Today we’d like to introduce you to Marletta “Jasmine” Knowles.
Marletta, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Whew! Wiping my forehead
My story is not the ordinary story of a young woman my age. I’ve been through some scary situations but I came out smelling like a rose
by the grace of God. I work in the Funeral Industry and for as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a Mortician/Undertaker since a child. I was always fascinated by the way Undertakers were dressed so neat and professional but I really took a liking when my aunt transitioned. The funeral home that was in charge did not do the best job; she did not resemble herself at all nor did my family have the proper closure because we were not satisfied with the professional services that were rendered. This made me pursue Mortuary Science as my career path. I knew that as long as I loved what I do then I would always do my best to be the best at providing memorable services to all bereaved families I encountered/serviced.
My ultimate goal is to open my own funeral establishment amongst several other business ventures within this industry. I had a couple of setbacks but I never allowed my trials and tribulations to deter me from what was most important to me. I knew in order for me to succeed I would have to work diligently and stay consistent no matter what.
In 2016, my life changed drastically, but I refused to allow my circumstances to limit me from reaching my goals. This is where it gets interesting, I had to learn how to walk in my truth because the world we live in is so cruel that it will literally chew you up and spit you out if you’re not strong enough to withstand the daily pressure and stressors that come with life. I served a prison sentence for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, I decided to use my pain to push me to my greatness and in the darkest time of my life I began to write.
An author was birthed out of me…. I wrote a total of 5 books published 2 and still have 3 more to release along with my life story. After returning home 23 months later, I prayed and asked God to order my steps and he did just that. It wasn’t easy and I won’t pretend that I didn’t have moments of defeat, despair, and discouragement because I had plenty of those days and moments where I wanted to give up but I refused to give the enemy the satisfaction. I knew there was something great inside of me and I also knew if I stayed faithful then God would put the right people in my life to help me along the way.
As time went by, I continued praying for God to bless me with a job inside of a funeral home because I was working at Home Depot. I was grateful for my job but I knew my passion was inside of the funeral home. I didn’t consider the funeral home to be a job or career it was/is a ministry to me. The joy and happiness I feel when I am able to help grieving families gave me a different kind of peace.
I remember fasting about being employed at a funeral home and one day at the end of my fast I received a message about a funeral home that was looking for help. I still have the message in my inbox as a matter of fact. I made the call and the very next day I was working funeral services. I knew I would have to start from the bottom and work my way up but I was prepared and ready to do so. This job offer was life-changing for me in so many ways. It helped me grow as a person and learn more than I ever expected to learn. I learned how to adjust to each and every family because all of their needs were totally different, I learned how to appreciate life more in spite of my own hardships, I learned to put myself in other people’s shoes during difficult times because this is a bridge, we all have to cross one day. It helped me to treat every family the same no matter how much money they had or did not have. It was to the point I would go out and purchase little additional items for family’s wigs, accessories, undergarments to ensure their loved ones were properly laid to rest. The list goes on.
One important factor I learned from operating and being in a management position at someone else’s establishment was; It may not have been my establishment but I made sure to treat it as such because I know one day when I have my own, I would want the same in return. I am the young lady I am today because of everything I’ve endured. The road for me wasn’t easy and it’s still very bumpy but I know that it was the journey that God created for me.
It was at this funeral home where the owner gave me the name “BossLady” and everyone else would often refer to me as the “BossLady.” The late Mr. A. J. Manuel made such a huge impact in my life and I am forever thankful because not only did he give me a chance he believed in me. I will always give him the honor and respect that is owed to him. I received several NO’s from several different funeral homes and it was very hurtful but God allowed the NO’s to happen because he had a different journey for me something far greater than I was able to see.
It’s almost like when you’re driving and you hit a roadblock…. What do you do??? You find another route to take but you eventually get to your destination. So, for me… that’s exactly what happened. I had to take another route not the route I wanted to take but the path God saw fit for me, it might’ve took me longer and it definitely shifted my initial plan but without this particular route I probably would have never made it this far. Yes, I’ve lossed friends and family along the way but I NEVER allowed my fear to stop me not even when I felt myself getting tired and weary. It was times I questioned God… Why me? But it always came back to me… WHY NOT ME??? and it was then I would remind myself “the race is not given to the swift or the strong but to the one who endures to end.”
My journey showed me how people will look at your background and automatically judge you without knowing the real true story. I say that to say this, what the devil meant for my bad worked in my favor because I’ve had more opportunities and “Yes’s” than the NO’s I INITIALLY RECEIVED IN THE BEGINNING.
In 2022, I continued to push myself through my last semester of college in which I received my Associate’s in Science degree for Funeral Service. In my last semester of my college journey was very hard because I had dealt with the loss of my grandmother, uncle, brother, and my boss so it wasn’t easy but giving up was NOT AN OPTION.
Once again God put the right people in my life that continued to motivate and encourage me until the end. I was blessed with another Funeral Industry mentor that came along Mr. Tracy D. Wade, Sr. of Wade Funeral Home in Hallandale, FL, and Perrine, FL where I worked after Mr. Manuel’s passing. I’ll never forget the words of wisdom Mr. Wade shared, “You’ve been through a lot… however, it’s life and all a part of your growth… Trust your process, ALWAYS Pray, you’re on your way to greatness… stay the course.” Sometimes in life we don’t understand our journeys or the process but there are Angels God will send to remind you that God’s got a blessing with your name on it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. I don’t think smooth roads exist and if so, it’s only smooth for a season because we all have different bumps in the road.
Some of my struggles,
- I lost 4 important people in a span of a year and planned all 4 of their funerals and never stopped working because I felt like as long as I was working, I would never have to actually deal with grieving but in all actuality, I didn’t want to face the fact that they were gone. I was in denial.
- Starting all over from scratch was probably the hardest thing to do.
- I dealt with a lot of workplace issues and lies but no matter what I always knew things would work out for the better
- I felt like I was inadequate at one time in my life because all of my friends were graduating and it just seemed like I would never finish school. It felt like the weight of the world was weighing me down and my dreams and goals were so far away I could barely see them. There were times I felt like I was in the middle of an ocean all by myself because life kept throwing curveballs at me.
- I struggled with feeling like I was a failure and feeling like I was a nobody because I went to prison. People laughed at me, people talked down on me and people also said I’d never have a good job. This was very hurtful to hear and see how people laughed at my pain. I continued to keep pushing myself because I knew there was more for me regardless of what I went through.
- Times I felt empty inside and I had to encourage myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently focused on obtaining my licenses and always being a great asset to the funeral industry.
Here’s a brief summary of my current job description:
I accurately prepare all personal documents and death certificates for families that are serviced.
I provide a timely delivery of memorabilia and all other keepsakes for the family for all services.
I effectively handle all incoming inquiries from visitors by email and telephone.
I regularly assist with dressing, casketing, and cosmetizing each deceased and ensuring they are each placed into the appropriate casket.
I communicate with all staff members in regards to services that are scheduled, times of arrivals, and what each family expects.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned that in life nothing is going to be perfect and we will all face different challenges but don’t allow your challenges to be the end of you.
It’s not what you do when things are going good it’s how you handle situations when things go bad. We all know how to handle the good but when the bad arise what do you do?
Pricing:
- The average basic price for a funeral is $7,500 without the cemetery. If I can be of any assistance to anyone I would advise everyone who don’t have a life insurance policy to get one. Prices for funerals and cemeteries go up regularly. Most large cemeteries are starting at $9,000 and up.
- $5,500 is the price for a cremation with a service. Every establishment has their own prices but what use to be the most economical option is now going up as well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: bosslady_ambitiousknowles
- Facebook: Ambitious M. Jasmine Knowles
- Linkedin: Marletta “Jasmine” Knowles
Image Credits
Just_b_still_photography
Brandon & Ayesha Smith
