We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jasmine Hunter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jasmine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

How I Came Up With the Idea for My Mermaiding Business
My journey into owning a mermaiding business actually began while I was working as a professional performing mermaid for a local petting zoo and aquarium. Performing there allowed me to see firsthand how much joy and wonder mermaids bring to children and families. Kids were fascinated, parents were curious, and people constantly asked where else they could see mermaids or book one for events.
While I was working there, I began to realize there was a real opportunity to create something of my own. I started printing simple flyers and business cards and sharing them with families who were interested in mermaid entertainment outside of the venue. The response was incredibly encouraging, and it showed me that there was a genuine demand for mermaid performers in my community.
Not long after, the facility I was working for shut down due to legal issues surrounding the treatment of animals and workers. While it was an unfortunate situation, it also pushed me to fully step into creating my own path. I had already begun building connections and interest, so I decided to officially launch my own mermaiding business.
What started as a few flyers and conversations with families has grown into a platform where I can bring magic, representation, and ocean-inspired education to events, parties, and community spaces. That experience taught me that sometimes opportunities come from unexpected places—and that creating something better and more positive is always possible. ✨🧜🏾‍♀️

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into mermaiding started through performance. I was originally hired as a performing mermaid at a petting zoo and aquarium where I interacted with guests and brought the mermaid fantasy to life for families and children. During those performances, I saw firsthand how powerful the experience was. Children were mesmerized, parents were curious, and people constantly asked where else they could see mermaids or book one for events. That experience showed me that mermaiding wasn’t just entertainment—it was storytelling, imagination, and connection.
While working there, I started creating my own opportunity. I began handing out flyers and business cards to families who were interested in mermaid appearances outside of the venue. When that facility eventually shut down due to legal issues surrounding the treatment of animals and workers, I decided it was time to fully step into building something of my own. What began as a few flyers and conversations quickly grew into a full mermaid entertainment business.
Today, my work includes professional mermaid performances at birthday parties, festivals, educational events, and community celebrations. I also create ocean-inspired content online that highlights marine life, conservation, and representation in ocean spaces. My performances combine fantasy with education, giving children and families a magical experience while also teaching them about the ocean and the importance of protecting it.
One of the biggest problems I aim to solve is representation. Growing up, I rarely saw mermaids who looked like me—brown skin shimmering in the sun, natural curls crowned with shells and pearls. Through my work, I want children, especially children of color, to see themselves reflected in ocean fantasy and marine spaces. At the same time, I aim to make ocean education feel accessible, joyful, and imaginative rather than distant or intimidating.
What sets me apart is that my work goes beyond simply wearing a tail and performing. My brand blends performance art, cultural storytelling, environmental awareness, and community engagement. I believe mermaids can be a gateway to conversations about the ocean, creativity, and belonging. My performances are designed not only to entertain but to inspire curiosity about marine life and the natural world.
One of the things I’m most proud of is building my platform independently. What started with passing out flyers has grown into a recognizable mermaid brand that celebrates inclusivity, creativity, and ocean conservation. I’m also proud to be part of a growing movement of Black mermaids and marine advocates who are expanding the image of who belongs in ocean spaces.
The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know is that my brand is about more than fantasy—it’s about creating magical moments that leave a lasting impact. Whether I’m performing at a child’s birthday party, appearing at a festival, or sharing educational content online, my goal is to spark imagination while encouraging people to care about the ocean and the stories connected to it.
Through my work, I hope to continue inspiring the next generation to dream big, embrace creativity, and remember that the ocean belongs to all of us.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I bootstrapped my business from the ground up, reinvesting the income I earned working as a lifeguard and swim instructor to build my brand.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One moment in my journey that really illustrates my resilience happened early on when I was trying to break into the world of character and mermaid entertainment. Before starting my own business, I applied to several party character companies hoping to work as a mermaid performer. Unfortunately, I was rejected multiple times. In some cases, it became clear that I didn’t fit the traditional look they were expecting for mermaids—specifically the classic image inspired by Ariel from The Little Mermaid, with bright red hair and blue eyes.
At the time, those rejections were discouraging. It made me realize how narrow the expectations could be in fantasy entertainment, even though the ocean itself is vast and diverse. But instead of allowing that to stop me, I decided to create the kind of space I wished existed when I was applying for those roles.
I chose to build my own path. I started performing as a professional mermaid and eventually launched my own mermaiding business. Instead of trying to fit into someone else’s version of what a mermaid should look like, I embraced who I was and what I represented.
Today, one of the most meaningful parts of my work is seeing children—especially children of color—light up when they see a mermaid who looks like them. What once felt like rejection ultimately pushed me to create something bigger: a brand rooted in representation, imagination, and inclusivity.
That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through obstacles—it’s about transforming those obstacles into the foundation for something better. And in my case, those early “no’s” helped lead me to build a business and a platform that celebrates the idea that mermaids can look like anyone.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Mermaid_Amia_Koi