How to become a professional mermaid
With the release of Netflix's Merpeople, the performance art of Mermaiding is becoming more popular than ever. But before donning your tail, seashells, and swimming to your first gig, it's important to understand exactly what you'll need before you get started.
If you're planning on engaging in Mermaiding in a professional capacity, you'll need performer's insurance. Specialty Insurance Agency offers mermaid-specific performer's insurance that many professional mermaids use. Do not, under any circumstances, start Mermaiding without performer's insurance. Liability coverage is crucial for safeguarding you against potential lawsuits and legal expenses, while equipment protection provides coverage for theft, damage, or loss of your expensive items.
You may want to consider making your business official by registering an LLC (Limited Liability Company) or trademarking your name. An LLC is great for organizing your business expenses and assets, providing legal protection, and demonstrating professionalism and credibility. Trademarking your mermaid or business name grants you exclusive rights to that name and protects your brand.
Learn how to make meaningful connections with people. It doesn't matter how realistic you look or how well you swim if clients don't like you or can't communicate with you! Be open to communication and receptive to clients who may not fully understand the ins and outs of Mermaiding. Take the time to explain things to clients who have questions. If you encounter a frustrating situation with a client, don't get baited into an argument. Simply say something like, "I don't think we will be a good match at this time" and continue with the rest of your day. Remember, you can't always please everyone when running a business, but you can communicate effectively.
Make sure you have routines and schedules you can stick to before accepting an event. You can read a story, sing a song, do a craft, or even perform in a mermaid tank! Always have something engaging to do with your clients and their guests to keep them entertained. Work breaks into your schedule so you have time to rest, reapply sunscreen, or grab a snack. If you're working with other mermaids, ensure there's an established schedule that you all agree on, so no one gets overworked.
Lastly, make sure you're up to date on your safety certifications. Nowadays, more and more clients are looking for certified mermaids who can demonstrate their knowledge and ability to react in unsafe situations. PADI Mermaid lessons are an excellent place to start and will make you more marketable (and remarkable!) as a mermaid performer.
I hope this helps you on your journey to becoming a professional mermaid! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below or email us directly!
