. One you can feel comfortable with and to tell your story the way you want it to be.
Hope this helps.
I'm a people person and love hearing your stories of your life journeys. Its a privilege to write the ceremony for your special moments to remember, and to be able to walk alongside you through the highs and lows.
I adore all dogs, but Jack Russells, with their cheeky character, defiant boldness, and determination make them the lion that they believe they are, is so special. They will always protect you from the billowing plastic bag or leaf flying past the window!
This year, marks a special moment as Paul and I celebrate 16 years together, and 9th Wedding anniversary. Our story of
love, growth, family,
and our DIY wedding!
So 2024:
2 Daughters & Partners, 5 Grandkids later, that seemed to appear overnight, is our true and lovely blended family.
Fur Family babies; 2 Jack Russells & 2 rescue rabbits.
In the garden we have loads of 'flippin' fish, (they splash about a lot!) an armada of newts, frogs and other lovely critters!
Sadly the hedgehogs have left, they said 'so long and thanks for all the food ' and are residing next door safely from the jack rascals.
A favourite pastime of the jacks is chasing, thankfully there are amazing places to walk around Stafford where they can run and sniff. We all love Cannock Chase and Stafford Castle !!
Garden antics, saving a froggy from Bobby jack
A Pathway to Celebrancy and Purple Magnolias.
So how did I get 'here'?
Firstly a thank you, to Dinah, (Celebrant Coaching and Training Academy) a fantastic tutor, who shared, experiences, skills, and inspiration to be true to others and yourself.
Through Dinah, I qualified as an Independent Funeral, Wedding & Vow Renewal Celebrant.
I've always been creative and artistic. Believing it’s never too late to follow your dreams and continue learning, as a single, working mum, I achieved a BA in Fine Art and an MA in New Media Art.
This led to volunteering with university students and adults in the local community on creative projects, supporting them through difficulties and listening to their needs.
Later, qualifying as a teacher in the Lifelong Learning Sector, working in Offender Learning and with adults with learning difficulties and disabilities. Helping them to discover their skills and achieve their goals in art, cookery, and catering.
Teaching was an amazing experience, the learning was very much both ways, not just teaching.
By expanding my skills and utilizing creativity, planning, and writing, I was able to effectively manage and deliver to groups while ensuring their individual needs were met. Utilizing all my skills and passion to create your 'one-of-a-kind' ceremonies.
I have a zealous approach to trying different materials/mediums to explore creativity. One of which was sugarcraft and special occasion cakes, hobby!
Creating bespoke cakes for friends and family celebrations. My focus was in the planning and appreciating the importance of getting the details, feel, tone, a bit of intuition and timing right, for their special Moments to Remember and new memories to make.
Out of offender learning, into the funeral industry.
Life can take unexpected turns, and I am grateful to Lisa and Lynn for believing in me. They saw me as the right fit for the privileged role of calling families after the funeral service of a loved one.
Often the first person families spoke to, I was very aware of and felt honoured to be allowed into their space during such a delicate time. They could talk, cry, digress, and we laughed together. Although I never met the call target numbers (oops!), being dubbed the “Queen of Talk Time” which highlighted my belief in giving people the time to talk and to be listened to.
Supporting others has been a natural inclination for me, even from a young age. These calls, as delicate and difficult as they were, often resonated with my own experiences of loss. I found listening to and empathising with the families cathartic, and I hope they found the calls comforting.
Many families expressed their gratitude for the calls, often speaking about “their celebrant” and the warmth, compassion, and support they felt.
Through this privileged position, I discovered the role of a funeral celebrant and believe I am where I should be, —a calling perhaps?
Mixed media: acrylic and embroidery 2022, A Thank you gift to my dear friend, Lynn
My friends describe me as warm, kind, approachable, tenacious, and funny. I do enjoy the humour of Flo and Joan, Ricky Gervais, and more, and find humour in most situations, when appropriate. I am dedicated and will always work hard to create your personal ceremonies.
The amalgamation of my skills and experiences has deepened my connection to the community and highlighted the profound impact that celebrating life's moments on both families and me.
I am proud to continue this journey with Purple Magnolias, personally offering follow-up contact, for weddings, life celebrations and any other milestone ceremonies, and community support through a local Grief Café that I help with. Here for you before, during and after your ceremonies.
If you want a celebrant who can create your ceremony with warmth, care, and compassion, and with whom you can feel comfortable, contact me and see if I’m the right fit for you.
Let's Chat!
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