We had the good fortune of connecting with Cheri Jensen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cheri, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am a retired minister who retired too soon, and I have found my new ministry in sacred service officiating funerals, memorials and celebrations of life. Post retirement I worked in the public sector and did not find it fulfilling nor a meaningful way to spend my time. Working with families to co-create a service that meets their needs allows me to be comforting, compassionate and creative, It is an honor and a blessing to be of service in a profound and powerful way.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My passion is to honor death and dying with a compassionate heart. The call to officiate funerals, memorial and celebrations of life suits my love of people and ability to hold the space of compassion while evoking the memories and stories of those who have passed. I am definitely a “people person” who truly has a deep need to connect and serve. In my retirement I use my gifts and talents to work with a number of mortuaries, trusting that I am matched with those I can best serve. As a non-denominational minister, I am adept at serving all who do not have a faith community.

I am the one blessed to meet interesting, loving, grieving people and find out about the amazing lives of their loved one. It is fulfilling to comfort the living and create customized celebrations that provide an environment of love, gratitude and closure.

My business is not exactly typical. I work through mortuaries or personal connections. Marketing is limited to personally connecting with funeral directors as I share my gifts and referrals. I set intentions and live in expectancy of good. It’s all about service..

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In a perfect world I would show my guests the beauty of the area with a trip to Estes Park and RMNP. With so many wonderful places to eat we would make sure to have a fabulous meal with ice cream for dessert. We’d spend time in Old Town Fort Collins, perhaps eat at Austin’s or Crown Pub with coffee and dessert at Philippe Bistro & Bakery. There’s be a tour of CSU (must drive the oval) and a stroll through Spring Creek Gardens. I love the prairie and the vista of the Rockies. With friends with a farm in Ault we would visit goats, alpacas, horses and a donkey, then drive back to Fort Collins with that million dollar vista. There would be a day of exploring the vintage malls along S College Ave.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Many people have mentored me in my life. Neighbors who made sure I got home from school; adults who took the time to teach me how to take good meeting minutes or how to manage a home. Certainly my mom taught me to be resilient and capable. There are mentor ministers that continue to this day to encourage and inspire me; the ones I call when I need help. There is a gentleman who has mentored me in the business side of spiritual community. We have remained friends. Deborah Westcott, a local therapist, was my rock when the going got rough. She remains a support and inspiration as I navigate “retirement” years.

Website: cherilight@gmail.com

Image Credits
The professional photos are by Photography by Desiree here in Fort Collins.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.