Everything Mermaid

Meet real mermaid Alesha from Las Vegas Nevada and make sure to check out her website for booking information and how to get her handmade Mermaid crowns, tops, and bracelets!

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I was born in Tampa, Florida and I grew up all over Florida. I’ve lived in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, Fort Myers Beach and Panama City just to name a few.  I currently live in “Sin City”- Las Vegas, Nevada. I’ve been here for four years now. I miss the ocean but the dark blue Pacific ocean in California is only about a four-hour drive away.

My days are filled with swimming in my beautiful natural rock pool, entertaining at gigs/events, doing photo shoots and crafting. I am an artist above all. Through art I express myself. Whether it be mermaiding or creating something. I create these stunning seashell crowns, tiaras, and headpieces. And not just for mermaids. I’ve made bridal tiaras, beauty pageant headpieces, and high school homecoming/prom crowns. I also make mermaid/rave tops, belts, and very detailed mermaid fabric tails. I also draw, paint and do a lot of DIY projects. A crowd favorite besides my crowns are my holiday wreaths. They are extravagant, festive, and one of a kind.

My love for the water has been with me since birth. I am a Florida native and was raised by the ocean and beaches. There’s barely a childhood memory I have that doesn’t involve being on a beach, in some sand, in the water or on a boat. I actually use to live in the Gulf of Mexico on my parents yacht for a few years growing up.

I love mermaids so much because they are mysterious and free. They remind you that there’s much left to be discovered in our oceans and in life. As I don’t think everyone knows but only less than 5% of our mysterious oceans have been explored. That leaves over 95% yet to be discovered. You just have to go out there and find it.

I have been using a tail since I was about 8 years old. Growing up around water 24/7 I’ve always imagined I was a mermaid when I was swimming or taking a bath. I made my first tail out of a coat hanger, flip-flops, a pair of spandex and lots and lots of duct tape. And I still have that tail to this day. It is displayed in a showcase, hanging on a wall in my home. And now I happily make children’s fabric tails… using dance/swim fabric and a monofin instead of a coat hanger tho, lol. I have three other tails that I own besides my first one.

The tail I regularly use was made by Matthew Quijano; the owner and tail-maker over at Merrowfins Mermaid Tails, located in Orlando, Florida. It is a 100% dragon skin, full silicone tail. I’ve owned it for over a year now and I love it. When I put it on it suctions to my legs like it is seeping through my skin actually becoming part of me. It completes my transformation into Mermaid Amor and truly makes me feel like I am really a real-life Mermaid. The artistry is hands down one of the best I’ve seen. Matthew Quijano is an extremely talented artist, very dedicated to his work and a master of his trade.

I think something people can learn from mermaids is that nothing is impossible if you believe. And to never lose their imagination because imagination gives you life. Mermaids show you that anything you dream, you can become, and you can achieve. Never stop chasing your dreams because anything and everything is possible, just keep believing.

I am also known as the “Mermaid of Love“. I like to teach others how unconditional love is possible and that everyone and everything deserves this kind of love. Our world needs more love and less hate and I’ll keep showing it, giving it and spreading it.

“There’s a million fish in the sea BUT I’M A MERMAID”

I love this quote:

It reminds you that you are special and unique; That there is no one else in the world that is like you. To keep being yourself and true to yourself. Because who you are is unbelievably awesome. We live in a world where people feel as though they have to fit in and be like everyone else to feel accepted. I hate that. Everyone is beautiful in their own way and everyone is special. It’s our differences that make us unique. If people could just become aware of this, the world would be a much better place.

I will be attending Mermania and MerFest next year in 2018. I have attended many festivals such as the Escondido Faire, Maritime Museums Pirate Days festival in San Diego, California and Oceanside’s Harbor Days festival and Mermaid Village in Oceanside, CA. There I have met many mermaids and merman and they’ve all become new friends and now I consider part of my family.

My favorite mermaid themed item, clothing wise is my mermaid tank that says “I’m really a MERMAID“. There’s nothing else that could say ‘I am different and I love being different’ better than that tank top. It makes me feel powerful when I put it on. Like it’s telling the world I don’t care if you try to judge me because I know I rock!! And once people see that confidence in you, they start to rethink following their own dreams they once had a child but lost somewhere along the way growing up.

The tips I would give to fellow merfolk or inspiring merfolk would be to do research on everything. Anything you buy, do your research on it first. Have questions about the community, do your research on it. Don’t leave anything to chance because you could get something you’re unhappy with. If you’re a new mermaid I recommend buying a fabric tail first. It’d be a waste of money to spend thousands of dollars on a silicone tail just to find out you can’t swim in it or mermaiding wasn’t what you expected it to be. Yeah, it looks like all glitz and glamour but there’s a lot of work that goes into being a professional mermaid and it’s hard work. But if it’s your dream like it was mine, in the end, it’s all worth it!! And I’ll leave you with these words…

“Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Express yourself how you want to, no matter how crazy you think you seem… It’s not crazy enough. Be extreme. Chase your dreams. And don’t let life get in the way of you living. Know that you were put here for a purpose and follow your heart.

Do what you desire. Find your passion in life and go for it. Don’t let fear guide you. Go out and do the impossible. For the ocean will never get discovered until you feel comfortable enough to lose sight of the shore. And above all, LOVE. Love everyone. Love your life. Love living. For Love can change the world. For it’ll all be over before you know it. Don’t die having regrets.”

Check out her website for more information on bookings and products. Thanks, Alesha for your inspiring words! You are truly beautiful and an example to all of us inspiring Mermaids out there!

• Photography by:
  •  @rmhphotographylasvegas
  • Cindy Hunsucker at Enchanted Eye Photography
  • Curtis Wee also found on Facebook
• Tail by- @merrowfins_by_matthewquijano
• Hair Stylist- @justarend @capelli.milano
• Mermaid crown by-@thelasvegasmermaid
• Mermaid Alesha Facebook Page @thelasvegasmermaid

To check out other Mermaid interviews CLICK HERE.