“1861 called. They want their funeral traditions back.”
That was the ad campaign plastered on the walls of the London tube from a company named Poppy, one of several modern mortuaries transforming the way the business of death gets done.
Wait…can death be…cool?
Thinking outside of the box…and the casket.
A slew of hip and contemporary mortuaries have emerged in cities like London and New York as of late, challenging the traditional norms of funerals and the aesthetics that have long dominated the industry.
Instead of the usual reserved environments, these shops are embracing and celebrating the lives and personalities of those who just passed with some new twists:
- Custom caskets that are decorated and artsy, even cool looking.
- Urns that look like vases you’d proudly display on counters.
- Storefronts that look more like art galleries than mortuaries.
- Interiors with vibrant colors and an art deco flair.
And some of the coolest branding I’ve ever seen…
*photo credit New York Times
Exit Here.
You know, if you have to die, why not have a little fun with it? That was the line of thinking that led to some of these new iterations. Why does death have to be stale? Why can’t it be colorful and stylish? Why can’t we give people more choices in how they want to exit this arena?
So they rewrote the script.
And people are loving it.
Why this example, Rick?
Because I think it illustrates a great point.
Life is short and there has never, ever, been a better time to do something new.
To put your own stamp on things.
To challenge traditional models and incorporate your ideas, talents, and skills.
To give life to your voice.
Just look at YouTube
Have you ever wondered what qualifies someone to be an “Influencer?”
Sure, maybe there’s talent involved.
Maybe a certain skill set or expertise.
A unique personality.
But you have that.
In reality…
the answer is…nothing.
There are no qualifications required.
Only a phone or camera.
The ability to record. Share. Repeat.
That’s it!
From the online world of influencers to the music business and book publishing, to almost anything these days, the barriers to entry have never been lower. Anyone can create. Anyone can build. Anyone can get their message out there and potentially inspire others, and maybe even make a little money along the way.
Maybe it is time for you to…
SYOPS
Sign Your Own Permission Slip
Get out of your own way.
Allow yourself.
Bring yourself.
Be yourself.
Rewrite the narrative about is and what can be
And exit here a little more fulfilled.
Till next time,
Rick
