Meet Bre’Asia Gillis

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bre’Asia Gillis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bre’Asia below.

Bre’Asia, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I developed my confidence and self-esteem by paying close attention to the people who inspired me and by learning from those I looked up to. My mentor pushed me, practiced with me, and created a safe space for me to grow until I finally felt comfortable.

When it came time to stand in front of families to make funeral arrangements or close out services, I realized I was becoming less and less nervous each time. The more I did it, the less intimidating it felt.

I started doing things I once doubted or feared, and each step proved to me that I’m capable of far more than I ever thought. Being given the room to learn, make mistakes, and improve helped me spread my wings, all I needed was that initial push.

Receiving warm, positive feedback and encouragement from grieving families and coworkers who saw how far I have come inspired me to keep growing. Their support motivated me to become better, not just for myself, but for the families I serve daily.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a 28 year old funeral director and embalmer apprentice who has always had a deep passion for serving others. My interest in caring for grieving families began at a very young age, long before I fully understood what the profession required. Something about guiding people through their most difficult moments resonated with me, and I knew early on that I wanted to become a mortician.

After graduating high school, I attended the illustrious Morgan State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Shortly after, I began my career as a laboratory scientist, which further strengthened my technical skills, attention to detail, and understanding of the human body.

Today, I am nearing the end of mortuary school and am preparing to take the next major step in my journey. Working in the funeral industry is incredibly special to me. It’s rare to find a career that allows you to provide comfort, guidance, and dignity all at once. Being trusted to care for someone’s loved one and to support families during such vulnerable moments is an honor I never take lightly. Every day, I’m reminded that this field is bigger than a profession; it’s a purpose and a calling.

My brand and what I stand for is rooted in compassion, integrity, and genuine service. I’m dedicated not only to perfecting my craft, but also to educating communities about grief, pre-planning, and the resources available to them.

As for what’s next, I’m excited for the expansion of my professional journey. In the coming years, I plan to begin medical school, and continue bridging the gap between death care, science, and community support. I want to be a resource, an advocate, and a representation of excellence in this field.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been the most impactful: compassion, discipline, and a commitment to continual learning.

Compassion has always been the foundation of my work. Serving grieving families requires a level of empathy that goes beyond words. You must be able to meet people where they are emotionally, honor their loved one, and create a space where they feel supported. My passion for helping others, especially in moments of vulnerability, is what drew me to funeral service at a young age.

Secondly, my discipline and work ethic. Balancing my path from earning a BS in Biochemistry at Morgan State University, to becoming a laboratory scientist, to attending mortuary school, and becoming a licensed crematory operator required unwavering discipline. The funeral profession is demanding, and the scientific route toward becoming a medical examiner will require long hours, focus, and consistency. As always, I’m willing to put in the work!

Lastly, curiosity and commitment to learning. My path has always been led by curiosity; how the human body works, how grief affects people, and how I can serve communities more effectively. That curiosity is what pushed me to learn and grow in every area that I possibly can.

The advice I have for anyone early in their journey is this, compassion grows through exposure and intentional listening. Put yourself in environments where you can observe, practice patience, and learn how to be present without judgment. Compassion is a skill just as much as it is a quality, and it deepens with experience. Build discipline through small, daily habits. Set goals, create structure, and commit to them even when motivation fades. Discipline is what carries you through the moments when the journey feels heavy or uncertain. And above all, stay teachable. Read, ask questions, seek mentors, and never assume you know enough. The more you learn, the more valuable you become not just to your profession, but to everyone you come in contact with. No matter where you begin, these qualities; compassion, discipline, and a love for learning will shape your journey in powerful ways. Cultivate them intentionally, and you’ll be amazed at how far they can take you!

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My mentor has been the most influential person in helping me overcome challenges and develop the skills, qualities, and knowledge I needed to succeed in the funeral industry. She is truly the best, and I can’t thank her enough for everything she has poured into me. She pushed me in ways no one else ever has and saw the light in me long before I recognized it in myself.

All you really need is someone who believes in you, advocates for you, and pushes you even when you feel like giving up. Someone who reminds you of the bigger picture and provides a safe space for growth, learning, and honest guidance. That’s exactly what she has been for me.

Having a knowledgeable mentor in your field, someone who genuinely wants to see you grow and succeed makes all the difference. Get yourself a mentor who cares about your development, believes in your potential, and invests in your journey… thank me later!

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