Grief led me to becoming a funeral celebrant

Losing a loved one can often lead people to question what is important in their life. For one single mum, it led her on a journey to her dream career and becoming a funeral celebrant.

Theresa Ribeiro is a single mum of three who became a full-time Celebrant in 2021 after training with The Academy of Modern Celebrancy. Theresa runs Ribeiro Ceremonies in Cumbria, Carlisle, and also conducts ceremonies across the UK and Portugal.

Theresa spoke with Jennifer Constant, AMC Founder, and shared her story of becoming a Celebrant and what led her to make that leap. Watch her full interview below.

Deciding to Train as a Celebrant

Theresa’s journey to becoming a Celebrant was deeply personal and rooted in grief. After losing her ex-husband and her Grandmother, she was struck by the importance of storytelling and honouring the lives of those who have passed. “My children asked me to speak at my ex-husband’s funeral, we were married for 11 years and if I hadn’t shared those memories – nobody would have known.

Then when my Gran died, I organised her funeral and decided to speak because I was struck by the thought “if I don’t tell her story, who will?”.

This profound realization was the catalyst for her decision to train as a Celebrant. She wanted to ensure that the stories of loved ones were told with care and compassion, celebrating their lives in a meaningful way.

Theresa’s path wasn’t straightforward. Balancing the responsibilities of being a single mother with the demands of training required resilience and determination. However, her passion for creating memorable and heartfelt ceremonies kept her motivated.

From Part-time to Full-time Celebrant

Transitioning from part-time to a full-time Celebrant was a gradual process for Theresa. She started small, conducting ceremonies on weekends while maintaining her day job teaching English to foreign students in China. With very little budget for marketing, Theresa relied on word-of-mouth and her growing reputation for delivering personalized and heartfelt ceremonies.

“I learned as I went,” Theresa explained. “Every ceremony taught me something new, and I used those lessons to improve my services.” Her dedication paid off, and over time, she built a steady stream of clients. Theresa’s authentic approach and genuine care for the families she worked with set her apart, allowing her business to flourish.

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What I Love Most About Being a Celebrant

For Theresa, the most rewarding aspect of being a Celebrant is the opportunity to connect with people during significant moments in their lives. She loves crafting unique ceremonies that reflect the individuality of each person and their journey. “I get to be part of their story, even if just for a moment, and that’s incredibly special,” she shared.

Theresa also finds joy in the diversity of ceremonies she conducts. From weddings to naming ceremonies and funerals, each event is a new opportunity to create something beautiful and meaningful. Her work as a Celebrant has allowed her to express her creativity and compassion in ways she never imagined.

Theresa’s story is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the profound impact Celebrants can have on the lives of others. Through her journey, she has found not only a career but a calling that honors the essence of every individual’s story.

Related: Aled Jones on Becoming a Funeral Celebrant

Train to Become a Celebrant with AMC

Inspired to become a Funeral Celebrant like Theresa? The Academy of Modern Celebrancy offers accredited Celebrant training for Wedding, Naming, and Funeral Celebrants. Their comprehensive programs are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to create and deliver exceptional ceremonies. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or add a meaningful service to your existing business, AMC provides the support and resources you need to succeed.

Check out our Funeral Celebrant training course here.