How It Started: Looking Back at Martin Fox Roberts’ Journey into Celebrancy

Welcome to our “How It Started, How It’s Going” series, where we revisit conversations with Academy of Modern Celebrancy graduates at the start of their celebrancy journey and catch up with them to see how their businesses have evolved. In this first instalment, we’re turning back the clock to 2021, when recent AMC graduate Martin Fox Roberts sat down with AMC founder Jennifer Constant to discuss his transition into celebrancy. This candid conversation captures the excitement and anticipation of beginning a new chapter – the start of what would become a remarkable journey.

From theatre management to British Sign Language interpretation, Martin Fox Roberts has always found himself in roles that connect people. In 2021, he discovered a new calling that would allow him to combine his love for human connection with creative expression: becoming a celebrant.

From Sign Language to Ceremonies: A Personal Journey

Martin’s path to British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation was deeply personal. With a deaf husband, sign language became not just a professional skill but an integral part of his daily life. After extensive training, he qualified as a BSL interpreter in 2008, building on his previous experience in theatre management.

“My belief is to self-armour yourself, be multi-skilled, be multi-talented, so not have all your eggs in one basket,” Martin explains. This philosophy served him well, as interpretation work, while rewarding, came with its own unique challenges.

As an interpreter, Martin often found himself in emotionally charged situations. “You tend to be a conduit for the message of the conversation,” he explains. “You’re very impartial; you have very strict boundaries.” While this professional detachment is crucial for interpretation, it can take an emotional toll. “It gets very emotional at times when you’re put in situations which are quite draining… that vicarious trauma that you take on has a massive effect.”

Celebrancy offered something different – a chance to break free from these constraints. “As a celebrant, you can just let go of your creativeness and your personality… you’re dealing with positive situations and love,” Martin shares with enthusiasm. Where interpretation required emotional barriers, celebrancy invited emotional connection. Where one demanded strict impartiality, the other celebrated personal expression and creativity.

His journey to celebrancy began during a period of professional reflection. While scrolling through Facebook, an advertisement about celebrancy caught his eye, igniting an immediate spark of excitement. “There was something in my gut just screaming at me ‘do it, do it, do it,'” Martin recalls. After conducting thorough research, he knew he’d found his next calling.

Choosing the Academy of Modern Celebrancy

When it came to selecting a training provider, Martin’s decision to join the Academy of Modern Celebrancy (AMC) wasn’t made lightly. After researching several organizations and having initial conversations with them, AMC stood out for its unique blend of attributes.

“The thing that I liked about AMC is that balance of a real kind of fun, family feeling, balanced out with a business sense—a really strong business sense,” Martin shares. He was particularly impressed by the comprehensive support system, which included mentoring, group support, and one-on-one guidance.

More Than Just an Online Course

What Martin discovered at AMC went far beyond his expectations of an online training program. “This proved it wasn’t just an online course because it had so much more with it,” he emphasizes. The combination of practical modules, peer support, mentoring, and business guidance created a robust learning experience that matched his learning style perfectly.

Looking Forward to a New Chapter

As Martin completed his training, his enthusiasm for his new role was palpable. “I’m going to love meeting people, getting to know them and their stories, and then writing those stories,”. The prospect of being present on couples’ big days and creating unique, personalised ceremonies particularly appeals to him.

Building the Foundation

As Martin prepared to launch his celebrancy business in 2021, he made the strategic decision to work with AMC on his branding and website development. “I really wanted something quite strong to be out there,” he explained. This decision was driven by his recognition of the importance of having a strong online presence and professional identity that truly represents him.

The Road Ahead – 2021

Fresh from his training, Martin’s enthusiasm for the future was contagious. His immediate plans included launching his social media presence, building connections with wedding suppliers and professionals, and eventually expanding into funeral ceremonies. “I’m very open to see how things naturally pan out,” he shared, demonstrating both ambition and flexibility in his approach.

For Martin in 2021, becoming a celebrant through AMC represented the beginning of an exciting new chapter. It was a path that would allow him to combine his professional experience with his desire to create positive, joyful experiences for others, all while being part of a supportive community that would help him grow.

Stay tuned for the “How It’s Going” follow-up article, where we’ll catch up with Martin to discover how his celebrancy journey has unfolded since this 2021 conversation. We’ll explore how his initial hopes and plans have materialized, the challenges he’s overcome, and the successes he’s achieved along the way.

Inspired by Martin’s Journey? Start Your Own Celebrant Story

Martin’s story demonstrates how the right training and support can help you transform your passion for connecting with people into a fulfilling new career. Like Martin, you might be seeking a creative outlet, a positive change, or a way to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

The Academy of Modern Celebrancy offers more than just training – we provide a supportive community, business guidance, and ongoing mentorship to help you succeed. Whether you’re looking to complement your existing career or embark on a completely new path, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to begin your own celebrant journey? Get in touch with us today:

• Take our Celebrant Quiz and see if you’d make a good Celebrant
• Learn more about our comprehensive training program
• Join our vibrant community of modern celebrants

Your story could be the next one we feature in our “How It Started, How It’s Going” series. Take that first step today.