06/26/2026
Being a small business offering something new in the funeral industry comes with some commonly asked questions. My business model is a lot different than other funeral homes and what most of the public are used to, so I completely understand.
Who is the owner?
Laura Tart is the owner. Me, a 31 year old funeral director and embalmer licensed by the NC State Board of Funeral Service who is also certified by the Cremation Association of North America as an Alkaline Hydrolysis (aquamation) operator. I've been in the industry for over a decade and have met with hundreds of families to arrange services, directed hundreds of funerals, and provided mortuary preparations for hundreds of family's loved ones.
Who works for you?
No one. I take care of all aspects of the business from maintaining the facility, landscaping, bookkeeping, taking all phone calls, going on first call removals, and all things funeral home related.
This is why I find it best to structure my schedule around "by appointment only". This sacrifice in the beginning stages of my business keeps my overhead low so that I'm able to offer low-cost services now. With growth, I can take on employees at a necessary pace while still offering the same low costs.
Most families are going to contact my funeral home by phone for pricing or to give an initial notification that they want to use my services. This is why I don't have a receptionist.
Your facility doesn't look like a funeral home outside...how do you have funerals?
I very fortunately don't need a traditional funeral home lay out alongside its overhead to offer the affordable straightforward services of my business model. Everyone finds the inside peaceful, comforting, and well decorated. I have a viewing room for private viewings (immediate family or a small group of people). I'm able to do burial or urn funerals at a church, a graveside, etc. I'm focused on offering families the option of simple burial, aquamation, and cremation for their loved one. A lot of families are finding more direct options to be more accommodating during their time of loss.
Why did it take so long for you to open?
I had to immediately change my zoning upon purchase of my building which was met with some slight pushback regarding that my lot had the potential to become housing alongside a general lack of understanding that the term funeral home doesn't mean you have to be able to host funerals onsite with 30 cars (there's more to a funeral home than just a ceremony on site).
I needed renovations done which ultimately took over 2 years to complete because even though I was required by the city to have all of the legitimate items including architectural plans and a general contractor, no one wanted to take the job because of the small size of my project.
Also, I had quite a few unknown factors working against me including several individuals who did not want me to open.
Where are you from? Why did you come to Rocky Mount?
I was born and raised in Spring Hope. I went to school and did all extra-curricular activities in Rocky Mount. It's my most familiar area throughout life.
My husband and I decided to move to Rocky Mount to be closer to friends and family in an area we both grew up "in".
I've found that the city in general is very hesitant to accept the presence of "newcomers".
Do you do everything at your facility or somewhere else?
Yes and no. I do all aquamations and mortuary services (embalming/preparing a loved one for viewing) here. Like many funeral homes, I use a trusted cremation provider to do cremations.
Where is your hearse for services and how do you transport decedents?
I don't own a hearse. I'm able to rent a newer well-maintained hearse when I need it for a service. With the rise in families choosing options that result in a loved one's remains being in an urn, the need to own a hearse doesn't meet the demand for my business model.
My business car has a custom platform (like you would see in a hearse) in the back for my stretcher. This is how I initially transport decedents to my funeral home.
Are you permitted for all of this?
Yes, not only do I meet all of the licensing requirements as an individual, but I also meet all of the establishment requirements set forth by the North Carolina State Board of Funeral Service.
I'm zoned correctly and have my Certificate of Operation from the city. My business is an LLC, and I have two assumed business names that are filed with the Secretary of State under that LLC being Eventide Funeral Home and Carolina Aquamation Services.
Our new signage is also permitted through the city.
Do you do prefunded arrangements (pay ahead)?
Not at this time. I myself have had and am able to have my individual pre-need license renewed, but I have to have my establishment licensed for preneed which involves extra steps and costs. I am in the process of narrowing down that check list.
Please reach out with any questions as I want the community to know me better. I'm thinking of posting some short videos here and there.
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