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

  1. Get a mermaid tail 
  2. File your mermaid business with the state
  3. Purchase liability insurance
  4. Set up a paypal
  5. Draft a contract template
  6. Set up a business phone number and email account
  7. Decide how you will use your tail and apply yourself
  8. Purchase business cards
  9. Build your web presence with a website and social media – hmu! info@mermaidjules.com
  10. Research your area for local opportunities