C H E E R S !
On August 9, 2023, I celebrated four wonderful years as the resident Mermaid of Isla Bella Beach Resort. As it goes, it simply took one conversation for my life to completely change. Here is the story of how I went professional at the most luxurious resort in the Florida Keys.
Isla Bella Beach Resort
Oh, you could pinch me four years later, and I’d still say I’m dreaming. But sometimes God has plans for you that are so BIG that you, yourself could never dream up. I remember when the property of Isla Bella was first being developed, and had wondered what it would be like to walk the property once it was complete. Little did I know that almost one year into the completion of the resort, I’d be asked to be their mermaid.
Making it o-fish-al
For this life-changing event to take place, first, let me say, that I had purchased my very first mermaid tail just three weeks prior to my meeting with the Activities Director of Isla Bella. I’d fallen for the fantasy, and wanted to have a tail to use for local events and pool swims; never thinking it would quickly turn into a business venture.
The resort I was working for at this time happened to be the sister resort to Isla Bella, and shortly after I developed a Mermaid Activity for Ocean’s Edge Resort, Isla Bella sent their own Activities Director to formally meet me. She even brought her precious daughter with her to meet me, and on the spot, she knew I was the perfect fit for the resort.
She not only made my first performance so comfortable, but so welcoming, with my own little poolside mermaid corner that I could decorate for story time, meet and greets, photos, and ocean-related arts and crafts. I was given full-reign to develop the mermaid activity as I saw fit!
Waves of gratitude
This photo will always send a wave of emotion for me. Reason being; the woman in the photo with me is the former Activities Director of Isla Bella- the one who scouted me and brought me to the Resort. She changed my life and most importantly, believed in me. For that, I will forever be grateful for her. Secondly, this is my first swim at the Resort, and the very moment I first splashed into the Resort Pool. As you can see, my mermaid “chariot” is a fish cart. A little humor goes a long way :) I swam my heart out that day, and pushed through the nervousness to give the best possible performance for the guests of Isla Bella, praying it wouldn’t be my last. And here we are, four years later, with an ocean of memories to ebb and flow.
