A funeral parlour business is not for the faint hearted Death is a difficult and emotional event that inevitably affects everyone, and funeral parlours play a crucial role in supporting communities during their time of grieving.

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A dignified funeral for a loved one can be expensive and the high cost of living has made it difficult for people to invest in funeral products. Nowadays consumers are looking for affordable funeral covers to help them arrange a distinguished funeral.

A young Limpopo based entrepreneur started a funeral parlour because he saw that his community was struggling to give their loved one’s proper burials. “When I was working at a funeral parlour, I developed a passion to serve people and decided to start a business to help my community,” said Elliot Makhubele the Founder and Director of Charisma Funerals.

Starting and running a successful funeral parlour needs one to have a deeper level of empathy as the business works closely with grieving people every day. This is not a business for the faint hearted; Elliot is using his business to assist people plan dignified funerals.

His passion for the funeral industry started when he 28 years while working in a funeral parlour. He gained in-depth insight about the industry and saw a gap in the market to start a business. “I have a heartfelt desire to help people by offering convenient and affordable funeral products and burial services,” said Elliot.

The business ensures locals have access to tailor made and affordable funeral products, tombstones, repatriation services and funeral policies.

Load shedding is stifling growth

Even though the business is on a growth trajectory and has amazing products underway, load shedding is hindering growth. The business operates at its best with a constant electricity supply to ensure that the parlour stays at the optimum temperature. “I use a backup generator during load shedding and the costs of diesel needed for the generator is expensive,” said Elliot.

SMMEs contribute about 40% towards the economy of the country, and their performances and successes are directly linked with the country’s economic success. Yet they are most at threat because load shedding is a challenge that comes on top of other entrepreneurial challenges.

Despite the challenges caused by load shedding, Elliot is determined not to give up because he believes helping his community prepare a dignified funeral is a calling that he is passionate about.

Designing innovative funeral products and services

In today’s tough economic times it’s difficult for consumers to invest in funeral products.
With funerals being so expensive, it’s imperative for businesses to provide affordable funeral services.

Understanding the needs of his community has helped Elliot grow his business and diversify his product offerings. “Some of my premiums start from as little as R100,” said Elliot.

He has plans to introduce a prepaid funeral plan that is designed for individuals that want to ensure their loved ones don’t have to make difficult decisions whilst grieving. Elliot is introducing new products and services that make planning a funeral easier.