Mermaid Kariel

In the coming weeks, I plan to introduce you to a very special breed of mermaid. These are the professionals. They have worked long hours in order to pursue their dream of making a living as a mermaid. One excellent example of true dedication to the ocean and the mermaid profession is Mermaid Kariel of Hawaii.

The nickname Kariel was given to her by her mother at a young age. It seems Kariel has been a mermaid fanatic her whole life. Mermaid Kariel makes her own tails out of recycled wet suits, very eco-friendly. A typical tail takes from 350 to 400 hours of work to create. Tails also need periodic maintenance. Mermaids don't see a lot of free time.

Mermaid Kariel teaches a mermaid fitness class at a hotel in Hawaii. Students wear mono-fins and learn how to swim like a mermaid using the dolphin-kick technique. This is great exercise, and a lot more fun than a treadmill.

Hawaiian residents and visitors can rent mermaid tails from Mermaid Kariel for photography sessions. She can also put you in touch with a professional photographer. You'll want to frame these vacation photos.  They won't be among the ones collecting dust in a forgotten photo album!

Kariel has written a children's book which gives children the knowledge to use their talents to accomplish their dreams by believing in themselves. The book's profits will go to a nonprofit to help rare cancer research.

What better way to make a young girl's birthday special than to have a surprise visit from a mermaid?  Mermaid Kariel and a handler (assistant) provide the entertainment: face painting, stories, games, and a mermaid swim (optional). All you do is provide the cake! Details are available on the web site.

Mermaid Kariel has been featured in a number of magazine (including ELLE) and newspaper articles. She does promotional appearances and corporate events. In the Living Social list of 365 things to do in Honolulu, swimming with Mermaid Kariel at her Wednesday fitness class is #25. That's hard to beat.

You can follow Mermaid Kariel and her adventures on Facebook and at www.mermaidkariel.com.

A big wave and splash to Mermaid Kariel, a true professional and an inspiration to us all!

Mermaids Magazine

Mermaids is the name of a special-issue annual magazine edited by author Carolyn Turgeon. The first issue will be out on March 30th, but can be pre-ordered now at the Faerie Magazine website. List price is $14.95. The first issue will be over 200 pages, and will feature Mermaid Hannah Fraser on the cover.

Articles will include: Ten Ways to Fall in Love with a Mermaid, Advice for Aspiring Mermaids, and Hannah Fraser on Swimming with Sharks. After its release, the magazine will also be available at Barnes & Noble as well as independent booksellers across the US.

Best wishes and starfishes,

-Mermaid Cynthia

cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com