After more than 15 years working as a PhD chemist in industry, Stephan Blöß left his senior management job and chose self-employment as an independent celebrant. For the 52-year-old, the decision five years ago was a significant step towards better health, greater joy in life and fulfilment.
‘In management, I moved further and further away from the actual subject of my studies, my passion for chemistry,’ Stephan Blöß says. ‘That wasn’t good for me.’ So he researched, looked around and sought opportunities. In 2020, he and his wife trained as mine guides at the Rammelsberg World Heritage Site and then completed further training as World Heritage guides. But the impulse to become self-employed as an independent celebrant came through his hobby.
Stephan Blöß has been active in the LARP (live-action role-play) scene for many years, often taking the role of a priest in this special form of role-playing. A fellow player asked him whether he would also officiate at non-religious weddings. ‘Your eyes are everywhere; you try to see and include everyone. A wedding ceremony with you would certainly never be boring.’ Those words ultimately led him to found ‘Geliebte Erinnerungen’ in 2021.
Through WiReGo’s startup event series, he acquired the knowledge he needed and made valuable contacts. Exchanges with Newkammer Seesen and the Entrepreneurship Hub gave his venture the momentum it needed. Although self-employment as a consulting engineer would have been significantly more lucrative, he followed his passion.
The IHK-certified independent celebrant has already conducted more than 100 ceremonies throughout Germany. His services include weddings, welcome ceremonies for children, funerals and pet memorial ceremonies. Customer feedback is consistently positive, and families often book him again. ‘The appreciation of people who feel well looked after, comfortable and supported by my work is the greatest reward for me,’ says Stephan Blöß. ‘Financially, I’m far from where I used to be, but I’ve gained quality of life in return.’ This form of self-fulfilment is only possible with his wife’s support. Together, they meet the challenge of shaping their lives in a way that benefits them both. ‘My work requires a lot of time after regular working hours and at weekends,’ the founder stresses. ‘Balancing that with my wife’s work is still a challenge.’
Alongside his work as an independent celebrant, Stephan Blöß works part-time at the Samson Mine in Sankt Andreasberg. He has developed various city tours for Seesen and is active as a visitor guide. Despite strong competition, he wants to expand his work as an independent celebrant over the coming years. He also sees many opportunities in World Heritage. ‘As long as we want to hold ceremonies and live our culture, I’m well positioned,’ Stephan Böß says, looking to the future with optimism. He wants to encourage other founders to stand up for their well-being and health.
Information: geliebte-erinnerungen.com
Photo: Daniel Li
