How did professional mermaiding get started?

[Mermaid Rillia]

So I would like to know how professional mermaiding got started, And how exactly do you get into that sort of thing?

I would imagine that putting a smile on a childs face whilst teaching them about the ocean can be very rewarding.
To keep the belief in mermaids alive in a childs heart would be dare i say almost emotionally and spiritually rewarding.

Just wondering how some of you current professional mers did it.

[AniaR]

It started with Annette Kellerman, she was the first professional mermaid at the turn of the century that we know of. I wrote a whole article about her that is in the "Mermaids" magazine! You can buy it here ;) http://www.faeriemagazine.com/index2.asp I researched a lot for the article! Not just online stuff :)

[malinghi]

I'm glad you're giving exposure to Annette Kellerman. Its crazy that she isn't better known in the mer community.

[AniaR]

the stuff I found while researching was insane, but I dont know of anyone who's read my article yet :(

[Sea Pearl]

Wow, I just looked up Annette Kellerman and I honestly didn't know who she was until now. She's seemed to have lived a very interesting life. And Raina, I wouldn't worry because the magazine has not been released yet, sadly. I've pre-ordered the magazine myself and it was supposed to be shipped out on March 30th, and have just been informed that it has been delayed in the printing and will be shipped out on May 12th. I cannot wait till it comes and will be reading the article.

[AniaR]

even I didnt know it was delayed until yesterday! lol I went to buy some copies! hahaha