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Grief, Growth, and Finding Purpose: A Funeral Celebrant's Story
This week, I’m joined by one of my oldest and dearest friends — the incredibly grounded and wise Nikki Lodge-Frear. A former teacher, Nikki has built a beautiful, purpose-led business as a funeral celebrant.
This conversation is tender, honest, and surprisingly uplifting — an exploration of what it means to hold space for people at their most vulnerable, and how grief can quietly teach us about presence, humanity, and even joy.
💬 What We Cover:
- Nikki’s journey from the classroom to the crematorium — and why it felt like coming home
- The unique joy and depth she’s discovered through celebrancy work
- How to hold space for others without losing yourself
- Grief as a universal human experience, not something to be “fixed”
- Why traditional business rules don’t always apply — and what it looks like to grow slowly, intentionally, and sustainably
- What balance really means as a parent doing meaningful work
🔑 Key Takeaways:
🌱 It’s never too late to pivot — Your career path doesn’t need to be linear to be meaningful.
🖤 Grief is part of life — Learning how to support others through loss is a vital skill we all need.
🧠 Experience over qualifications — Nikki’s success came from mentorship, empathy, and lived experience.
🗣 Celebrancy is a people-first profession — It’s about listening, storytelling, and creating space for healing.
✨ You don’t need to follow the “normal” route — Nikki’s story proves that non-traditional paths can lead to incredibly fulfilling work.
👩👧👦 Balance is a priority — Choosing work that fits your life and values is key, especially as a parent.
A nourishing episode for anyone curious about working with heart, navigating change, or showing up for others with real presence.
Show Links:
Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here
Connect with Nikki on Facebook
Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.
Support the show
Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!
Follow us on Instagram.
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And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!
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By Elizabeth WillettsThis week, I’m joined by one of my oldest and dearest friends — the incredibly grounded and wise Nikki Lodge-Frear. A former teacher, Nikki has built a beautiful, purpose-led business as a funeral celebrant.
This conversation is tender, honest, and surprisingly uplifting — an exploration of what it means to hold space for people at their most vulnerable, and how grief can quietly teach us about presence, humanity, and even joy.
💬 What We Cover:
- Nikki’s journey from the classroom to the crematorium — and why it felt like coming home
- The unique joy and depth she’s discovered through celebrancy work
- How to hold space for others without losing yourself
- Grief as a universal human experience, not something to be “fixed”
- Why traditional business rules don’t always apply — and what it looks like to grow slowly, intentionally, and sustainably
- What balance really means as a parent doing meaningful work
🔑 Key Takeaways:
🌱 It’s never too late to pivot — Your career path doesn’t need to be linear to be meaningful.
🖤 Grief is part of life — Learning how to support others through loss is a vital skill we all need.
🧠 Experience over qualifications — Nikki’s success came from mentorship, empathy, and lived experience.
🗣 Celebrancy is a people-first profession — It’s about listening, storytelling, and creating space for healing.
✨ You don’t need to follow the “normal” route — Nikki’s story proves that non-traditional paths can lead to incredibly fulfilling work.
👩👧👦 Balance is a priority — Choosing work that fits your life and values is key, especially as a parent.
A nourishing episode for anyone curious about working with heart, navigating change, or showing up for others with real presence.
Show Links:
Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here
Connect with Nikki on Facebook
Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.
Support the show
Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!
Follow us on Instagram.
Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here.
And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!