We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Porsha Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Porsha, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

I am in the funeral business. I meet with families all day everyday. I see families who come in and they already have everything in order from the type of services they want, flowers, music, casket and so on. On the other hand I see families who come in and have no clue as to what is going on. When I am asking current questions like where were your mom/dad born, their parents name, what type of services did they want all I ever get is a blank stare. Many people believe that it is not necessary to pre-plan in advance.

It is 100% necessary to pre-plan. Can you image having children and you pass away and now they are having to bare the finances and making funeral arrangements? Funeral services are not cheap.

One of the families I have serviced lost her husband, he left her with 3 children and they had nothing planned out. When I spoke to her she was devastated and she expressed to me that she could not believe that he just up and left her with no guidance. After the funeral she came to me a week later and ask me to make an appointment with her so she could get her affairs in order because she does not want her children to stress the way she did while planning her husbands funeral. Long story short, not only did she pre-plan in advanced she also gathered her close family and had me do a pre-planning luncheon so they can understand the benefits and advantages of pre-planning in advanced.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have been in the funeral business for 5 years. I was introduced to the industry by my father-in-law Bishop Jon S, Harris. When I started in this business I started as a licensed Pre-Need Agent. For those who do not know what that is I help families pre-plan their funerals ahead of time so the burden is not left on the family. After about 3 years in the business I was asked if I wanted to learn how to cremate. Of course, I was like “excuse me” you want me to do what… Sure, I will learn. One thing about this business is you have to be availability for whatever the need is. So, I got certified to cremate and I did that for while. After about 4 months of cremating I was then asked if I would be interested in meeting with families who just had a death in the family. Of Course, I did not mind that because I am always talking to families about the future. Then, I inquired about doing pick up removals. Which means once a person has passed away I would go and pick them up and bring them back to the mortuary.

I wanted to learn everything about this business so I can educate families on the different processes. I am currently in school now working towards my degree so I can learn the next phrase of embalming.

I solve the problems of helping families break generation curses. What I mean by that is when someone unexpectedly passes away and the family was not prepared. What do you start seeing? Think about it…. Car Washes, Dinner Plate Sales, and the most famous one GoFund Me Accounts.

I am truly grateful for God and how he ordered my steps in this industry and how he moves on me to make sure every family that I come in connect with, via in person, phone, email, or text that their desires are carried out to the fullest. I would not change it for nothing. I truly believe this is my calling and I am forever thankful!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe what helped me to build my reputation within this industry was consistency, follow-up, and attentiveness to details. I tell all of my families This is not the last time they will hear from me. I am always in communication with them including birthdays, holidays, or just because its Friday. I want them to know that I will always be there for them for whatever they need. Prayer, someone to talk to, vent or even a shoulder to cry on. I feel like that is so important. I have families that I have serviced 3 years go and I am still in communication with them.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I would not say “new clients”.. Everyone that I have serviced I treat them like family. The best source of referral for me as been word of mouth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: mrsporshamarie
• Facebook: Porsha Harris
• TikTok: porshaaamarieee