S O P H I E C L E A R Y

I spent most of my childhood doing my best ‘Olivia Newton John at the end of Grease’. Dressed in my mum’s inside out nightie and too-big high heels, I’d play to the roaring crowd of my grandparents. It was a time.

I followed my stage dreams and went to drama school and became a professional actor. Lots of people ask what they might know me from - there are a few things, but you are most likely to know me as the woman in the Toyota Hilux commerical, where the couple fight for custody over a car. Don’t say I’m not a big deal!

At some point in my 20’s I decided I wanted to utilise my writing and performing skills in ways that had greater reach and impact (and would also better support my need to eat). I’d started to go to weddings and thought the celebrants seemed disconnected to the people getting married in so many ways.

I wondered what it would be like to combine professional performance skill, with a slightly more contemporary vibe and nuanced writing. I was energised by the opportunity to help create lasting memories for groups of excellent people. A pursuit that started out as a way of making amazing, fun ceremonies for people I loved, has evolved into a 16 year situation built entirely on referrals and word of mouth.

At some point I became motivated to transfer the same sentiment of heart and humour to a funeral setting. Creating funerals and memorials in a way that looks after people in their most vulnerable moments is honestly the work I’m most proud of.

During my weekdays I am a senior leadership coach and facilitator. I’m deeply passionate about creating the conditions for people to take on new behaviours and skills to work at their optimum. I use all those stories from my days as a young actor in terrifying audition scenarios, to help people access their courage. I’ve also been known to run some pit stop breathing exercises for couples in the week before a wedding.

I love writing. I’m never more myself than when in front of a crowd, and I’m a people pleaser at heart. I think it’s the latter that makes me a great celebrant. I’m always driven to create your moments the way you want them.

I live in The Macedon Ranges with the loves of my life, my husband Dave and our two cheeky kids - Stevie and Oscar.

I love a dirty martini and an anchovy toast and my toxic trait is adding expensive items to a cart I never buy.

Photography: https://www.kathryntollerud.com/