Ep 10: Em- How the loss of her Mum inspired a career change

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode, I sit down with the wonderful Emily (@theleopardprintcelebrant).At just 29, Emily faced one of life’s most difficult challenges and her biggest anxiety—the loss of her mum, Mandy—while caring for her six-month-old baby. Mandy had always encouraged Emily to pursue a path as a celebrant, and her journey began with the deeply personal experience of leading her own mother’s funeral.Em shares her insights on why we need to reimagine the culture surrounding funerals, creating space for ceremonies that feel less traditional and more authentic to the individual being honoured. Together, we reflect on how grief has shaped us, the boundaries we’ve learned to set, and the importance of making these conversations more open.Emily leaves us with a powerful reminder: “It’s not the years of your life that count, it’s the life in your years.”This episode is dedicated to Mandy—thank you for inspiring us to “just be you.”