Purpose
Why Ceremonies & Stories exists
I attended a funeral that didn’t reflect the person I knew and loved. There was no sense of their personality, their humour, or the quirks and anecdotes that shaped who they were. It felt rigid and formal, almost like a summary of a life rather than a reflection of it – and certainly not a celebration of someone’s individuality.
Whether it’s a funeral, a memorial, or a life story written to be kept by family, these are not just formalities. They are moments that should feel accurate, grounded, and true to the person, not polished into something unrecognisable.
I created Ceremonies & Stories to recognise and celebrate every individual’s journey.
I ask the questions that reveal what truly mattered, shaping it into something felt, not just recorded.
The human experience should never be reduced to a list of milestones. That’s where I come in.
About Me
A little about who I am
I’m Jodie, based in Southend-on-Sea in Essex, where I’ve lived all my life, rooted by the coast. I love it here, but I’m also drawn to travel, solo adventures, and meeting new people.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me running, hiking, or pushing myself to become the strongest version of myself, both mentally and physically.
I’m also a mum, and a lot of my time is spent with my son playing sports or getting slightly too invested in Pokémon (who knew collecting shiny cardboard could be so expensive and addictive?).
Writing has always been how I make sense of things. I spent much of my education involved in theatre, scripts, and storytelling. Somewhere along the way, I “fell into” a corporate HR career, which satisfied my desire to support people, but gradually dulled the creative side of me.
Despite the confinement, I kept finding my way into coaching others and presenting. Anywhere I could connect with people and communicate ideas more directly felt like where I came alive.
After a long period of reflection and change in my thirties, I stepped away from corporate HR to focus on work that feels more human: helping people feel heard and properly represented during significant moments – not just in a boardroom debating policies.
Values
Recognising individuality
At its core, Ceremonies & Stories is about recognising and celebrating individuality.
Everyone’s story matters. I believe my purpose is to understand that story properly, and to shape it into something honest, human, and memorable.
If you are looking for someone who will treat a story with care rather than routine – I’d love to work with you.