What to do...

[Mermaid Cecelia]

So I couldn't find anything on the forum that really helped much, so I decided to make a new thread. If this is already a thread and I didn't see it then just point me in the right direction :)

alright. Question time:
im getting my tail (really soon), and yes I have AniaR's book, and I wanted to start a business. Thing is, there is already a pro mermaid in Nashville (mermaid Bonnie). I don't want to start any competition, cuz there is no way I could compete with her and I don't want to be rude, so I was wondering what should be my next step. Should I try to see if I can work with her? Idk if she wants/needs another mermaid here. Should I go ahead and start my own business? I'm really stuck here...

[Mermaid Kelda]

There's no reason why you can't have two mermaids in a city. There are 7 hairdressers in my little home town ;)
But I suppose whether or not you'll be stepping on any fins depends on what sort of business she runs. Does she do mostly kids' parties? Adult events? Does she do only mermaids, or is her business more encompassing of fantasy in general? If you know the focus of already-established businesses you can point your own focus somewhere slightly different. Other than that, I'd say go ahead and contact her, see if she wants another mermaid in her pod :) no harm in asking!

[Mermaid Cecelia]

She does kid parties, aquarium visits, modeling, and basically everything that I was gonna do :P

[Seatan]

You have every right to start your business. Nashville is a big city; it's not like you are competing in a little town of a thousand people. It's also an entertainment hub, albeit a country one. Multiple choices are good for business, and having one more mermaid will get more info to people who didn't know mermaiding existed and might never have hired one. If every entrepreneur worried about starting a similar biz to somebody else, there would only be a few stores-- but can you always find what you want at one store? Variety is good and nobody is ever alike. Go for it! I am sure mermaid Bonnie will be fine. You're not stealing her idea or anything, you are just doing what you love in a big city full of opportunity.

[Mermaid Oshun]

I agree with everyone else. Good luck girlie :mermaid kiss:

[halesloveswhales]

Send her a friendly email! I've done that a couple times, and it's gone really well. It's always good to be on the same team, whether you're working together or not.

[Jessica]

Mermaid Bonnie is really nice so I highly doubt this will be an issue! I would be thrilled if there was a mermaid near me. I plan on doing kids parties and other events and it would be awesome to have a backup plan! You never know when you might get sick and can't make an event. If you have an event you can't do because of scheduling conflicts, you could always recommend Bonnie and vice versa. :)

[Mermaid Cecelia]

Mermaid Bonnie is really nice so I highly doubt this will be an issue! I would be thrilled if there was a mermaid near me. I plan on doing kids parties and other events and it would be awesome to have a backup plan! You never know when you might get sick and can't make an event. If you have an event you can't do because of scheduling conflicts, you could always recommend Bonnie and vice versa. :)

Good point :) thanks Jessica!

[PearlieMae]

It sounds awesome to contact her! Is she on the network?

And even if she wasn't amenable to the idea, there's always http://www.gigsalad.com/Variety/Children-Kids-Entertainment/TN/Nashville

[Mermaid Melanie]

I have the same dilemma Mermaid Cecilia - unfortunately I find that some people can be very competitive and really try to put down their competition and control the work available in the area - Im sure Bonnie is lovely - just be careful to look out for your own interests and don't let anyone walk over you.