Meet our Soul Proprietors

Amanda + Lauren

Our Story

Like many people around the world, 2020-2021 marked major upheaval in the lives of AWAKE founders Amanda and Lauren. After losing a parent in the pandemic, saying goodbye to two pets, and grappling with severe depression, Amanda was faced with the realities of death and grief in modern life. At the same time, Lauren had welcomed her first child in March of 2020 and had to navigate motherhood in isolation while mourning the loss of her grandmother and three family pets.

As women of strong principles and vision, both saw incredible opportunity to align today’s death services with contemporary values. AWAKE is opening eyes to new possibilities for after life. Possibilities based on modern lifestyles, beliefs, and budgets. In life and in business, Amanda and Lauren are committed to empathy and the environment. All products and services are designed to authentically connect with your loved one’s life, be inclusive of beliefs and cultures, and bring healing to family and friends by sustainably returning cremation ashes to the earth.

Amanda Kelly

AMANDA KELLY

As Co-Founder of death-tech startup, AWAKE, Amanda helps Canadians leave the earth, better.

A lifelong learner of science and nature, she began her career as a Librarian, and holds a Masters in Information Science and undergrad in Technology & Culture. Growing up, the Dundas Valley Conservation Area played a significant role in her life. After an accident in 2019 landed her in the hospital, she began a spiritual journey that led to her ordainment as a Metaphysics Minister.

Focusing on death and bereavement, she has studied many faiths, customs, and traditions and recently received her Licence as a Funeral Planner. As a modern spiritualist, Amanda believes in using today’s technologies to strengthen our relationships with nature and the universe. She founded AWAKE to create sustainable endings that truly live on.

Amanda believes in using today’s technologies to strengthen our relationships with nature and spirit. She holds a Masters in Information Science, undergrad in Techno-culture, and is pursuing her Thanatologist Certification in death, dying, and bereavement studies.

Prior to founding AWAKE, Amanda built her career supporting businesses through innovation in government. Growing up, the Dundas Valley Conservation Area played a significant role in her life, and after an accident in 2019 she began a spiritual journey that reaffirmed her connection with nature.

Losing two beloved pets in one short year and then experiencing the death of a parent to COVID-19 opened Amanda’s eyes (and heart) to the pains of the grieving process and death services industry. She founded AWAKE with Rev. Lauren Andrew to help those who have lost loved ones secure their legacy while finding peace and purpose.

Rev. Lauren Andrew

As an ordained Reverend with the Canadian International Metaphysical Ministry and a sought after luxury events planner, Lauren specializes in making life’s milestones into memories you will cherish.

After finishing her business degree and building a big-city career in event management for the sports and entertainment industry, Lauren and her now-husband moved north to be with nature and family following a friend’s sudden death. Growing up with Chinese ancestry, she learned the importance of rituals and celebration at an early age. She also realized that the best events have the power to connect us with our community, culture, and higher self.

Lauren lost her grandmother in 2019, and soon after became a new mom at the height of COVID quarantine. She founded AWAKE with Amanda to bring meaningful memorials and new life to the next generation.