Hollie James Independent Funeral Directors

12/11/2025

Had the sweetest hand written letter in the post today, from someone who started their career funeral directing back in 1985 and had saw my article in the Daily Mail.

How special that someone took the time to write to me, and tell me about their experience and life working in the industry 40 years ago, from remembering their job interview and the first days and weeks working at the funeral home, compared to today; the use of social media and how the industry has changed as we know it.

It makes me feel really proud that people contact me with gestures like this after hearing my story and how privileged someone feels they can share personal memories and experiences with me.

And OF COURSE I’m going to write a letter and post it back.

Happy Wednesday 💙

11/11/2025

Today, we remember the heroes who gave so much for the freedoms we enjoy every day.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice 💙

04/11/2025

✨ 1 Year On ✨

Today, I’ve taken a moment to reflect, as 365 days ago my dream became a reality when Hollie James Independent Funeral Directors opened its doors.

With the support of my family, friends, and the most loving partner I could ever wish for, I hit the ground running and have been blessed to look after many families over the past year who have trusted me to care for their loved ones.

It hasn’t been easy and has definitely come with its challenges — including the negativity I’ve faced as a young woman — but on our first anniversary, there’s one thing I can say: I am PROUD.

I’m proud of what we’ve built, proud of the care we give to our families, and proud of my team. Providing a service to people with heart, honesty, and integrity has always been at the forefront of what I believe in, and those are the standards I will continue to uphold indefinitely.

To those who have supported me from day one: thank you. Your kindness and belief in me mean more than you’ll ever know.

To those who tried to bring me down along the way: thank you. Your negativity made me resilient and gave me the strength to carry on.

Here’s to the future, and all the years to come. 💙

01/11/2025

Visited the lovely Dave in Holcombe this morning to get our wreath for the Remembrance Day service at Haycombe Cemetery & Crematorium and support the Royal British Legion, remembering the sacrifice of our armed forces, veterans and their families.

28/10/2025

When I think to myself, why would someone choose to use an independent funeral director?

This is why…

I have been waiting for a bespoke ashes urn to be delivered the past few days, so I can return someone’s beloved Daughter home to them. After chasing delivery, and being told it was due for delivery today, sitting in the office all morning and wondering to myself “where is it?” I rang DX and asked when it was due to be delivered as the tracking was showing an all day delivery slot. Only to be told there were unforeseen problems at the depot and it would now be delivered tomorrow 🤦‍♀️

I didn’t want to delay it any further, as I know how important it was for the family to have her home, so I immediately made a journey to the DX depot in Cribbs Causeway to collect the urn myself!

I took her ashes home late this afternoon, and seeing how much comfort it brought her family reminded me why all these small things matter. I would make a journey a million times over if it made someone’s grief slightly easier.

💙

27/10/2025

Something came in the post today that is incredibly important to us — trust, standards, and regulation in the funeral profession.

When you entrust us to look after your loved one, you deserve absolute reassurance about where they will be resting and how they will be cared for.

Sadly, not every funeral provider operates to the same professional standards — and that’s why regulation, inspection, and accountability matter.

We are very proud members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and are independently inspected by accredited professionals. We fully adhere to the NAFD’s strict Code of Practice, ensuring our families receive transparent, ethical, and respectful care at every stage. Your loved one deserves dignity. Your family deserves honesty. And our profession owes you the highest possible standard of care — nothing less.

17/10/2025

How thoughtful and beautiful is this card?!

This definitely set me off for a good day today, feeling very lucky and grateful 💙

10/10/2025

💚 World Mental Health Day 💚

Today is an important reminder that it’s okay not to be okay.

In the work I do, I see every day how grief, loss, and life’s challenges can take a toll on our mental wellbeing. Please remember — you don’t have to carry things on your own. Talking to someone, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional, can make a real difference.

Let’s take a moment today to check in on ourselves, and on the people we care about. A small conversation can mean more than we realise.

If you are struggling, please know that help is available, and you are never alone. 💚

📞 Samaritans: 116 123
🌐 Mind: www.mind.org.uk

Take care of yourselves — and each other.

Hollie Xx

We're Mind, the mental health charity. We're here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.

09/10/2025

💙 THANK YOU THURSDAY 💙

“Dear Hollie

I am sorry it has taken me so long to write to you. It just got so busy getting the kids back to school and term started. Things have settled now and I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated you. You truly are an amazing lady and could not be a more perfect funeral director. I am so glad we chose you; you made it so easy and nice, and managed everything we wanted. I also felt totally content that we left Mum in your care, knowing that she would be so well cared for.

Wishing you all the best in the future, and we will highly recommend your services to anyone we hear of who needs you.”

05/10/2025

GIVE THEM THE TIME
Funny how funerals are the only time families show up without excuses.
Everyone suddenly has the time. The money. The cleared schedule.

But when you were alive?
They were “too busy.”
They “meant to call.”
They “couldn’t make it this time.”

Death shouldn’t be the only RSVP people honor.
If you can come sit at my casket, you could’ve sat on my sofa.
If you can show up with flowers when I’m gone, you could’ve shown up with coffee when I was struggling.

Stop waiting until someone’s gone to finally give them the time you claimed you never had.

04/10/2025

Very honoured and privileged to have my testimonial displayed on Funeral Manager’s new website!

Their software is the best in the business and has helped me endlessly. Would highly recommend to any funeral director looking to upgrade their business with upcoming regulation in the funeral industry.

02/10/2025

💙 Thank You Thursday 💙

We thought we’d use today to highlight some lovely recent feedback we received.

“We would like to thank you so much for everything you have done for dad and our family.
You and your team are a true professionals and clearly comfortable helping us when we needed you.
You made us feel like “dad” was your only client and that his dignity and care were the most important thing to you. When you said he was safe and peaceful it helped so much.
You kept us informed, included, and made us feel very valued.
I can’t thank you enough for your professional care and thorough organisation.”