By Sinead Comerford of Sinead Sparkle Ceremonies
∙ A CAREER PIVOT ∙ After many years of international travel, working as a British Airways Cabin Manager and walking thousands of miles up and down an aircraft aisle, answering passenger call bells, it was time to listen to a new “calling” and stand at the top of a new and different aisle.
After studying and re-training for a professional qualification, I am now happily and proudly a Wedding and Funeral Celebrant, a job that is refreshing and rewarding as I get to listen to stories of life and love, even on someone’s last day.
I wish I had travelled down this route earlier but in hindsight, my life learning and experiences have led me to this new work of purpose, self-worth and value, a place where I can continue to make a big impact.
∙ LIFE AT 35,000 FEET ∙ Having worked in the Aviation Industry for many years, I was fortunate to receive premium customer service training, alongside safety and medical training. I had to lead and manage teams in a pressurised cabin to tight deadlines and be ready to deal with any eventuality. I had to think and act quickly at 35,000 feet and trouble shoot as I went along. I had to communicate clearly and effectively across different languages and cultures. I had to be the Ambassador setting the high standards and always have a plan B, in case of emergency, delay or diversion.
I loved flying around the globe and meeting lots of interesting people from all walks of life and it was very exciting to serve the rich and famous too. Memories included flying to Japan during the Tsunami disaster and flying traumatised customers home to singing with Blues Legend BB King at 35,000 feet (a ploy to distract him whilst he waited for the First-Class Toilet)
Having survived five emergency landings, I was also fortunate to have “the luck of the Irish “on my side. But as a cat only has nine lives and not to outlive my luck, it was sadly time to give up my wings and begin a new path and journey.
∙ BACK ON THE GROUND ∙ Shortly after flying, I was heavily involved in premium Retail Guest Experience and Operational Duty Management. Again, I was setting high standards and leading teams to deliver outstanding service. I was on the ground walking a thousand more miles, ensuring a healthy and safe environment as well as managing a flood in Prada and a complaint in Gucci. There were lost children, frantic parents, guests stuck in lifts, someone falling down the escalator as well as managing full scale emergency evacuations.
Once again, I needed to think quickly and act fast.
∙ TIME FOR A CAREER PIVOT ∙ Now in the 50’s, it was time to stop, get grounded, re-stock and re-group and ask myself, what do I really want to do with the rest of my career? What skills have I learned, which are transferable, what life experience have I gained? I still want to make a difference and add value.
Fortunately, these tried and tested old skills and experiences are a great benefit to me in my new role as a Celebrant. I am always operationally ready. I can communicate effectively with people from all walks of life. I have premium customer service skills, I am caring, compassionate, and empathetic. I have walked in all shoes. I am the greatest Ambassador of my own brand and represent myself authentically with great gusto and passion. I am a true people’s person and curious to learn their life story. I am ready to walk into any situation and deeply support those grieving.
∙ THE GIFT OF ELOQUENCE ∙ Being a poet and a writer (I studied Media and Journalism) I create and compose beautiful content for tailored ceremonies, with great attention to detail to a tight deadline when necessary.
Having kissed the Blarney Stone twice, I have received an extra serving of the “Gift of Eloquence” as I deliver the ceremony with style and grace and relay the love and life story with my Irish lilt musically and melodically.
∙ A NEW AISLE AND A NEW ADVENTURE ∙ In my new and beloved role as a Celebrant, I still accompany my couples and families on their journey and travel together with them to their destination, ensuring I walk in different shoes, on the ground, down a new aisle with continued focus, purpose and direction.
I take with me the glamour of the skies and we fasten our seatbelts as it’s sure to be a new and exciting adventure
Now, check out sineadsparkleceremonies.co.uk to see what Sinead is doing as a celebrant.