Natasha Bryan: Funeral Director by Day, DJ by Night

After spending 20 years as a DJ and working in social services, Natasha Bryan made a bold career shift by enrolling in Humber College’s Funeral Services program at the age of 40. She gained hands-on experience in arranging, directing and embalming at several funeral homes before bringing her skill set to Mount Pleasant Group (MPG) in 2022. As one of the few funeral directors who can also embalm – a role she has embraced for the past six years – Natasha is a valued member of The Simple Alternative Pickering Funeral Centre team.

“I love being a funeral director and taking care of families,” said Natasha, who also holds a degree in psychology and cultural anthropology from the University of Toronto. “It’s nice to be able to put a smile on someone’s face in a sad moment by making their loved ones look the way they always look in life. It really warms their heart.”

Her dedication to her work is matched only by her passion for DJ-ing. Known as ‘Tasha Rozez’ in the dancehall reggae scene, she’s been DJ-ing for over 20 years. In the highly competitive, male-dominated world of DJ battles – Tasha made a name for herself by bringing energy and authenticity to every performance. Her DJ persona, "MoreTasha the Mortician," bridges both of her worlds in a way that’s uniquely her own.

“'MoreTasha the Mortician' is a fun way to capture my evolution,” said Natasha. “I used to only be a DJ, so this new career means you're getting 'more' of me, a different side of Tasha.”

Juggling both careers hasn’t always been easy. Working Sunday to Thursday embalming and performing on weekends means long hours and little rest. But despite the challenges, she finds balance by maintaining a strong faith and a positive outlook on life.

"Working in this field reminds me to be grateful for what I have. It’s a reminder that you have to do what you can while you’re here. I don’t have road rage anymore, for example," she said. "Life can be taken at any moment. It's not about when you're born or when you die, but the dash in between."

Natasha brings the same level of care, respect and attention to detail whether she's carefully preparing a loved one for their final farewell or entertaining crowds with her music. To her, every individual deserves dignity – whether in life or death.

"This is someone's loved one," she said. "I make the same effort whether they're going to be viewed or not. It's the last spa treatment they’re getting."

Tasha’s story is a testament to following one’s passions, embracing life’s twists and turns, and finding meaning in both work and play. We're proud to have her as part of the MPG family.

Learn more about her story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNjLCANVMu8