Business Spotlight: Kindred Sol

There are people who don't want to celebrate the life of a loved one with a traditional religious memorial but they want a ceremony or ritual. In the midst of thinking about that ceremony, families also have questions, decisions and details that need to be addressed quickly. Kathy Lentz uses her experience in hospice care to help families navigate a tumultuous time and plan an event that reflects their beliefs and allows them to grieve and then heal.

The name of Lentz's business is Kindred Sol and it is this week's Business Spotlight.

Q – Name of and Type of Business

A – Kindred Sol, Life Celebrations, Event Planning and Management Service.  Kindred Sol honors the importance of ceremony and ritual in celebrating life’s milestones and transitions. Kindred Sol specializes in creative expression, personalization and organization, and in the delivery of details to create meaningful experiences.

Q - Number of years in business

A -  One.        

Q - Address, phone number, website, fax number

A - www.kindredsol.com; 484-767-2356

Q – Number of employees

A – Owner.

Q – What is your specialty?

A – I am a Certified Life Celebrant. I help people plan and celebrate all of life's milestones and transitions, but my specialty is in “End of Life” celebrations. I work in partnership with funeral homes to provide an alternative to families who may not have a faith community, or who wish to have a non-traditional, religious or non-religious service.  I provide a service that meets the needs and vision of the family to create a personalized service and enhance the overall funeral experience.

I can plan pre- and post-service details so the burden is eliminated and the family can absorb the full impact of the loss. I can also officiate at the service as well as officiate memorial services, graveside services, scattering of ashes or any other gathering designed to honor the deceased.  

Q – What is your mission statement or philosophy behind running your business?

A - It’s all about the experience.  Every life is worth honoring and celebrating.

Q – Can you share a story about your business? A triumph or obstacle you’ve overcome, perhaps?

A - My work and life experiences led me to take a “leap of faith” in the creation of Kindred Sol.

Q – Is there a history regarding your business you’d like to share

A -  The name Kindred Sol is a play and fusion of two powerful words. 'Kindred' meaning family, kinship and affinity. 'Sol,' the Latin word for 'Sun,' star that gives light and life.

Kindred Sol connects and companions with you, walking with you every step of the way celebrating life’s milestones as well as illuminating the difficult moments of life we all must face.

Q – What are your plans for the future?

A - To ride the wave of a changing funeral business to meet the needs of families who have lost loved ones and wish to honor them in less conventional ways.

Q- Do you have more than one location?

A - My service is mobile, so I am not limited.  I serve the Lehigh Valley, Quakertown area, and as far south as Lancaster County.  

Q – Is this a family owned/operated business?

A -  Yes.

Q – Is this a chain or franchise?

A - No.

Q - Have you won any awards or had special recognition?

A - Yes, I was recently recognized by Northampton Community College.   I was an honoree in the NCC Billboard Contest. I was featured in their special magazine publication, Faces of Success, along with many other talented alumni honoring graduates of the college.

Q - Did you receive any type of special funding to start up your business?

A - No, none.

Q - Is there anything else you’d like to share about your business? History etc….

A - I have an extensive background in business and volunteer management, healthcare and hospice. While working in hospice, I recognized a need that many families are faced with at a difficult and emotional time; so many questions, decisions and details that need to be made in such a short period of time. Having someone available who can help them navigate through their experience is an invaluable service and that allows them the necessary time they need to effectively grieve and begin the healing process.