So you want to be a professional mermaid…
If you have found yourself on this page, it is likely that you have asked yourself (or maybe even me), “How can I become a professional mermaid?” Let me begin with a brief disclaimer: while mermaid schools do exist, there is no university degree, certification course, or test that you can pass to affirm your mermaid professionalism. The following guide and checklist are only a collection of processes, training, & best practices, derived from my personal experience as a pro mermaid- not the rules and regulations. As they say, there’s more than one way to scale a catfish.
Get a Mermaid Tail
One thing all mermaids need is a mermaid tail. I recommend starting with an inexpensive fabric tail. This way you can get a feel for swimming as a mermaid to determine your proficiency and dedication. If you fall in love with the sport and decide that you want to commit to full-time, then you should move into a silicone tail. While a silicone tail is not a requirement, I feel that these tails or hybrid fabric tails are the most realistic for up-close mermaid encounters, and often the quality of a tail directly correlates with the rate you can charge for your services. Of course there are instances where a light fabric tail is preferred, such as in the case of aerial arts performances or other forms of dancing and movement on land.
Start your Mermaid Business
While you wait for your tail to be made and delivered, decide on a business name, then file with your state. You should also get liability insurance, as many businesses and venues will require it. Set up a paypal, or similar program to make payment processing simple for you and your client. Draw up a draft contract for future gigs, so that when your tail is ready, you can start booking! You’ll also want to prepare a script of services that you can provide; this will make conversations with the client much easier.
Market yourself
Start by acquiring a business phone number and email account so clients can contact you. Build your web presence by creating a website and social media pages. Please reach out to me directly at info@mermaidjules.com if you are in need of a beautiful website or social media consultation- digital marketing is my other passion, in case you couldn’t tell by my website or social following 😉 Lastly, you’ll also want to research your area for local opportunities such as festivals, pool parties, beach cleanups, etc. Many of your clients will be referrals, so always carry business cards.
What can I do as a professional mermaid?
If you like to entertain, you can be hired for kids’ parties, hotel parties, and poolside concerts. If you like to chat and pose for photos, you can attend meet & greets, autograph signings, and speaking engagements at conventions, or even swim in portable mermaid tanks at local festivals and events. If you traded your voice for a tail (or if you don’t particularly care for talking to people😅), consider performing in large aquarium tanks! Use your tail to model, star in videos, and create your own brand. Are you a mermaid with a cause? Use your tail to save the environment through fundraising, organizing beach cleanups and creating informative art. The best part is, you don’t have to choose only one! Get creative and find ways to combine your current hobbies with mermaiding. You may surprise yourself, and the whole mermaid community!
I don’t have the time or money to do any of these things! Can I still be a mermaid?
Do your research. Search online for local mermaid performers or party companies in your area. Find out if they are hiring, some places do not require you to have your own mermaid tail. If you are lucky enough to have this in your area, apply! It will save you the cost of buying a tail and most of these jobs offer flexible hours.
My 10 Step Checklist to becoming a Professional Mermaid
- Get a mermaid tail
- File your mermaid business with the state
- Purchase liability insurance
- Set up a paypal
- Draft a contract template
- Set up a business phone number and email account
- Decide how you will use your tail and apply yourself
- Purchase business cards
- Build your web presence with a website and social media – hmu! info@mermaidjules.com
- Research your area for local opportunities
Amber Black
June 16, 2018 6:54 PMI’m only 12 but would love to do this,
What should I do?
admin
July 17, 2018 2:03 AMIt’s never too early to start saving up for your tail! I’d say go with a fabric tail until you’re done growing, or you’ll spend a lot of $$ on a silicone tail that won’t fit you in a year or two. In the meantime, you can start designing your dream tail so when you’re ready to invest, you have a perfected design that is uniquely you!
Amaya
June 21, 2021 9:27 PMI’m 16 years old and I really would love to start! I already have my mertailor original whimsy tail I’m just nervous to start. I’m thinking about writing a book about my mer character!
Cameron
August 20, 2021 5:46 PMI saw on Pinterest a girl who was from Pakistan she started her own clothing company where she was 18. Now she is a millionaire. So maybe by the time you are 18 you can make your own mermaid business.
iminathi ndinisa
November 20, 2021 5:14 PMI am 14. I would also like this
Juliann
August 11, 2018 4:39 AMI’m only 14 but this is something I would love to do. What should I do? What should my first steps be
Mermaid Jules
December 28, 2018 6:15 AMMy first step was saving up money for a tail. Even an inexpensive beginner’s tail will help get you prepared for mermaid life! Practice swimming while you’re saving and once you get a tail, practice swimming in it!
Zack Ryan Salisbury
April 3, 2020 10:15 PMIam a male and want to start a career in being a merman is that even possible or is this just a world that people will only hire women I mean what is a mermaid with out the mermen iam 22 turning 23
Mermaid Jules
April 9, 2020 11:18 PMHi Zack! Yes there are other mermen out there! You should check out @merman_chris or @mermanjax on Instagram, who are both successful mermen performers! While I understand that in some instances it may be difficult to be hired as a merman by stigma, but on the other hand there is less competition amongst the mermen! Many festivals like to have both mermaids and mermen present, so you could check your area for a local pod to join! Best of luck!!
Katie
July 1, 2020 12:04 AMHi, I’m 23 years old and I decided to buy a fabric tail with a monofin after many years of people telling me that it was a stupid idea, so while I’m waiting for it to arrive I thought I’d do research. I’m a bit “plus sized” and although I’m a natural fish out of water I’m not certain that I can be a professional mermaid, due to my weight… Do you have any advice on what I should do? I walk every day but I don’t have money or time to go to a gym ^.^’
Mermaid Jules
November 10, 2020 5:00 AMHi Katie! Mermaids come in ALL sizes and our online community is very welcoming! Many mers are on weight-loss journeys of their own, some even picking up the hobby as a way to work out their core and get in shape. I’m no fitness guru, but I’d be happy to share my favorite free workouts- Go to youtube and search “MadFit”, you’ll find a ton of at-home workout videos that do not require any equipment except a yoga mat! As for being a “professional mermaid” don’t let your weight hold you back! I have hired several plus-sized mermaids to work festivals with me, because they show up with full confidence and amazing costumes! Children will remember your beautiful tail and charming personality, not the size of your waist.
Jazmin Carter
April 21, 2021 4:28 PMI am 12 will I able able to become a professional mermaid at this age
Isabella (Bella)
October 25, 2018 2:36 AMThis is so helpful! I thought it was much harder than this. I want to be a mermaid when I grow up and this is very helpfull. I will be sure follow this website when I am older!!! I’m not even a teenager yet, but I’m positive that this is what I want to be when I grow up! Your amazing!!
Mermaid Jules
December 28, 2018 6:12 AMAwh, thank you for your kindness, Bella! Mermaiding is a fun career, but keep your horizons broad! We are the multi-career generation, so you can always chase more than one dream at a time!
Mermaid Araxie
October 27, 2018 2:05 AMHi! I’m trying to start up my mermaiding career and I’m wanting to do events, parties, and meet and greets but I have a fabric Swimtails Betta tails. Would I still be able to do those? If so what should I look at for charging?
~Mermaid Araxie
Mermaid Jules
December 28, 2018 6:10 AMHi Araxie! Congrats on starting your mermaid career! Of course you can still do parties and events in a fabric tail! Unfortunately, I cannot give you a magic price that you should charge for your services but I can tell you a few factors to consider:
1. Your market/ geographic location- call around and check what other entertainment companies in your area are charging for similar acts.
2. Your services- What are you offering? Do you pose for photo ops, do you swim, bring games or gifts?
3. Your value- How much would you like to make? How little are you willing to work for? How much value does the gig bring to your brand? Consider your prep time, clean up time, cost of purchasing and maintaining your costume, keeping up with inquiries and bookings, etc.
Hope this helps!
Melissa Atherton
May 21, 2020 4:18 PMHello. I was wondering if you think there is an age limit on being a professional mermaid? I’m going to be 46 years old this year. I have been wanting to do this for over four years, but I started my family later in life, and had health problems in the past.
I would like to start my own professional mermaid business before I get too old LOL. Luckily people think I’m a lot younger than I look, but I wanted to see if there’s any advice that you could have for an older mermaid?
Mermaid Jules
June 9, 2020 4:34 PMHi Melissa! There are no age limits on mermaiding- any one can do it!
As for starting a performing mermaid business, appearances do typically matter to parents, so my best advice is: be upfront with your photos on your biz website & social media pages. Most clients will hire any age, they just don’t want to feel fooled (no cat-fishing ). There are a number of moms and older women in this business, and yes- appearing youthful (in both looks and energy) plays a part in getting hired- but they are out here working it and so can you! Plus if you start now, you could even work towards training girls to work under you to build the business for longevity.
At the very least, I’d highly recommend you get a neoprene tail so you can experience swimming in one and live out your mermaid dreams, even if you decide not to do it professionally! I’m sure your kids will get a kick out of it too!! ❤️
Kaye
November 1, 2018 7:44 PMWhat skills do I need to work on (I’m 16, junior in HS) in order to be able to become a professional mermaid? When I say skills, I mean breathing, swimming, etc… What do I need to be able to do when I’m in the water or around aquatic animals?
Mermaid Jules
December 28, 2018 5:56 AMSwim, swim, swim! Being a strong swimmer and understanding buoyancy is pretty important for swimming mermaid performers. Having a long breath-hold is helpful, but not required. Never practice breath-holding alone. Respect all nature, which includes keeping proper distance when swimming with aquatic animals. If you work out, mermaiding will be easier, especially for those long children’s parties or festivals!
alex
December 14, 2018 9:29 PMi’m a trans boy, and after i heard about professional mermaids, i’ve wanted to be one, but i dont really know how to bypass all the girly stuff that comes with having female body parts.
Mermaid Jules
December 28, 2018 5:46 AMThat’s a tough one! Maybe you could experiment with making a grungy fishnet and kelp top? I’d say consider the style you want to go for then think of how to translate that into a nautical theme. Hope this helps!
Kay
May 14, 2019 11:07 PMI have a fabric tail but it’s getting old so I’m thinking of buying a silicone tail. I have some websites to choose to buy from but which one is the best? Like where do you buy your tails from, unless you make them.
Mermaid Jules
January 28, 2020 4:37 AMI bought my silicone tail from Finfolk Productions and it is my dream tail! Mertailor would be a less expensive alternative and still great quality! I would also recommend Mertailor’s fabric “whimsy” tails which have silicone monofin flukes that have really nice / realistic movement for a fabric tail!! If you go this route you can even save 10% on the tail skin with my code JULES10 at Mertailor.com 😀
dana
August 26, 2019 12:04 AMhey! i’m Dana i’m 15 turning 16 in 6 months and i have trouble talking with people in person i still talk to people though ever since i was 5 i wished i was a mermaid. when i was 7 i started swimming like a mermaid. i have a very very hard time saving money because my mom is a single mother and we don’t have jobs. i have a few questions how can i get a really cheap tail with good fabric and fit great also how do i get a job to perform at a aquarium? do you have any advice on holding my breath longer also? thank you
Mermaid Jules
January 28, 2020 4:43 AMHi Dana! You can get a fabric “guppy” tail from Mertailor.com for under $150 using my code JULES10 to save! In order to perform at an aquarium you would have to network, develop some connections within the aquarium you wish to perform in and market yourself to the people in charge. Be prepared for some flat-out “No’s” and be prepared to invest more time and money into this hobby than you think. It is likely any aquarium will require you to carry performer’s insurance among other certifications such as diving, CPR, Free diving, etc. P.s. enrolling in a free diving course would be the safest and best way to improve your breath hold. Best of luck! 🙂
Arista
December 28, 2019 5:01 AMThank you for this! I already have a lovely tail from Sun Tails and am looking forward to getting into this world. Ive swam since I was little and am a honerary fish. Im also a actor, who cant find a Broadway hole… so mermaid! Saving for the big silicon purchase. Thanks for the great resorces! Thank you from a young blue mermaid!
,
Mermaid Alanta (i was named after a mermaid so a mermaid I shall be!)
Mermaid Jules
January 28, 2020 4:46 AMThanks so much for sharing, Mermaid Alanta! Welcome to the community and best of luck establishing your mermaid character! 😀
Anna
February 13, 2020 12:52 AMI’m very young but I really want to be a mermaid and hold my breath longer my best is 55 seconds so any tips and how old do I have to be to be a professional mermaid ♀️
Mermaid Jules
February 19, 2020 1:29 AMHi Anna, thanks for writing in! That’s so exciting that you want to be a mermaid, too!
I’d recommend training your breath hold with a free diving professional. You can definitely find more information online but it is always important to practice breathing techniques with a buddy- never practice alone. Fun fact, having a long breath hold is NOT a requirement to being a professional mermaid- so don’t sweat it!
There is no age limit on being a pro mermaid as it is still an emerging industry, and performers of any kind (circus, broadway, street artists, etc.) can come in all ages! In order to apply for certain gigs, I’m sure you have to meet minimum working age requirements but in terms of branding yourself, you can start now- so long as your parents are ok with it!
Veridia
April 4, 2020 10:42 PMI am saving up for a silicone tail already. But is it better to be a themed mermaid? Or is it better to have a one of a kind tail? I would like to be professional. But I want to be unique.
Mermaid Jules
April 9, 2020 10:59 PMIt’s all based on your preferences and what you want out of being a mermaid! If you wanted to own a company that impersonates Ariel then get the all green tail, purple top, and red hair… but if you want to be unique and create your own character, then I say go totally one of a kind! Browse the IG of the company you’re going with and draw inspo from their past designs, taking note on if you want specific patterns, stripes, dots, etc. Stay true to yourself and get a tail that LOOKS like something you’d wear- because you’re gonna be seeing yourself in it a LOT!
Lori
March 29, 2020 11:50 AMhey there! i admire your work and this article is beautiful! i’m 13 (14 this year) and i’d love to be a mermaid performer as my career, but one thing i’m unsure of is the money. not the money i will spend, but how much on average would i earn? (or how much do you earn to make things easier)
thank you!
Mermaid Jules
April 9, 2020 11:31 PMHi Lori,
This is a tricky subject… maybe worth doing a full blog post on! Anyway I think most people would run out of energy before making their fortune as a mermaid performer alone. Most kid’s party gigs yield between $100-$300 profit. If you partner with other mermaids, festivals can yield $200 – $1,000. But all of this requires you to HUSTLE and get yourself some gigs! All of this is going to depend on the demand (and supply) in your area, as well as the standard of living.
If you brand yourself you can open more earning opportunities through social collaborations and ambassadorships with established companies, or by selling your own branded gear. To answer your question, I like many other mermaids have more than one business/ funding source. I also run a social media marketing company!
Kayla ray
June 9, 2020 8:02 AMI am 31 years old and single mom . As far back as I can remember Iv always Been obsessed with mermaids. It would be my dream to feel free and connected the environment as only a mermaid can . I am willing to work hard do what I need to do. I would like to become a mermaid but I’m not sure on how to go about it . I would like to buy a tail but I have never swam in one let alone a mono fin . Is there anything that you could suggest that would help to stir me in the right direction?
Sincerely, Kayla
Mermaid Jules
June 9, 2020 4:46 PMHi Kayla,
My advice is always to chase the dream and follow through! Get the tail!!
If you do not know how to swim without a tail- start there, get swimming lessons. If you do know how to swim and want to experience the flow of swimming like a mermaid underwater- start with just a monofin that you are able to kick out of in an emergency. Then once your comfortable, add the tail skin to get the full look! Mertailor’s “guppy tails” make perfect starter tails! You can view my simplified tail guide here. As always, save 10% with JULES10
Shailagh heneghan
June 11, 2020 7:13 PMSo im 13, i have a fabric tail and im going to save up for a big nice one. What age can i start going to pools and doing partys
?
Mermaid Jules
June 26, 2020 1:48 PMThat’s exciting to hear you have your own tail at such a young age! While there is no age limit to be a mermaid, you will have to check with your local child labor laws to see how young you can begin working. I don’t think there is an age limit for performing, and I’ve seen some young mermaids work alongside their parents at festivals and gigs- so it isn’t totally unheard of! Talk to your parents first, I’m sure they will be your transportation for these gigs before you can drive. Search your area if any party companies are hiring, sometimes they’ll hire younger if you can prove your professionalism, maturity, and dedication to character. Best of luck!
Kayla ray
July 3, 2020 12:03 AMThank you so much for the advice you gave me last time . 🙂 I finally got my mermaid linden mono fin and tried it out at the beach near where I live . It was so much fun . The only is that where I live there is no mermaids to learn from . What I’m wondering is there a way to get help ? Or do you know any mermaids who buy chance live in Santa Barbara or is this something I need to do on my own ?
Sincerely, Kayla ray
Mermaid Jules
November 10, 2020 4:35 AMHi Kayla! CONGRATS! You chased your dream and made it a reality! I am so happy for you! ❤️ You can try joining some of the larger mermaid Facebook groups (try Finfolk or Mertailor, both have tons of active members!) and put out a message asking if there are any local mers in your area. Unfortunately I don’t know of any mermaids in the Santa Barbara area. I mermaided alone for a year before meeting my first mermaid friend through social media, and that’s really where I began expanding my network. I hope you find your pod! ♀️
Gray
December 18, 2020 1:47 PMHi! I’m a 13 year-old trans male and would like to become a professional merman, but I wanted to know, will I succeed if I have visible scars from top surgery as well as from self-harm(I’ve stopped)
Mermaid Jules
April 5, 2021 2:55 PMHi there! If you are motivated and persistent about your dreams, anything is possible!! I know there are lots of Mers in our community who can relate, and if / when you’re ready to share your story, I’m sure they would love to listen! As for the general public, mers often tell Fish Tales of boating accidents when kids ask about scars, that way it takes the blame off of the usual suspects (sharks) and educates kids about no-wake zones and reasons you should follow such local signage. So- you can choose to hide your scars with costuming, or face your past and share your growth- either way I know you’ll make a great Merman!
Lilac Zamora
January 28, 2021 1:59 AMI’m only 13 but know I want to do this for a living. I’ve searched everywhere for jobs but can’t find any good ones. Do you have any ideas? I also don’t understand the whole business part. I can do everything I need to swim. But don’t understand swimming with other animals. Please help.
Shaylyn Tabbal
February 27, 2021 1:47 AMHi! My name is Shaylyn I am only 10 i have a tail but i want a job at sea world on ohau. The reason why is because in now how to swim with it but I want a job. So is there a way you can help me.
Saturn
March 24, 2021 10:38 PMHi! I was wondering, how old do you need to be to become a professional mermaid? Or even just start working as one?
Ruchi Bhade
April 28, 2021 10:09 PMHello,
I saw your youtube video “Mermaid transformation at Peanut island, FL”. Does peanut island, FL allow swimming with mermaid tail? Does it require any permit from the peanut-island authorities? Can anyone Or someone who is a SSI-certified ocean mermaid just grab their mermaid tail & do this on this island? I am planning to get the SSI (Scuba school international) ocean mermaid certification but just for my own personal hobby Or little side hustle, not for a hardcore mermaid profession…so can you let me know if peanut island, FL allows recreational-mermaiding? I found some hassle-free one-time mermaid-dive/swim tours in Hawaii & U.S. virgin islands which fit my needs so was looking to see if something like that is available in Florida but couldn’t find any (apart from individual professional mermaids doing mermaid swim-meet ups in springs/sea reef with their friends- i have emailed them asking if they offer these mermaid-dive meet-ups for other mer-people)… I just want to do this for recreational purposes as time permits without the monthly Or daily overhaul of joining any mermaid clubs/activity..I wud definitely like to participate in pool & open water mermaid swim/ dive meets occasionally. I found some local pools here that offer fin-swim time for mermaids & mermaid convention events too but would like to know the above about peanut island & if you organize open-water swim/dive meets with other mermaids? Thanks for your time!
Thanks,
Ruchi
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Mermaid Jules
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Maya
October 8, 2021 9:56 PMHi, Iḿ only 13 but I love swimming and all things mermaids. I definetly would like to be a pro mermaid somday. What should I do?
Recruiter
February 6, 2022 1:05 AMEven when you’re not swimming laps, being a mermaid is still tiring. “Even just sitting in water is surprisingly draining, because if the water is cooler than your body temperature then it can be hard. The tail is really heavy, and kids want to see you splash the tail around. So when you’re flicking it, it’s hard on your calves”. On the plus side, it’s probably an incredible core workout. A good way to get future gigs is to have a killer Facebook and Instagram presence – but beware of the mermaid perverts. They’re out there. Aysun has some tips for how to get the ultimate mermaid pose. “Taking really good mermaid pictures is all about putting yourself in really uncomfortable, painful positions, and holding them long enough to get a picture”. When posting them, stay in character and hype how you excited you are about whatever your next mermaid gig is. But be prepared for the creepers.