Christie K. Redmon, a proud Oak Cliff native and successful Black business owner of Mansfield Funeral Home & Crematorium, celebrated the opening of a crematorium in the Dallas/Fort Worth area last month and a second location in Frisco, Texas. Launching seven years ago, her business ventures continue breaking barriers and setting new standards in the funeral industry, showcasing the power of diversity and inclusion in business.
Could you tell us about the inspiration behind starting Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations?
I worked at other funeral homes for years and it felt just like that. Work. I was one of the highest producing funeral directors and it was just that. Sales. One day, I woke up feeling misaligned and unappreciated. This ignited my incessant quest to create an environment for families to walk through this aspect of grieving differently so that, on the other side of final disposition, their wholeness can be realized.
What motivated you to open a second location in Frisco, Texas?
We have served families in the Frisco area since we opened in 2016. Making arrangements in our families’ homes is how we made the commute less taxing on our families. Before beginning the processional at a service in Frisco, the pastor turned to me and challenged me to enlarge my territory and to create a presence in the city where families could experience the peaceful environment created at our flagship location in Mansfield.
Could you describe the goals and mission of The Christie K. Foundation and its impact on the DFW community?
The Christie K. Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and community leaders by providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive. Our mission is to foster innovation, collaboration, and positive change within communities. At the heart of our foundation is the annual Amethyst Gala, a prestigious event that recognizes and awards exceptional change-makers and community leaders who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Through this gala, we aim to celebrate their achievements and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. In addition to the Amethyst Gala, we are committed to offering a wide range of programs and initiatives that directly benefit entrepreneurs and community leaders. We understand the challenges they face and believe in their potential to create lasting change. To support them, we organize small business workshops that provide valuable knowledge and skills necessary for success. These workshops cover various topics, such as business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and more.
Could you share some of your experiences as a former forensic scientist for the FBI and how it has influenced your work in the funeral industry?
My parents insisted I receive my 4-year degree before completing the Associate program for mortuary science. During my time at Hampton University, I fell in love with the research aspect of biology. I was afforded the opportunity to serve at the bureau during my time at HU. That’s all I can say.
How do you believe Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations is setting new standards in the funeral industry?
Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations has the potential to lead the way in the funeral industry by embracing innovation, compassion, and inclusivity. They can set new standards by introducing innovative services like live-streaming funerals, adopting eco-friendly practices, and providing inclusive support for diverse cultural and religious practices. Transparency in pricing, a customer-centered approach, educational resources, community engagement, technology integration, continuous improvement, and prioritizing employee training and well-being all contribute to setting a higher industry standard. By excelling in these areas, Mansfield Funeral Home & Crematorium can positively affect the funeral services industry, leading by example and shaping its future.
Could you share some insights into the services and offerings that set your funeral home apart from others in the area?
Our unique concierge service encompasses multiple vital elements, ensuring a compassionate and personalized experience for clients. We offer highly empathetic and customized funeral and memorial services that pay tribute to the individual lives of the deceased. Our dedication to cultural and religious inclusivity, with staff trained in diverse practices, fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment. Technology integration enhances accessibility to services like live-streamed funerals, digital memorials, and online obituaries. Eco-friendly options, such as green burials and biodegradable urns, appeal to environmentally conscious clients. Transparent pricing, grief support, pre-planning assistance, active community involvement, innovative memorialization options, and our professional, well-trained staff collectively elevate the funeral experience, reflecting our commitment to comprehensive and compassionate service.
How do you ensure that your funeral home provides care and compassion to families during difficult times?
Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations prioritizes compassionate care for families facing difficult times. Their well-trained staff is both empathetic and professional, actively listening to families’ needs and respecting their wishes. They offer personalized funeral and memorial services, catering to the unique lives of the deceased. Cultural and religious sensitivities are respected, and transparency is upheld in pricing and services. Grief support resources, pre-planning assistance, and technology integration provide convenience. Community involvement and follow-up care reflect a commitment to support. Compassionate communication and unwavering respect for privacy and dignity are maintained. Continuous improvement through feedback ensures families’ needs are met, demonstrating their dedication to offering care and compassion during challenging times.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities, who want to succeed in their own businesses?
For aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, here’s some essential guidance. First, believe in your own abilities, as self-confidence is the bedrock of entrepreneurship. Your unique skills and experiences have value in the business world. Continuously educate yourself about entrepreneurship and your industry, ensuring informed decision-making. Craft a robust business plan, outlining goals, target audience, competition, finances, and growth strategies. Seek mentorship for guidance and support, actively network, and access resources for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Manage your finances diligently, embrace technology, and remain adaptable and resilient. Prioritize effective marketing, community engagement, and legal compliance. Build a dedicated team if your business grows, and remember that success transcends profits, encompassing your impact on the community and personal growth. Success often requires patience, persistence, learning, and seeking support from mentors and your community. Your unique perspective is a valuable asset in the business world.
How do you believe Mansfield Funeral Home & Crematorium is setting new standards in the funeral industry?
Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations may be setting new standards in the funeral industry by providing personalized and unique services that cater to individual needs and wishes, demonstrating respect for diverse cultural and religious practices and ensuring inclusivity, embracing technology to enhance services, making them more convenient and accessible, implementing environmentally responsible practices, appealing to eco-conscious consumers, being transparent about pricing and service options, promoting trust and honesty, offering grief support and educational resources to help families during the grieving process, actively engaging with the local community through sponsorships and events, providing pre-planning services for individuals to plan their funerals responsibly, ensuring strict compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and committing to continuous improvement based on client feedback and industry best practices. Simply put… We stay in our lane and serve in EXCELLENCE.
How do you envision Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations making a positive impact on the DFW community?
Envisioning Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations’ positive impact on the DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) community involves several facets reflecting the funeral home’s core values and services. This includes providing compassionate and supportive funeral and cremation services to offer solace to grieving families. The funeral home should also embrace diverse cultural and religious inclusivity, making it an inclusive and welcoming space for residents. Additionally, ensuring affordability and accessibility of services for all socioeconomic backgrounds is vital, potentially through affordable options, insurance cooperation, and transparent pricing. Educational programs, community involvement, and eco-friendly practices can contribute to community well-being. Offering creative memorialization options, actively seeking customer feedback for improvement, and demonstrating transparency and ethical business practices are also key. Furthermore, being prepared to assist during crises or natural disasters is crucial. Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations’ dedication to these aspects can result in a profound and positive impact on the community’s end-of-life care and bereavement support.
What challenges have you faced as a Black woman-owned business owner in the funeral industry, and how have you overcome them?
Black women-owned businesses in the funeral industry face several challenges, including underrepresentation and bias, limited access to capital, competition, the need for cultural sensitivity, building customer trust, networking and mentorship, regulatory and licensing hurdles, community engagement, technology adoption, and the necessity of resilience and perseverance. To combat underrepresentation and bias, active promotion of their expertise and participation in industry associations is vital. Seeking funding from diversity and inclusion-promoting organizations helps with capital access. Differentiation through unique offerings and values, coupled with a deep understanding of diverse cultural practices, can tackle competition and cultural sensitivity challenges. Building trust with transparent pricing and personalized services is essential. Mentorship and compliance with industry regulations can be achieved through a strong network and legal counsel. Community engagement and technological innovation enhance business viability. Ultimately, a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement empowers Black women-owned funeral businesses to thrive in a competitive industry.
Be’n Original
