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Making the Transformation

Testimonial on making the jump into mermaiding as a profession

by neophyte pro Mermaid Dottie

When did you first become interested in mermaids?

Oh that's easy. When I was a kid, I couldn't decide which I liked better, wings or fins. (So don't be surprised if you see me flitting around as an over-sized fairy or a birdlady in the future.) We had a claw-foot tub when I was young, and I used to pretend the sloped back was the rock Ariel sang on, and I would make a mess of the bathroom floor trying to recreate that scene.

You are at an exciting point in your career. What has your experience as a mermaid been like throughout your journey?

Interesting, and comical at times. I remember I went to a mission reunion with my husband, and he couldn't carry me in while wearing my tail because I was 4 1/2 months pregnant at the time, so I had to scoot across the wood floor. Good thing I was still in my fabric tail.

Being a mermaid has really become a part of who I am, though. I can't get in the water with legs without feeling strange.

How did you first consider mermaiding as a profession?

You mean, how did I find out I could be a mermaid when I grew up? *smile* After a nice man at the Joann's Fabric store near me explained the swimmable mermaid tail he was making for his daughter, and pointed me to Sasha's Video, I spent hours on Youtube watching videos. I came across Mertailor, Merbellas, Hannah, and my favorite, Kariel. It was then I thought, "Oh that would be cool for a job." I didn't really consider it until after Pirate Festival last year, though.

What has mermaiding taught you about yourself?

Mostly, that I underestimate myself too much. I can be EVERYTHING I want to be, not just anything, but everything. It's also taught me that I can make a difference.

What do you hope to achieve as a mermaid?

I'm a convert to the LDS church, and am extremely spiritual. My biggest goal is to help build faith in children's hearts. Because, before you can make the gigantic leap to having faith in any higher power, you have to be able to believe in little things, little, impossible things, Like Santa, and fairies, and mermaids. (All of which I personally believe in. "Magic, to me, is making dreams real. Making them look real, making them feel real, and giving people hope." ~David Copperfield

Clearly up to mischief while on land with her beautiful merbaby and supportive scalawag husband

Celebrate the mer child in your own life by visiting the L'il Mermaids page on Facebook. It's a place for lovers or whimsy and the young at heart

Mermaids are such naturally exquisite creatures, they need nothing to accentuate their loveliness. But that doesn't stop them from loving the girly delights of hair, makeup and nail color. Here's some inspiration to spark your sparkles.