10 minute read
Cover Feature: Dream Big, Little Mermaid by Lenisa Careaga
from Issue 32
I grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington, a small fishing village surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. My connection to the emeraldgreen waters, lush forests, and charming waterfront scenery was genuinely magical. I sincerely appreciated the environment and marine life from a very young age. I developed a deep-rooted connection to the sea and loved boating, swimming, and collecting massive amounts of shells.
The gentle, rocking motion of a boat and watching the water create little waves was incredibly soothing and re-invigorating for me. Exploring the area’s various islands, beaches, and hiking trails provided endless adventures and opportunities to connect with nature. The presence of diverse wildlife, including deer, birds, seals, and orca whales, added to the enchantment of my surroundings.
My upbringing in Gig Harbor laid the foundation for my strong connection to nature and the sea; shaping my love for mermaids and the enchanting world they represent.
I was raised in a large and culturally diverse family, which has been a rich and fulfilling experience. My mother, of Norwegian and French descent, and my father, of Tongan and Polynesian descent, added layers of cultural richness to my identity. I learned to embrace my Polynesian heritage later in life, and finding that connection brought a sense of pride and wholeness to my identity.
My fascination with mermaids and imagination has been a central part of my childhood. Playing make-believe mermaids and being drawn to mermaidthemed films like The Little Mermaid and Splash allowed me to explore my love for the mystical and magical world of mermaids.
These films and characters, particularly Ariel from The Little Mermaid, captured my imagination and inspired me. I even owned a fabric tail version and necklace similar to Mermaid Madison seen in the movie Splash! Looking back it is beautiful how these childhood interests and pop culture influences have shaped my identity and ultimately led me to pursue my dreams as a professional mermaid.
My parents played a significant role in shaping the person I have become, instilling valuable lessons and beliefs that have guided me throughout my life. Their emphasis on loving what I do, believing in myself, and following my heart echoes throughout my journey to becoming a successful businesswoman. My mother’s nurturing nature and unwavering support created an environment that helped me thrive in various aspects of my life, whether in academics, sports, or pursuing other passions. Her presence at sporting events and other extracurricular activities reinforced my confidence and self-worth.
As a child model turned professional mermaid, I cultivated the self-love and self-confidence that empowered me to pursue my passions and inspired me to help others to cultivate self-love and joy in their life.
The Early Years
My parents shaped me into a compassionate, strong, and purpose-driven individual who spreads joy and positivity to others through my work. I fondly remember traveling to Hawaii, which profoundly impacted me. I felt a deep connection to the island and its people. At the luau, I noticed people who resembled me, creating a deep sense of belonging and cultural appreciation for me. The healing power of swimming in the ocean and hearing the melodies of humpback whales further solidified my connection to the natural world and its spiritual significance.
The transformative experience of becoming a mermaid for the first time on Maui speaks to the magic and wonder that traveling can bring. Experiences like these left a lasting impression on me and played a significant role in shaping my passions. My parents nurtured our sense of exploration and curiosity by planning family trips. These shared experiences strengthened our bonds and created lasting memories I cherish forever.
Overall my upbringing was immersed in travel and cultural exploration, and has contributed to my sense of self, my appreciation for diversity, and my passion for embracing the magic of the world around me, ultimately guiding me to becoming a professional mermaid. My family’s commitment to exploring diverse cultures and traveling the world has undoubtedly enriched my life with invaluable experiences and perspectives.
MERMAID DREAM SCHOOL
Through my business, Mermaid Dream School, I provide unique and memorable experiences by emphasizing creativity, imagination, and joy. I am passionate about making mermaid dreams come true for people of all ages. As a professional mermaid performer, a PADI-certified Mermaid Instructor, and an underwater photographer, I offer a comprehensive range of services that cater to clients looking for entertainment and/ or education services. I am committed to ensuring safety and proficiency when teaching mermaid skills to my students through PADI Mermaid certification courses. The partnerships I have established, such as with the Children’s Aquarium in Dallas, allow me to bring the magic of mermaids to a broader audience and create special experiences for children and families. The emphasis on video, imagery, and mermaid photoshoots adds excitement and wonder to my other services.
The heartfelt letters, artwork, and gifts I have received from children and attendees of my mermaid events bring me so much happiness and inspiration. Educating others about the ocean and promoting environmental awareness through clean-up events further underscores my commitment to making a positive impact on my community and beyond.
Mermaid Dream School embodies the magic, wonder, and sense of adventure that mermaids represent while serving as a platform for education, environmental stewardship, and spreading happiness.
My experience as an international mermaid competitor sets me apart and adds depth to my skill as a mermaid. I’ve competed in prestigious industry events such as Miss Mermaid USA and Miss Mermaid International. Becoming Miss Mermaid USA was an incredible milestone, it was the result of my dedication to mermaiding and engaging audiences. Competing in Miss Mermaid International in Egypt, alongside talented women from across the globe, was an enriching experience that deepened my appreciation for the international mermaiding community.
Winning the title of “Best Friendship/Miss Congeniality” was significant to me. It was not just about performance but also about fostering a positive atmosphere and building genuine connections with fellow competitors. This experience inspired me to pursue my dream of opening a mermaid school.
THE JOURNEY
My journey as a professional commercial actress and model, represented by The Campbell Agency in Texas, adds another layer to my career. I’ve had the privilege to explore various roles, each one offering a new opportunity to grow and diversify my skill set.
Incorporating my “persona” into my acting work allows me to combine my love for mermaids with my passion for performance. This unique blend has enabled me to create memorable and impactful experiences for audiences through different mediums. Blending mermaid performances with my acting career has allowed me to leverage my talents in new and creative ways. I strive to bring authenticity and creativity to everything I do, which has set me apart in the entertainment industry.
I understand of the healing power of creativity, imagination, and connection. My inner child energy enables me to relate to children on a deep level, providing them with a source of comfort, inspiration, and healing. Through my experiences, I’ve discovered that creativity serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and coping with life’s challenges.
Despite facing challenges, including surviving domestic violence, I have emerged as a survivor with a resilient spirit. My healing and journey of self-discovery has been fueled by a desire to overcome adversity and positively impact myself and others.
My academic pursuits at the University of Washington and Seattle Central College, where I studied art and graduated with an art degree, have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to harness the therapeutic potential of artistic expression. My professors recognized my ability to connect with others and saw in me the potential to become a healer in my own right. The concept of the Aloha spirit, characterized by a deep sense of happiness and goodwill, resonates within me and inspires my business. Drawing from this cultural ethos, I’ve created a business that aims to spread magic, light, and love to others.
A Day In The Life Of A Mermaid
As a PADI Mermaid Instructor, I not only provide mermaid entertainment but also offer valuable PADI Mermaid Certifications (mermaid lessons) for both children and adults. With a certification in CPR and PADI mermaid training, my focus on safety reassures clients that their experience will be both enjoyable and secure. Additionally, the inclusion of underwater videos and pictures adds a special touch to the certification process, allowing clients to cherish their mermaid experience for years to come.
I focus on special touches and pay close attention to detail to make each mermaid experience magical for my clients. Offering various mermaid tail options allows me to customize the experience to fit the theme of each child’s birthday party, enhancing their excitement and creating unforgettable memories.
Balancing the responsibilities of being a business owner and a mermaid performer indeed requires careful planning and coordination. I manage requests from different parts of Texas by deploying performers to make mermaid dreams come true for children. My investment in high-quality mermaid tails and swim gear provides my clients an authentic and immersive experience. The wide range of styles and materials available for mermaid tails highlights the diversity of options and the attention to detail required in tailoring each experience to meet the needs and preferences of my clients. The physical demands of mermaid performing, including maintaining a solid core, proficient swimming skills, and breath control, underscore the athleticism and dedication required to excel in this unique profession.
My passion for mermaiding shines through in my dedication to sharing the joy of this unique activity with others. By introducing more people to the activity and fostering a sense of community, I am not only enriching their lives but also spreading happiness and positivity. I am keeping up the fantastic work in bringing the magic of mermaids to life!
LENISA CAREAGA
PADI MERMAID CERTIFICATION • MERMAID EVENTS • MERMAID PARTIES
Lenisa Careaga is a professional mermaid performer, a PADI certified Mermaid Instructor, and underwater photographer born and raised in Gig Harbor, Washington. She created Mermaid Dream School as an embodiment of the magic, wonder, and sense of adventure that mermaids represent. The school also serves as a platform for education, environmental stewardship, and spreading joy. Lenisa hopes to share the joy and magic of being a mermaid and create everlasting memories with her students. Lenisa wants everyone who enrolls in Mermaid Dream School to gain swimming skills, an education and awareness of our earth’s oceans, and a new perspective of peace and confidence.
Mermaid Dream School began from one woman’s vision of becoming a mermaid and her desire to share her mermaid experiences.
