Ask me Anything about going Pro!

[AniaR]

So, I'd like to get the writing juices flowing again for my next book, so I'm inviting you to do an Ask me Anything about my specific and personal experiences as a professional mermaid. I'll do my best to give you clear answers, but be forewarned if I think I answered it better it another thread or in an article or something, haha I will quote from there/ link ;)

So yeah, ask away!

[PearlieMae]

Excellent! I can't wait to see where this takes you! Good luck!

Have you ever found yourself in a situation, party or event, where a guest /client acted inappropriately to you? Not so much at a children's party (hopefully), but where they hired a mermaid and expected a stripper? If so, how did you handle it?

[WillowAnne]

Excellent! I can't wait to see where this takes you! Good luck!

Have you ever found yourself in a situation, party or event, where a guest /client acted inappropriately to you? Not so much at a children's party (hopefully), but where they hired a mermaid and expected a stripper? If so, how did you handle it?

Oh wow, that's hilarious, I can't wait to see the answer to this one!

Question: What has been the greatest challenge you've encountered and how did you overcome it?

[Mermaid Lorelei]

Question: What was your very first gig and do you remember how you came upon it?

[AniaR]

Have you ever found yourself in a situation, party or event, where a guest /client acted inappropriately to you? Not so much at a children's party (hopefully), but where they hired a mermaid and expected a stripper? If so, how did you handle it?

Yes. My answer to how I have dealt with every scenario is that I've been firm, but I also have my very intimidating boyfriend and sometimes extra mertenders make an appearance. Some examples:
During a meet and greet a really big drunk guy came up around the kids, cursing his head off, and squeezed my ass. I don't even feel right saying butt, because the way he was and he way he squeezed was so vulgar. Sean pushed him outta the way and just picked me up and carried me off. lol

At this years pirate festivals some of the old men made some inappropriate comments toward my underaged sister. All it took was Sean appearing and telling them she was 16 for them to run the other way.

I find you gotta hit it head on, but I'm not always in a situation where I can say or do something. That's why having a merwrangler/tender is so important.

Oh don't forget the 13 year old boy who kissed me on the mouth... lmao


Question: What has been the greatest challenge you've encountered and how did you overcome it?

Two parter.

1. Winter. So many pro mers live in warm climates and can be outside all year round. I can't. I am lucky if I get 1/4-1/2 of the year. I had to learn to improvise for the rest of the year, really figure out what I could do dry land, and how to make indoor pool parties cost effective for clients since they were shelling out 200$ just to rent a small pool (or sometimes half a pool).

2. My health. I haven't overcome it, I am still working on it. I have several chronic illnesses along with chronic pain. It knocks me on my butt frequently and I am constantly tired. I work a full time job and do mermaiding pretty much full time as well. It's exhausting and I spend most of the year sick. I do what I can, but sometimes I just gotta accept I will always be sick. I can mope around and lie in bed (which I do from time to time) or get out and do something. I think talking with the mer community online helps me a lot too. Makes me feel connected even when I can't physically keep up.


Question: What was your very first gig and do you remember how you came upon it?

My first gig oh man you'd think I'd remember it like yesterday but I can't seriously remember which one came first. I went looking through my backlog of photos and that didn't even help.I think it was a volunteer children's charity gig and I did it in my falling apart mermaid tail. I was super obsessed with making it look real. Looking back on it I took it way too seriously hahaha.

[Miyu]

I love the above questions! Yes, I'd like to know some about your earliest gigs, what they were like and what kind of hurdles you had to overcome.

[SeaGlass Siren]

what's it like to swim in the ocean? since some of us don't have access to a natural swimming hole or lake or ocean, and it wont be the same as swimming in the pool. is it a lot rougher?

[Meemerdd]

Balancing a job/school with mermaiding, how does that work? (I'm guessing mermaiding needs as much self advertisement as a musician needs.

[AniaR]

I love the above questions! Yes, I'd like to know some about your earliest gigs, what they were like and what kind of hurdles you had to overcome.

Basically a lot more formal than I would of liked. I obsessed over small details and wore myself out. Quickly realized the demand for what people wanted cost more than I was charging haha. My biggest hurdle in the beginning was over coming a falling apart mertailor tail. Once I got my merbellas tail things just took off. There's a lot more about specific stories in my book, and my next book chronicles pretty much ever gig I've done in the past year ;)


what's it like to swim in the ocean? since some of us don't have access to a natural swimming hole or lake or ocean, and it wont be the same as swimming in the pool. is it a lot rougher?

The ocean where I live is cold, so it takes your breath away and you go numb. it's not the kind of ocean where you swim out to this lovely reef and get cute underwater photos in crystal clear waters. It's air stealing, pins and needles inducing, constantly churning, super smelly and windy, might see a polar bear (Im not kidding) water. When I do swim in the ocean where I live it's usually just fighting the current or the undertow so I can get a few photos in the surf. Once in a while we travel the province and I get to go to warmer areas, then I just try and explore. It's pretty barren. You have to scuba dive with lights to see anything interesting in most places. Just so dark and cold. Though a few weeks ago I was visiting cape breton and enjoyed spending a good 4 hours in the ocean just swimming along, floating, and exploring. I feel like a miss out on a lot of what my warmer mer friends get to do. Also, I float like it's my job. I'm not afraid of drowning because I can't sink to save my life in the ocean even with 20lbs weight.


Balancing a job/school with mermaiding, how does that work? (I'm guessing mermaiding needs as much self advertisement as a musician needs.

First off, RIVER MONSTERS FOR THE WIN.

er-hem, now that it's out of my system

I have been lucky to not been a student for well over a year now. I will say, balancing everything is killing me right now, and I am really feeling like within the next few months I will have to either change day jobs or go for broke with my mermaid career. A year ago I was unintentionally unemployed. (a contract ended because the business was closing) I could not find work for 6 months. Had I prepared before hand, I might have been able to live off the mermaid money I made because I was working a lot. But I wasnt prepared, had student loan, and student credit card debt. Had no health insurance and loads of prescriptions. So it was a pretty brutal 6 months til I found a new day job.

I don't have to work at getting gigs anymore. I get more than I can handle. What I'm doing now is trying to balance how many I do with the rest of my life. I have book income as well that funnels right back into my mermaid business. I'd eventually like to upgrade the mermaid tails my other mermaids wear and start booking them out more than myself and be like the mermaid madame, lol. Sometimes I do 5-6 gigs in a weekend, it gets pretty brutal. And even in Canadian winter I am super busy, I did an insane amount in March. It's not so much that I want to constantly be working as a mermaid, but I have all that debt from being a student and being unemployed. So I'm trying hard to pay it down, and reinvest in my company. There are so many fees when you get serious about your company. So many. And if you want to hit the big leagues you gotta pay. You get to a point where you're so big, performers insurance doesn't cut it. You need a lawyer on retainer. You need an accountant. We're on the cusp of that, so I sought out mentoring through an entrepreneur program locally, and it's realllly helping with all that stuff and managing my time.

Basically I don't get a lot of down time. I spend a lot of my "free" time doing the admin side of the business, and I am still learning how to balance it.

[teeth4u]

At what age did you start mermaiding and what did your friends and family initially think?

[Miyu]

There are so many fees when you get serious about your company. So many. And if you want to hit the big leagues you gotta pay. You get to a point where you're so big, performers insurance doesn't cut it. You need a lawyer on retainer. You need an accountant. We're on the cusp of that, so I sought out mentoring through an entrepreneur program locally, and it's realllly helping with all that stuff and managing my time.

Basically I don't get a lot of down time. I spend a lot of my "free" time doing the admin side of the business, and I am still learning how to balance it.


That was actually very helpful right there, thank you. So it's pretty much the same as becoming an independent big-time musician?

[Mermaid Julz]

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the mermaid business? Would you recommend that they work with a professional first for a few years or take a gamble and go out on their own?

[MerEmma]

Aw man, now I need to come up with some questions, seriously!

[AniaR]

At what age did you start mermaiding and what did your friends and family initially think?

Recreationally I was 22 or 23 I think, didn't try and go pro til I had my mertailor tail between 24-25, but things didn't take off until 26-27

family wasn't too shocked, I always did crazy things. But they never got behind it really til a year ago. Now they love it and wont shut up about it hahaha


That was actually very helpful right there, thank you. So it's pretty much the same as becoming an independent big-time musician?

I've actually been an established musician and found it easier ^.^ I did it from age 17-22. Played in a few bands then went solo. Recorded an album. Got to open for some cool big name Canadian acts, and met some awesome people. But I gave it up when I got really sick. I still miss it a lot, but I don't have the same dexterity for guitar and my voice is way out of range compared to what it used to be. IN Canada there's a lot set up to help musicians and I'd say it's easier to get going. We have canadian social networking sites for music and local networking groups, loads of venues, loads of grant money etc... I wasn't even that good and I got pretty far. I have friends that are famous, and well before facebook was invented haha! I'd say comparing the two, music was much easier and much less expensive.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/407061_336065449761538_758765107_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/393819_336065473094869_1805183099_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/403269_336065389761544_1375366770_n.jpg





What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the mermaid business? Would you recommend that they work with a professional first for a few years or take a gamble and go out on their own?

this is going to sound reallllly self serving, but I advise them to read my book because there's no way I could sum up in one post all the things you should consider. Many of us who have "made it pro" i the communities eyes, found a lot of things out the hard way, didn't have the luxury of asking other pro mers or having access to a community, and took years to get to this point. Part of learning and becoming strong in your skill and confident is actually doing things, not just asking someone else or reading about it. You can read about swimming and watch youtube videos all you want, but until you get out there in the water you have no clue. I think the same about mermaiding. You may think you know it all in theory cuz you read the threads and talk the talk, but I do have to say I shake my head at a lot of things on the forum that people tout as THE way to do things when they haven't even done it themselves you know? So I guess #2 after read my book, would be do things for yourself and get messy, try, make mistakes, and allot yourself time to LEARN. It doesn't just happen over night, even when people are super talented.

Keep in perspective Hannah in 37. She has been at this for a long time, long before facebook or mernetwork, or even other mermaids. She didn't get to the top sitting on her computer!

[Ayla of Duluth]

My first gig oh man you'd think I'd remember it like yesterday but I can't seriously remember which one came first. I went looking through my backlog of photos and that didn't even help.I think it was a volunteer children's charity gig and I did it in my falling apart mermaid tail. I was super obsessed with making it look real. Looking back on it I took it way too seriously hahaha.[/SIZE]

I'm surprised to hear you say that, mostly because I strive to make myself seem as real as possible, even going so far as to sit in my tail for an hour or so longer than planned just for a chance to get out of my tail in a way that none of the nearby children will notice, because I hate the thought of shattering the image. At the beach the other day, I had to ask my assistant to carry me through a bunch of sand dunes so that I would be out of sight and be able to sneak off without the kids seeing me take off my tail.

So my question is, should I be taking it less seriously too? How should I go about a situation where I have to take off my tail when kids are around? I personally don't follow the cover story that mermaids get legs when they dry off, instead if someone sees me without my tail I say I'm Ayla's human sister and that Ayla swam home. It seems to work well enough. I just don't want a little girl to see a mermaid peeling off her tail and walking away like nothing happened.

[Merrow Erie]

How did you find others? Or did you start out completely alone? Was it easier with other mers in the business? I already know I'm going to be in debt forever and any journalism job my degree lands me isn't going to cover all the bills. I know it wouldn't be easy, but it doesn't hurt to think about it.

[AniaR]

I'm surprised to hear you say that, mostly because I strive to make myself seem as real as possible, even going so far as to sit in my tail for an hour or so longer than planned just for a chance to get out of my tail in a way that none of the nearby children will notice, because I hate the thought of shattering the image. At the beach the other day, I had to ask my assistant to carry me through a bunch of sand dunes so that I would be out of sight and be able to sneak off without the kids seeing me take off my tail.

Actually, I take that part seriously. They never see me put the tail on or off and we organize around it. But I learned they don't notice a lot of what we as enthusiasts notice. They might point out knees from time to time, but when my mertailor tail was falling apart not a single kid mentioned it other than to ask if I was shedding like a snake and if they could have a piece lol. I used to spend forever on my makeup and accessories etc but now I just go with what's easy and looks nice and will last 2 gigs in a day. I'd be hell bent on not showing wrinkles, but really when you're in the water kids don't see them. I just used to make myself so anxious about what if they figure out I'm fake, that I forgot there is always a kid who figures it out or knows from the start. lol it's all in how you handle each situation is all.


How did you find others? Or did you start out completely alone? Was it easier with other mers in the business? I already know I'm going to be in debt forever and any journalism job my degree lands me isn't going to cover all the bills. I know it wouldn't be easy, but it doesn't hurt to think about it.

Do you mean the other mers I work with? Well, Mermaid Mimi made herself a tail out of carpet I think and some other materials? I found her online and instantly reached out to her. I turned all the other Mermaids that work for me into mermaids, and they are friends and family. The other two mermaids I know locally I actually can't remember if I met them HERE first or on fb haha. I do find it easier with other mers in my business in terms of work load, but I share my money as equally as possible so I don't make any more money by having more mers, we just some times land bigger and better gigs. It's harder with other mers in terms of insurance and the legal implications and liability.

[Anahita]

I'd eventually like to upgrade the mermaid tails my other mermaids wear and start booking them out more than myself and be like the mermaid madame, lol.
:lol ^: ok, that, right there, WIN. I love it. Aside from the fact that it cracked me up because of how you worded it, it's exactly what I want to do.... Mermaid madame and have a tank (bahaha fat chance on my part, but a gal can dream!)

[Mermaid Danielle]

Ha! Finally thought of a question! (though I'm not sure if you've answered the somewhere else, if so, I apologize).

How do you keep your professional mermaid life separate from other aspects of your professional life (ie. teaching outside of mermaiding)?

One of my biggest concern's with mermaiding is that it will somehow negatively impact my professional scientific career, despite my being very careful to keep the two separate. Was there any point in your mermaiding career that the two jobs clashed?

Thanks for starting this btw!

[AniaR]

How do you keep your professional mermaid life separate from other aspects of your professional life (ie. teaching outside of mermaiding)?

One of my biggest concern's with mermaiding is that it will somehow negatively impact my professional scientific career, despite my being very careful to keep the two separate. Was there any point in your mermaiding career that the two jobs clashed?

Thanks for starting this btw!

Good question, I've been asked it before but I will admit the answer has changed as I'm always growing and evolving.

In my book I wrote about how this sort of situation is really circumstantial. I wrote about how one school took huge issue with my mermaid stuff and made me feel like absolute crap and a bad person, while another school posted a newpaper front page of me in my tail and shell top all over the place and bragged about it while I was teaching there. I try to handle things as a whole as opposed to obsessing about the individuals, and I think that better prepares you for if stuff does clash.

The thing is, with teaching specifically, teachers are held to a higher accountability than most professions. When other people screw up and get written about in the newspaper it wont say "so and so- a fast food worker- crashed his car into a light post" but if you're a teacher suddenly the article is "a note teacher crashed their car blah blah". Get the drift?

What worked for me in terms specifically of teaching, is meeting with the teachers union and finding out exactly what I can and can't do with my personal life as dictated by the school board code of ethics, and as defended by the teacher's union. The school board can fire you for "questionable photos" of which they do not define what that is. So I not only had to talk to the union about my mermaid stuff but my modelling and online presence as well. I can't lie to you and say just be yourself because you really can't. You have to always think how things will look down the line and to someone else. That being said, I take risks. Calculated ones. I think as long as you know you're taking a risk and the potential outcomes, that's good. It's when we just jump into something blindly without considering it.

I used to really worry about the mermaid costume being too sexy or whatever, and for my first few early gigs I work a tank top. Well I ditched that pretty fast and now I just make it known that mermaids are known to wear shell tops, I'm wearing a shell top! lol.

Every school where I've been now after that first bad experience I speak with the principal and let them know what I do. I don't even bring up being a mermaid in the classroom without their permission first, because being a mermaid aside, there is a rule about not advertising your own businesses in the classroom to your students. So that right there could nail me.
(for fun, here's my grade 5 class's reaction to finding out I am a mermaid on the last day of school....)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZyXIEEA2g8

It's a balancing act, but it's easier now that I've gotten confidence about who I am, what I want to represent, and how I want to be portrayed. My website shows the value I place on education as a professional, and I have loads of media to back that up as well. It's all about continuing to validate what you do. Being a mermaid is pretty weird in the general population of the business world, so advocating for yourself on a routine basis should be normal. You get so used to it, you can counter most arguments after a while ;)

In terms of being a professional in general, not just a teacher, I'd say find out what the rules are for your workplace and if you're scared, speak to your HR person to find out what you can do that wont put you in danger of losing your job. Canada is much more liberal than the USA so we can do a lot more. I did nude modelling for example, and the Teacher's union informed me that a load of teachers in my city have as well, when I asked them if it would cause problems for me. So I can't lose my job if someone tried to cause me problems, but also, we're pretty chill about nude art in Canada so if someone did try to make a big deal a big portion of people would simply roll their eyes. (seriously. A political leader tried to undermine another female political leader by finding a photo of her that hung in an art gallery, and it totally backfired for them) It seems to me that the USA really varies by state. So it's good to find out your work rules, and local protection laws etc.

I would also say don't attach all your stuff together. I go by AniaR on mernetwork because I don't want every single one of the 5000 posts I've made to come up out of order and out of context when someone is searching for my birthday party rates. I also don't register for anything other than business stuff using my business email. I pay close attention to what comes up when you google me, so things are always in context.

I also don't add many mermaids to my personal FB. I keep it separate from my mermaid one. It just helps ;)

Finally, I think it's just a matter of remembering, anyone from your work, your clients, your boss, etc could view what you're doing on purpose or by accident. Could they understand the context right away? or would it need some explaining?

In all my years as a mermaid, modelling, being a musician, and performing I've only ever had 2 negative feedbacks. One was from that school that took issue with the mermaid thing- and that could have been totally avoided had I known my rights to begin with but I was a student teacher. The other was one single comment on facebook saying I looked too sexy for kids. lol. And sorry, but I'm not about to change myself for either of those things ;) doesn't mean I'm not open to change or refining how I do things, but you learn as you go. :)

Not sure if I gave you a good enough answer there I might need more specific examples, but hopefully it helps!

[Talia]

I wrote about how one school took huge issue with my mermaid stuff and made me feel like absolute crap and a bad person, while another school posted a newpaper front page of me in my tail and shell top all over the place and bragged about it while I was teaching there.



I cannot wrap my head around the fact that that school made you feel like a bad person about mermaiding. I understand the need to keep your two activities kind of separated, and not promoting your business to your students, but that? I just don't get it.

To me would be like saying someone has been working as a Disney princess character at Disney World and people judging her negatively for that. It is a make-believe for kids, for goodness sake. Sometimes adults are really complicated...

Sorry you had to go through that :(

[Talia]

By the way, I wanted to ask:

I have had (young but not so young) kids coming up to me and directly asking "hey lady, where did you buy your tail/swimfin?". I am always at a loss at to what to respond to that, other than the truth.

How do you deal with this? Has this or something similar happened to you?

[AniaR]

I cannot wrap my head around the fact that that school made you feel like a bad person about mermaiding. I understand the need to keep your two activities kind of separated, and not promoting your business to your students, but that? I just don't get it.

I guess some parents called the school complaining their kids thought mermaids were real -_-


I have had (young but not so young) kids coming up to me and directly asking "hey lady, where did you buy your tail/swimfin?". I am always at a loss at to what to respond to that, other than the truth.

How do you deal with this? Has this or something similar happened to you?

Yup. I tell them I grew it, unless I really think they aren't gonna stop badgering me, then I tell them there are special effects artists that make it. I try to keep the conversation short and sweet so people don't over hear and ruin the magic ;)

[Mizuko]

I have a question! I believe you've written a little about it in your book (which I have, hehe!) but I thought I would ask anyways. How do you deal with sponsors? Companies or people who want to collaborate with you? I've been approached by a designer wanting to sponsor me (advertisement, etc) as well as collaborate a range of mermaid themed clothing/accessories under the name Mizuko, with myself modeling. Are there any legal things I need to think about? Its still in early stages of designing, but I just thought it was good to cover my bases :)

[MerEmma]

I guess some parents called the school complaining their kids thought mermaids were real -_-



Yup. I tell them I grew it, unless I really think they aren't gonna stop badgering me, then I tell them there are special effects artists that make it. I try to keep the conversation short and sweet so people don't over hear and ruin the magic ;)

I like this answer! Right now I just swim with a MerFin and constantly people ask me where I got it and when I tell them online they always are really disappointed and don't care to go to that much trouble. :c

[PearlieMae]

Continuing with the 'ruining the magic' theme, my daughter does a lot of kids parties as a party clown...usually very small kids. They are always so sweet and well behaved, but occasionally, there's one bigger kid that insists on ruining the illusion...taking off her wig, pulling in her nose...

My question is, do you have to deal with that very often - pointing out your knees our waistline - and if so, how do you handle that? I'm sure your mertender can't always run blocking for you, and being in a tail, you can't get away easily, either. Pointers?

[AniaR]

I have a question! I believe you've written a little about it in your book (which I have, hehe!) but I thought I would ask anyways. How do you deal with sponsors? Companies or people who want to collaborate with you? I've been approached by a designer wanting to sponsor me (advertisement, etc) as well as collaborate a range of mermaid themed clothing/accessories under the name Mizuko, with myself modeling. Are there any legal things I need to think about? Its still in early stages of designing, but I just thought it was good to cover my bases

It's funny you bring that up, an investment group just contacted me so now I'm learning all about it. I don't think I could give you a clear answer for the legal stuff in regards to this for the states. Canada is different. But I say contracts, and have a lawyer look them over! My first stint with fundraising and sponsorship was very informal and kickstarter esq even though kickstarter didn't exist back then. And I did have someone sponsor me 1000$ without asking anything in return. Of course, I give them all my love and still send them regular updates hahaha!

If I learn anything helpful through my current experience with the investment group I'll let ya know!


My question is, do you have to deal with that very often - pointing out your knees our waistline - and if so, how do you handle that? I'm sure your mertender can't always run blocking for you, and being in a tail, you can't get away easily, either. Pointers?

Honestly in all my years, maybe 3 times if that? A kid might make an observations once, to which I just dont respond. If they keep at it I explain that mermaids have bones like everyone else. If they really push it I say "how many mermaids do you know?" and reply, "that makes me the expert!" or something like that. When it doubt, REDIRECT THEIR ATTENTION. It's not hard to distract kids haha. You can always swim away too when you're in the water.


Accept the fact that some kids just wont buy it, and it's not the end of the world if they figure out you're in a costume and have knees. lol

[Miyu]

That was an awesome video! :D

"You can see her tail bending!"
Silly fishie! How else would a mermaid swim? :p

[AniaR]

the funny thing is, I never answered a single question about that video with the kids. I just smiled and shrugged. It's now been over a year a half later and I still have those kids (who just started grade 7) ask me if I'm really a mermaid....... lol. And they always comment on my FB stuff and email me too haha

[Mermaid Danielle]

Good question, I've been asked it before but I will admit the answer has changed as I'm always growing and evolving.

In my book I wrote about how this sort of situation is really circumstantial. I wrote about how one school took huge issue with my mermaid stuff and made me feel like absolute crap and a bad person, while another school posted a newpaper front page of me in my tail and shell top all over the place and bragged about it while I was teaching there. I try to handle things as a whole as opposed to obsessing about the individuals, and I think that better prepares you for if stuff does clash.

The thing is, with teaching specifically, teachers are held to a higher accountability than most professions. When other people screw up and get written about in the newspaper it wont say "so and so- a fast food worker- crashed his car into a light post" but if you're a teacher suddenly the article is "a note teacher crashed their car blah blah". Get the drift?

What worked for me in terms specifically of teaching, is meeting with the teachers union and finding out exactly what I can and can't do with my personal life as dictated by the school board code of ethics, and as defended by the teacher's union. The school board can fire you for "questionable photos" of which they do not define what that is. So I not only had to talk to the union about my mermaid stuff but my modelling and online presence as well. I can't lie to you and say just be yourself because you really can't. You have to always think how things will look down the line and to someone else. That being said, I take risks. Calculated ones. I think as long as you know you're taking a risk and the potential outcomes, that's good. It's when we just jump into something blindly without considering it.

I used to really worry about the mermaid costume being too sexy or whatever, and for my first few early gigs I work a tank top. Well I ditched that pretty fast and now I just make it known that mermaids are known to wear shell tops, I'm wearing a shell top! lol.

Every school where I've been now after that first bad experience I speak with the principal and let them know what I do. I don't even bring up being a mermaid in the classroom without their permission first, because being a mermaid aside, there is a rule about not advertising your own businesses in the classroom to your students. So that right there could nail me.
(for fun, here's my grade 5 class's reaction to finding out I am a mermaid on the last day of school....)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZyXIEEA2g8

It's a balancing act, but it's easier now that I've gotten confidence about who I am, what I want to represent, and how I want to be portrayed. My website shows the value I place on education as a professional, and I have loads of media to back that up as well. It's all about continuing to validate what you do. Being a mermaid is pretty weird in the general population of the business world, so advocating for yourself on a routine basis should be normal. You get so used to it, you can counter most arguments after a while ;)

In terms of being a professional in general, not just a teacher, I'd say find out what the rules are for your workplace and if you're scared, speak to your HR person to find out what you can do that wont put you in danger of losing your job. Canada is much more liberal than the USA so we can do a lot more. I did nude modelling for example, and the Teacher's union informed me that a load of teachers in my city have as well, when I asked them if it would cause problems for me. So I can't lose my job if someone tried to cause me problems, but also, we're pretty chill about nude art in Canada so if someone did try to make a big deal a big portion of people would simply roll their eyes. (seriously. A political leader tried to undermine another female political leader by finding a photo of her that hung in an art gallery, and it totally backfired for them) It seems to me that the USA really varies by state. So it's good to find out your work rules, and local protection laws etc.

I would also say don't attach all your stuff together. I go by AniaR on mernetwork because I don't want every single one of the 5000 posts I've made to come up out of order and out of context when someone is searching for my birthday party rates. I also don't register for anything other than business stuff using my business email. I pay close attention to what comes up when you google me, so things are always in context.

I also don't add many mermaids to my personal FB. I keep it separate from my mermaid one. It just helps ;)

Finally, I think it's just a matter of remembering, anyone from your work, your clients, your boss, etc could view what you're doing on purpose or by accident. Could they understand the context right away? or would it need some explaining?

In all my years as a mermaid, modelling, being a musician, and performing I've only ever had 2 negative feedbacks. One was from that school that took issue with the mermaid thing- and that could have been totally avoided had I known my rights to begin with but I was a student teacher. The other was one single comment on facebook saying I looked too sexy for kids. lol. And sorry, but I'm not about to change myself for either of those things ;) doesn't mean I'm not open to change or refining how I do things, but you learn as you go. :)

Not sure if I gave you a good enough answer there I might need more specific examples, but hopefully it helps!

Thank you!

[Thalassa]

How do you vet potential mermaids or mertenders if you haven't known them previously?

How do you meet up with the client before or at the gig? What I mean is, do you call and check if the "coast is clear" and then meet the adult before getting into tail? Is the first time you see them when you're already in the pool? If so, how do you know that they're the people you're looking for? (Please let me know if this is still unclear; I may have made it worse with my "clarification".)

[AniaR]

How do you vet potential mermaids or mertenders if you haven't known them previously?

Auditions and interviews. Even my little sister was put through it. Then we do a gig together but they aren't paid, it's like a test, and if they pass I hire them lol and then they get paid



How do you meet up with the client before or at the gig? What I mean is, do you call and check if the "coast is clear" and then meet the adult before getting into tail? Is the first time you see them when you're already in the pool? If so, how do you know that they're the people you're looking for? (Please let me know if this is still unclear; I may have made it worse with my "clarification".)

All through email and we set up prearranged times. They know not to come into the pool until a certain time.

[MermanTyphoon]

Hey! My question is:

Have you ever done collaborative appearances with other mer-people that are not halifax mermaids?

The reason I asked is because In the future I would love to! I am a beginner performing merman and a really great singer. :)

[Thalassa]

Auditions and interviews. Even my little sister was put through it. Then we do a gig together but they aren't paid, it's like a test, and if they pass I hire them lol and then they get paid.

Thanks, Raina! Do you do a background check? Or do you ask that they get a background check (I'm not sure how this works in the US, let alone Canada! ;-) )

[AniaR]

Hey! My question is:

Have you ever done collaborative appearances with other mer-people that are not halifax mermaids?

The reason I asked is because In the future I would love to! I am a beginner performing merman and a really great singer.

We did one with the Pirates of Halifax. There aren't really any other mermaids yet. A few people just started out and we might consider in the future.


Thanks, Raina! Do you do a background check? Or do you ask that they get a background check (I'm not sure how this works in the US, let alone Canada! ;-) )

No, not usually.

[MermanTyphoon]

Well in the future i hope to work with you!

[Merman Arion]

Auditions and interviews. Even my little sister was put through it.

I'm curious to know, how does that work exactly?? What are the terms and what are you looking for in someone who wants to work with you? :)

:hug:

[MermanTyphoon]

I'm curious to know, how does that work exactly?? What are the terms and what are you looking for in someone who wants to work with you? :)

:hug: good question! I wonder the same!

[AniaR]

Clean criminal background check. Clean child abuse screening. Do a practice swim in the tail. Experience with kids and or performing. Professional behavior etc.

[PearlieMae]

I LOVE that video! You rock, Raina!

[Daphne]

I admit, since getting your book my phone's been even more glued to me. When I'm not eating or working or drawing my book, I'm reading your book :p

So...whether you're pro or recreational, would it be "ruining the magic" if you actually went to a moderate/high traffic public beach carrying your tail, got in the water and put the tail on in plain sight of people (or removing the tail)? The majority of pictures I see of merpeople are in some secluded, off the beaten path kinda place. Makes sense given the amount of attention you and Star had in that one photo on some beach. I'd imagine that would be annoying after awhile.

[AniaR]

nah you can do it. I find people don't really pay attention til the tail is on. I've gone to the ocean and just put it on when people didn't seem to be paying attention

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Haha This is great!

My questions are:

What do kids usually pick apart? Like costume wise?

I know that kids can get touchy-feely with "new" things, but when they try to pull, poke and prod your tail/accessories, how do you go about telling them not to?

Thanks! ^_^

[AniaR]

I have it built into my booking agreement that parents are to help us keep the children from doing that. I let them touch and feel but when they start pulling I tell them it hurts and I swim away

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Ah! Thank you! ^_^ I know you had a kid try and eat a sand dollar once. -laughs-

[Rocky Mountain Mermaids]

Hello! Just found this thread.. not sure if too late, but might as well give it a shot.

My question is how do you even begin getting gigs and going pro? Sorry if it's a little vague. But basically I'm wanting to start a mermaiding business with one other mermaid, as a team. We just bought our silicone tails and are practicing swimming, and have our brand logo together. Now what? What are the first few steps after that?

PS, this thread is SUPER helpful and myself and other mermaids are super grateful you've taken the time to respond! :)
PSS, I do have some mermaiding experience as I used to perform for our local aquarium for a short time. But I want to go independent.

[AniaR]

well my book actually lists most types of gigs and how to get them :) Hate to be spammy, but for the stage you're in my book would be best. It has all detailed information and examples and resources :)

[StaySea]

Wow, you are an unlimited source of information. I really appreciate your openness and all that you share. I obsess over realism, especially b/c my tail is not latex or silicone (though no one has seems to have solved the knee problem, no matter the material). I hate to have the illusion shattered, I feel such a responsibility to keep that from happening, it kind of freaks me out! Fortunately I have experienced that kids of a certain age naturally believe or want to suspend disbelief. It's how to handle those who have crossed the threshold. I felt rather victorious when one boy started shouting that I was fake and my response was to reach out my arm and tell him that I am real and to touch my hand. This not only shut him right up, but his younger sister was thrilled to not have the fantasy ruined (whew!). The one I really don't know how to handle are the parents who just have to explain what I really am to their children in front of all the other kids. I would love any advice and ideas you or anyone has on this subject. Also, what do you say about the comments about knees, I've pretended not to notice the comments, not knowing what to say!

[StaySea]

doh, sorry, i obviously didn't read through all the threads re: knees

[MerEmma]

The only tails that solve the knee problems are the $10,000+ tails like the H2O tails or Mermaid Linden etc. They're difficult to swim in and weigh a lot but kids have pretty great imagination.

[StaySea]

yes, that's true, i forget about those, since they aren't very practical!

[StaySea]

Re-reading I see distraction is the key, seems to be the best response to any uncomfortable questions/comments about realism - I will keep that in mind - Thanks!

[Seatan]

Here's a question for you, Raina, that I have after reading your book (which was awesome, btw!). I am sort of a "throw the kid in the lake, watch her learn to paddle" sort of swimmer, aka I can swim well but I didn't learn by being taught different strokes, I just grew up at the lake. I have been practicing in a monofin and am just starting to swim in my tail, and I have a couple of questions about the literal swimming side of kids' parties.

1) How much time do you actually spend swimming versus hanging off the side/sitting in shallow water talking to children?

2) Of that swimming, how much is actually underwater swimming doing a true dolphin kick versus doing that sort of half kick involving knee movement and a little core with your head out of the water so you can wave at the kids/talk to the kids, etc?

3) When you give kids rides on your back, do you do it with your head out of the water or underwater? I feel like doing a true dolphin kick would be dangerous with someone holding on. I've watched lots of mermaid swimming videos, but most of those are filmed fully underwater and have often cut out the coming up for air segments. I'm guessing that at a kid's party you would want to do more interactive swimming, where you can talk to them and laugh and make faces.

Overall, I guess what I'm asking is how/in what style, precisely, do you usually swim at children's events?

[AniaR]

Great questions! I learned to swim the same way at 17.

1) it depends on the pool and the age group. It could be half and half or 1/3 2/3. I do a lot of using my hands. The gig I did yesterday was loads of swimming while one a week ago was all shallow.

2) the same answer above applies.

3)both. If the kid has a floaty on I can keep my head up but if they don't I usually need to go under. I have a whole complicated system for giving rides that all depends on the child and the pool. I wouldn't suggest just jumping in and doing it. I'm going to talk more about rides at n.c. merfest.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[teeth4u]

Hi Raina! I'm not sure if someone asked this already but I didn't see it. When you first started taking on mermaid gigs, how much did you charge? I'm very curious as to how you are paid as a mermaid. Do you work hourly? Per party? What are your rates now compared to when you started?

[Patches]

Super good question! I was wondering more about mermaid rides. I have a gig for a birthday on Nov 23rd and I suggested mermaid rides but every time I have tried its a pain in the ass. Doable but a pain in the ass. Hopefully I will be seeing you at merfest. :3

[AniaR]

I don't really talk about what I charge because 1) I live in freezing cold Canada in a cold and poor province. You can't use me as a model for what to charge. Because my economy and climate is 100% nothing like anyone else. and most of my clients are paying 100-200$ just for the pool rental for 45 minutes- hour 2) I am constantly upping my rates and changing my packages.

In my book, I give links to rate calculators, and list things that should influence what you charge. Basically, you need to consider how much money you're spending and charge at least that + money for your time and other factors.

It's also helpful to send your clients surveys after they're done to find out if they'd pay more. When everyone told me they'd pay more, I jacked my prices up.

I *still* am not charging what I *want* to charge, and compared to international mermaids it's pretty low. But we've got some investors and business mentors now, so the whole structure is changing.

That seems to be one of those questions, everyone wants one answer for and there isn't. I mean, minimum wage where I live is 10.60$, whereas in many areas of the USA aren't you all at like 6-8$ still?

[AniaR]

mermaid rides I'd probably have to demonstrate to get a better sense. I have a few videos around on my page I think. Basically I have two types. One where I swim, one where I'm sorta floating and walking on my hands. Depends on the kids and the pool etc.

This is from BEFORE I had my tail taken in, one of th elast things I did before it was taken in. Hence the baggyness and belt. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152738242340425&set=vb.183327321702019&type=3&theater (video)

[AniaR]

you can see me give some rides here at the following points: 0:07, 1:06. This pool was shallow and small, so it was hard to get around. The kids also have on life jackets so it made it awkward.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iffYSSS9hyw

Most kids don't want to ride for very long, they just want short bursts. So I'll take them over to the ladder or something. If the pool is too deep sometimes you gotta get creative with how they get on you.
see 1:04, I can barely get going because the kids doesn't want to go far. You just look like you're flailing around for a few seconds. lol. At 2:18 you can see you sink at first, then you gotta roll into the dolphin kick so your bum comes right up. The kid is usually on your bum so it puts them up above water which helps them take a breath and feel safe before they go under with you. But really, it isn't more than a novelty unless you have a kid who is willing to hang on and hold their breath and not afraid to go under water with you. If you can go right underwater and do a normal dolphin kick the ride is much smoother and both you and kid feel safer, but most kids wont go for it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQYsnmW3tFw


Here's an example of super shallow pools where all we have to do is let our tails float (so they don't drag and scrape on the bottom) and put our heads under and just use our hands.
4:32 is a clip. When I do that, I usually make a show of splashing my tail so the kid thinks they're getting a real ride. lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOznfN1a9_o


I really *dont* have any good rides caught on videotape yet. Because 9/10 the kid thinks they want a ride but when they start you know they're scared so you just don't swim right, you're spending the whole time trying to keep them up. But once in a while you get kids who are all for it. I have had kids, but not every client gives me permission to post video on youtube. I'll try to make an effort to get some better clips. :)

Either way at NC Merfest I'll demonstrate it (if someone remembers to ask me) and I'll try to get new clips too.

[drucilla]

Where can I find your book?

[AniaR]

www.makemeamermaid.com

[drucilla]

Does your book include examples of the paperwork you need to start a business?

[AniaR]

yup. but keep in mind I'm canadian and your american. So my book has examples.

[Rocky Mountain Mermaids]

Hi :D

What do some of the birthday party costs look like? I'm trying to find examples, but every mermaid's website says email for price quote. What do your birthday parties look like, expense-wise and activities wise? (For example, does it cost more with more children, do you have packages or bundles, do the kids get souvenirs, etc...?)

Thanks!

[AniaR]

you can see right on my website. though as I always say to everyone, costs depend on your local rates for performers, how much money you spend on materials and transportation etc. Everyone wants a fast cut and dry answer for this, and there just isn't one. What I can charge in rural canada in a poor province, is a lot different than what someone can charge in Florida- and it should be.

www.halifaxmermaids.com

I never copy and paste my rates though, because they're always changing, and I don't think you should base your rates in denver off my rates.

[Vixy]

Have you done anything other groups, I saw you mentioned pirates before? What are those gigs normally like?

[AniaR]

I do pirates. I do schools. I do museums. I do universities. I do daycares. I do tallships and multicultural festivals etc. Not just kids parties ;) there's lots of photos and videos of those types of events on my websites, youtube, and facebook. Each group is different. Pirates are always fun

[Mermaid Tory]

Have you ever been asked to perform in a bar or club? I've heard of a mermaid bar with a tank above the bar but I was wondering if you've been asked for a dry gig in one?

[AniaR]

Yes but not locally - in the us and I wasn't able to get passport stuff in time so I passed it off.

[Mermaid Ruthie]

I am hopeing to get you book one day, but really really quick question I would like to get off my tail, I didn't really look through the last 2 pages so maybe someone already said it, but how did you really start your company how did you spread the word that there is a mermaid in town and have the guts to do it?

I am really shy and just, I would like to do this as a little side job and just, yeah. If you could answer, I understand if you refuse for some reason.

Anyways Toodles

[AniaR]

Honestly you should check out my thread 'Raina's resources' and watch my vlogs and they'll break it all down for you and help you with that. Good luck.

[Mermaid Ruthie]

Awesome-sauce thanks

[Rebekah.fish]

Questions!

I have a cloth tail with patchy scales so they don't completely cover. What age groups tend to be like "oh that's cloth, you're not real."I'm debating on ordering a silicon tail or not because I'm paranoid kids will not think it's real or that I'm lame. Especially when u get upto like 4th graders. I've got a party coming up in a few months with that age kids. Any advice on how kids react for different ages? I'm so paranoid about being as real as possible! !

[AniaR]

I usually tell kids that mermaids come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes I say our tails are different at different types of years. I have a silicone tail and one of my girls has a sequin one. Basically your best tool is redirection. When all else fails, change the subject, encourage them to swim, or even swim away. If they insist you arent real be coy. "I'll never tell!" and swim off. Redirection is key with unwanted questions or behaviours :) Otherwise they'll argue you lol. But kids will do that over anything ;) I find fabric works best with younger ages but hey if they're older you dont have to keep the pressure of being a 'real' mermaid. We usually use our discretion. Sometimes we just go with the flow. if they know it's a costume they usually have loads of questions about being a professional mermaid and that entertains them :)

[Rebekah.fish]

Okay thanks so much! Do you think having more realistic silicon ones are worth it for those cases? I'd like to thinks so but it's a hard call because they cost so much!

[Aisling]

Hello Raina!

First and foremost, thank you for making a thread like this! My question to you is,
You've mentioned having illnesses that make work hard for you. How do you find methods to cope and push forward?

To elaborate: undoubtedly there's those of us who have and will struggle with things like motivation and overall strength to push through those "really hard" days. What are some of the things you do in order to encourage yourself to continue being progressive?

[AniaR]

whoa intense question! Hehe I shall write a Novella (as one mermaid put it, haha but it's kinda true...)

I have interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, dyspraxia, and as a result of these- chronic pain and chronic fatigue.

Before I found the right treatment for me, endo used to land me in the hospital. I would suffer through gigs in horrible pain. And any early morning gigs I struggled with because of how tired I was. Dyspraxia affects my muscle tone which in turn effected my ability to swim (took me a lot longer than most to get things down) along with my communication skills. Throw into the mix all the dental work I've had done this past year which really affected my speech and made gigs a bit of a struggle.

Like others who suffer with chronic illness; if I just stayed in bed everytime I felt sick, tired, or sore... I'd never get out. I am ALWAYS in pain, always exhausted, and generally I feel unwell. Though some days I feel good. My immune system is weakened from these illnesses so I tend to contract a lot of colds and flus too.

I don't miss too many gigs. Maybe 3 in the past 7 years. For all of them I was able to get one of the mermaids who works for me to cover for me. So first things first, if you're a mermaid with chronic illness I think it's important you team up with another local mermaids for that very purpose. It's also a lot easier on you to do a gig with two mermaids and it balances out the workload and can make you feel less stressed when it's all done. Most of the time though I do push through... I find I get an adrenaline rush from the kids being so happy. I remember one gig I did I was in so much pain with my legs that I stayed in the very tiny kid pool while my other mermaids worked the big pool. It actually worked out because the tiny kids stayed with me and it was like we'd broken the party into several groups. Divide and conquer!

The general live the best you can rules apply. I do a lot to prevent feeling sick or sore at a gig. I try hard to sleep well the night before (doesn't always happen). I try to eat well, take supplements, and make sure if it's longer gigs I have breaks built into my contract. My merwrangler is awesome and we have a system for him to come and help if I feel unwell.

But generally I find the best thing you can do is team up with reliable people, take care of yourself, and push through sometimes. Certainly, we all have days where we just can't but even if you're in the hospital a client will still be upset that you didnt have someone else to take over for you. which seems selfish but imagine them waiting weeks for their mermaid party only to find out the day of the mermaid wont be there.

I do yoga to help, take a lot of baths, I did a lot of research into my illnesses and fought the health system to get the right doctors and the right treatment plan (took years). I was remarking to Sean just after a specialist apt this week that I havent been to the hospital (ER) for one of my illnesses in over a year. Due largely to the fact I finally got a good doctor and treatment plan. I also find being frank with my doctors about my mermaid work helps. I try to meditate, and I have other hobbies so I can blow off steam. I do photography and play in a band and sometimes just read or play video games. I try to take the time I need to rest whenever I can and sometimes that means forcing myself to stay in bed ;)

It's very hard to balance for sure. And everyone's journey is going to be different. I'm currently sick with a bad cold and it has made my IC flare up. I can't tell you how happy I am that I don't have a gig tomorrow. I can't wait to sleep all day hahaha.

[AniaR]

I should also add that my progressive nature actually comes from having thanatophobia. I am constantly thinking about my own mortality so it really pushes me not to waste the time I have on earth. And I want to leave memories with people and my mark on the world. So that sorta pushes me especially when I feel uncreative, tired, or even just lazy.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

What emotion(s) did you have at your first professional gig? Were you terrified? Happy? Excited? etc.

And what tail(s) did you wear? Fabric or something more fancy?

[AniaR]

It was for a friend, I had a regular bathing suit top and my too short falling apart mertailor tail. Lol.but my friend was easy going so so was I :)

[Aisling]

Thank you for the response, Raina!

[AniaR]

thanks for the cool question :D

[Rebekah.fish]

When u got ur first silicone tail, we're u nervous about spending the money? And was it worth it? Those tails are a big expensive step!

[AniaR]

Well since it pretty much launched my business into what it is now yeah it was worth it ;) I fundraised the money for my first tail along with savings . its always hard to make a big expensive purchase but yes it was worth it. Ive never regret money I spent on mermaid business

[Rebekah.fish]

Thank you! :))

[Mermaid Jaffa]

How long did you practice for before you got your first professional tail?

[BlueMermaid]

I personally don't break character. Even in my silicone tails there are kids who insist I am not real. So I tell them "It's ok, I understand it's hard to believe, you don't have to believe I'm real. But it's alot more fun if you pretend I am." That has never failed to stop them from the pursuit to prove I'm not real, and almost always start going along with it!


Okay thanks so much! Do you think having more realistic silicon ones are worth it for those cases? I'd like to thinks so but it's a hard call because they cost so much!

[BlueMermaid]

Very nice of you to do this thread Raina!

[AniaR]

Which one would you consider professional? I had my fabric for one year, then my mertailor close to 3 before I could afford my merbellas. But it wasn't a case of practice so much as needing money for a better tail. I was terrible in all my tails until I got my merbellas. It took about 3-4 swims to get good with it. I swam with raven once and practically sat on her head 3 times I was so bad.

To be honest I don't think my swimming got to a good skill until I had my merbellas 2 years, and it's taken until now for me to learn tricks that most mers pick up fast.
But you gotta remember I have chronic pain, illness, and mobility issues. Everyone is different

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Thanks! I wasn't asking for myself. I was just curious if you ever had a simple practice tail like some of us do.

[Princess Pearl]

Out of curiosity, are your performers employees or self-employed contractors?

[AniaR]

I contract all my girls. But it's sort of a mix of both because we insure them and adhere them to company policies (contract laws are a bit diff in Canada) . But basically they work for me and I do not put limits on them working for them self so long as they dont' do anything that would compromise our company vision in our company's name. (so haha I wouldnt hire a girl again if she went off and did a gig for an oil company lol)

[Princess Pearl]

I'm actually a Canadian, so Canadian answers are perfect :D Do you provide T4A's, or are they expected to self-report their taxes?

These are the questions that float through my brain at tax time.

[AniaR]

currently they self report their taxes, but as we won the adp grant we also get their payroll services so I'll be able to do up T4s. but I dont take off taxes so they have to do it themselves.

[AniaR]

if you're canadian, just self report whatever mermaid income you make, and also claim everything you spend :) if you make under 30,000$ from mermaiding, you'll get it all back so it's in your best interest to report the income

[Mermaid Sirenia]

What activities do you tend to do at pool parties? I have a pool party for a 4 and 5 year old coming up, and I'm just curious what I should do!

[Mermaid Tory]

In your book you mentioned going to mixers to find possible connections. Could you elaborate a bit more? Like how did you find it and get in, how do you let people know what you, and did you meet anyone helpful?

[AniaR]

subscribing specifically to business networks, they tend to be regional in your community, schools, and through entrepreneur support groups. It's hard to be specific because it's very specific to where you live. But they're everywhere!

[Mermaid Miradis]

Hello! :)

I hope this is still open to ask.
How much was your Mertailor tail and how old was it?
I am currently thinking about getting a used FinFolk. Someone before her already used it, but it is in good shape. How much would you charge, if the original price was $3.450? She doesn't know what to charge.

Thank you for your time!

[AniaR]

it was over $1000 6 years ago

[Mermaid Miradis]

it was over $1000 6 years ago

Thank you! :) I'll keep that in mind then!

[Rayne Mermaid]

I'd like to start my question with a statement....You have been a huge help to me,without even knowing it! I read everything I find and watch your vlogs so I can be as informed as possible before I get into my first tail. So thank you miss Raina,for everything you do!
Now,onto my question ~ Mine is a little personal,I hope you're ok with me asking. If not,I understand :) I also suffer with chronic pain,so I'd love to know how YOU manage to pull off doing parties and things,even when you're feeling bad. I myself,can hardly move on really bad days. You can PM me,if you would rather not have this out for everyone...or just tell me you don't want to answer this :)

[AniaR]

it's hard not gonna lie. Dry gigs kills me so I do them less and less and I found having a lighter tail for dry gigs better.

I have a personal trainer I have been seeing 2-3 times a week for 7 months now. I have noticed a huge improvement, but not gonna lie, it's brutal doing the actual work at the gym. I don't get that endoprphine rush people talk about. I pretty much hurt the entire time and push myself and hate every minute of it. but honestly, it made my chronic pain go way down and I had a thermal scan yesterday and my inflammation is way down too.

I wish I had some big inspiring thing to say beyond know your own limit and take it one gig at a time, but honestly I just suffer through and sometimes it's brutal! Working with others happens a lot, I can delegate if I'm burnt out

[The Harlem Mermaid]

AniaR (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?10-AniaR) Hi! Im going to be going to my first paying mermaid gig, and i would like to know more or less the right amount to charge, i know it depends on dry land, and pool as well as fabric tail and silicone tail, that is about as much as i gather. I have read some charge $125-150 for dryland and up to $200 for wet/silicone tail events, what i dont know is, is it an hourly rate or like for 4 hours work? I want to be fair but also make $ , oh and i believe if its going to be far, expenses/transportation is included as well, any advice would be appreciated. I gather i would read to them, bring party favors for birthday kids, photos to be taken even video's, so much involved. :)

[TheSaltySiren]

Okay, So I have my first dry gig event coming up soon, and my question is this.

How do you put on your tail for this? Meaning, should I have it on before I arrive, or ask the parent for a private room before hand to get ready....Also does your merwrangler carry you around..I was thinking of using a wheel chair to be pushed around. Also when you leave, do you leave in tail or same thing with a private room? Thanks in advance :)