Episode 15: Zena Lythgo – Funeral/Marriage Celebrant, Sisterworks Supporter, Potato farmer and Calming Presence.

Join us in the studio at Apricot Aura in Geelong as we welcome Zena, a remarkable celebrant whose reputation for authenticity, compassion, and dedication to couples has inspired many. Having first met at a celebrant conference in Coogee in 2019, I have watched Zena’s business flourish, admiring her commitment and dedication to her couples. Not only is Zena a sought-after marriage celebrant, but also a well-known funeral celebrant in Victoria—a rare combination that we explore in depth today.

Key Interview Topics & Questions

• Zena shares their background, upbringing, and how these experiences shaped her journey and values.
• Insights into what inspired Zena to become a funeral celebrant, and the unique challenges and rewards of this role.
• The differences in preparing for weddings versus funerals, and the emotional impact of working closely with grief and death.
• Reflections on how this work has influenced Zena’s own life and perspective.
• A look at Zena’s website and branding—was her authentic online presence intentional, or did it evolve naturally as her reputation grew?.
• Embracing slow living: Zena and her partner Jimmy’s adventures in van life and potato farming in the Otways, and how this lifestyle fits around her business.
• Zena’s work and ongoing support for SisterWorks Inc, a not-for-profit supporting women from asylum seeker, refugee, and migrant backgrounds. Learn how Zena became involved and why giving back is so important to her.

Rapid Fire Questions: To wrap up, Zena answers quick-fire questions about life experiences, places of comfort, words that resonate in farewells, self-descriptions, gratitude.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Spotify or Apple, and share it with friends who might find it inspiring. Follow Zena on Instagram for more highlights and behind-the-scenes stories.

@officiallyemmayoung

@zenalythgo.celebrant

@idodrivethruweddings

@emmathecelebrant

Resources and links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram: @officiallyemmayoung
• Emma the Celebrant