A professional mermaid says while her job is “magic” – it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Elle Jimenez became a full-time mythical creature eight years ago when she opened her own entertainment company.
The 35-year-old got lessons and became scuba certified after being asked to don the glittery scales as a one-off.
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And she has never looked back.
But Elle says the job requires a lot of physical effort and isn’t as glitzy and glamorous as people might think.
“Being a professional mermaid is physically challenging,” Elle, from Orlando, Florida, told What’s The Jam.
“Putting on a 40 lbs silicone tail is never going to get easier.
“Holding my breath for a long time, usually one to three minutes, is challenging and requires a strong mindset.
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“Not to mention, swimming like a mermaid is a full body workout.
“I also do a lot of cleaning and maintenance to my costumes which takes time.”
A typical week for Elle consists of content creating, editing and admin during the week, and performing in shows at the weekends.
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She said: “I rarely have shows during the week but sometimes I do.
“However, on the weekends is when most parties happen.
“Whether it’s a family-friendly performance at a resort during the day or a celebrity upscale event at night, it’s always a mission.
“It takes me about two hours to pack and get ready.
“I have to go through a lot of the logistics for hair, waterproof make-up, costume changes, pre and post show routines, etc.
“I also always need extra assistance as once the tail is on, I can’t walk.”
But for Elle, the outcome is worth the effort.
She said: “It has has forced me to stay strong.
“In fact I’m practically strength training on the job.”
As a professional mermaid, Elle is also lifeguard certified, CPR certified, scuba diving and open water certified and free dive certified.
She is also a PADI mermaid trainer, meaning she can train people to teach others the art and sport of mermaid diving.
She said: “I also practice my breath hold often and go to regular training to keep my training in check.
“Working in water and under water means becoming one with the water… you can’t force it.
“You just have to gradually improve and let it flow.”
Elle says people are often shocked when she reveals her job title.
She said: “Most times people are very positive about it but sometimes they ask what my real job is.
“I know it’s hard to believe and they’re always confused.
“But once they see the work that I do I usually get lots of support and kindness.
“After all, it’s a very magical way to make a living.”
For Elle, the most rewarding part of the job is working with children.
She said: “Nothing tops bringing my mermaid magic to children and watching it become real.
“Children believe in magic and I feel like that wonder and that spark is what the world needs more of today.
“We all have an inner child wanting to heal and find joy, and I feel a huge responsibility for that by portraying this character and performing my act.
“Another thing that this career has brought me in a very unexpected way, is my deep love for the ocean.
“Diving is one of my favourite things to do, exploring reefs and meeting so many marine creatures, interacting with them, is so magical.”
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