Meet my friend mermaid Hyli, our traveling mermaid! She does some amazing photography with her husband Joe, and travels all around the world! She has an Etsy shop online and hosts underwater photo shoots!
Keep reading to learn more about her and her life as a professional mermaid!
Where are you from? What do you enjoy filling your day with?
I’m originally from Maryland but with Joe’s work, we are currently based in Richmond, VA.
A typical day for me is getting up, making some tea, and sitting down to answer emails. Then I work in my studio, creating tops and accessories for Siren Allure. Usually, there is Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Pixar, Disney, or Magic Schoolbus playing in the background as I work. Once I finish and Joe gets home, we walk the dogs, make dinner, and finish out the night with a movie, board game, friends, or a night out bowling.
Where did you learn your love for the water?
I would honestly have to say, my father. Ever since I was young I was always crashing through the waves at the beach. There is so much under the surface to explore. I always prefer diving deeper than staying on the surface 🙂
Why do you love Mermaid so much?
It has really expanded my life in so many ways. I get to interact with children, I’ve learned about the environment and what I can do to make an impact, I travel all over the world, and I’ve met some of the most amazing people through this career.
How long have you been using a Mermaid Tail?
Well, I would say my first ‘mermaid tail’ was made of suran wrap when I was about 8 years old. It definitely evolved when I got my first silicone tail. I had tried making my own but after a catastrophic mold collapse, my husband offered to buy me my own as a wedding gift. My first tail was from Merbella Studios. Now I have 5 silicone tails, 1 from Merbellas, 1 used from Mertailor, 1 from Kariel Tail of Art, and 2 from Finfolk Productions. I do have a few fabric tails as well as one mythic tail from Finfolk.
What do you think people can learn from Mermaids?
I really think the two biggest lessons are:
1. To be yourself and accept others for who they are.
2. Most mermaids are eco-conscious, so we need to learn from them! If it weren’t for my friendship with Mermaid Hales I would’ve not really understood single use plastics, recycling, and other ways to help our Earth.
What is your favorite Mermaid or ocean quote?
It’s from an old song called Peggy Gordon but was used in my favorite book “Ingo”
“I wish I was away in Ingo
Far across the briny sea
Sailing over deepest waters
Where neither care nor worry trouble me.”
What camps or mermaid gatherings have you been to or wish to go to? What was your favorite part?
I have been apart of NC Merfest and Mermania. Personally, I’m not a big crowd/convention type person so while it is super fun to meet mermaids and mermen from around the world, my introverted self much prefers smaller meetups.
What ocean conservation efforts do you support?
This is something I’m just beginning to look into. I do what I can on a small level such as beach cleans ups when we travel, not using plastic bags or straws, and collecting trash out of the ocean when we do photo shoots.
What are you favorite Mermaid theme items or clothing?
I actually don’t wear any mermaid gear when I’m not in a tail. I much more prefer the subtle mermaid look with my hair and mermaid scale tattoo 😉
Any tips and tricks for fellow Mermaids? (Brands, accessories, tails, swimming, etc)
I really recommend getting out there (with a safety person) and practice. Build up muscles and practice your mermaid/merman looks in the mirror.
Tell me about the photography you do with your husband?
Joe has been into photography since he was in high school. Once he got his underwater housing it just all clicked together. We know each other well enough that we don’t really need to talk to each other when we are shooting because we know what was right or wrong in the shoot without the other telling haha!
Where do you see the mermaid industry going in the next 10 years?
Honestly, I can only imagine. When I got started 6 years ago, I never would’ve thought mermaids would blow up in the market as much as they have. Just recently I saw a pool float that holds a cup with an inflatable mermaid tail. I hope it moves towards a more educational stance than just pretty mermaids/mermen and glitter (which is super bad, always go with the biodegradable kind).
What do you hope to accomplish within your mermaid career?
Right now I’m starting to hone in on what I really want to do as a mermaid. I have my fins in so many different areas. I really want to continue traveling and hosting mermaid photo shoots around the world. We have a lot of ideas to explore as our companies grow, so all I can say is ‘stay tuned’
Thanks, mermaid hyli!
You are an “fin” spiration to all of us aspiring mermaids out there!
Remember to follow her on her Mermaid traveling adventures through social media!
