Ever Wanted To Be A Mermaid? This Real Life Merman Can Make Your Dream Come True
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Victoria W
Author
Do you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up? Eric Ducharme of Crystal River, FL, always knew he wanted to be a merman.
Most kids want to be something like a firefighter, a movie star, or an astronaut. Of course, most of us don't end up doing anything close to what we dreamed about. Eric, however, is living his dream and making a living doing what he loves.
How, you ask? Eric crafts stunningly realistic mermaid tails or "flukes" that can be worn as swimwear. He makes everything from affordable polyester/spandex tails to elaborate professional-grade silicon tails.
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His company, Mertailor, sells all kinds of tails, silicone and shell tops, accessories and apparel. Mertailor offers tail rentals for music videos (e.g. Lady Gaga and SNL), commercials (Skittles and Target) and events.
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Eric grew up near the famous roadside attraction and beautiful Florida springs of Weeki Wachee. He was completely enchanted by the live mermaids from a young age and performed in his first show there as the mermaid prince in The Little Mermaid at the age of 16.
He's been making his own mermaid tails since elementary school and donating them to Weeki Wachee since he was 14.
Eric doesn't just make and sell his wearable works of art, he sees mermaiding (swimming with a tail) as a way of life, and he's become an impressive performer.
Maybe because his love of mermaids started so young, Eric also offers tails for kids, too. I can't imagine a cooler present for a Florida kid.
Here’s Eric and his mermaid team performing in Florida’s beautiful Rainbow Springs.
I think Eric’s story is inspirational, because it shows what each of us can do if we listen to our hearts instead of the naysayers around us. I love his entrepreneurial spirit and his courage to be different, too.
So did you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up? Where would you be now if you hadn’t let anyone tell you it was impossible?
Please leave your comments below.
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