For Tamsin Sutherland, mermaiding has always been more than just a childhood fantasy.
Inspired by the 1984 film Splash, in which star Daryl Hannah’s portrayal of the iconic mermaid Madison left a lasting impression, Tamsin’s love for the ocean and its mythical creatures began early.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Mermaiding escapes niche.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today 
As a child, she spent hours in her backyard pool in Queensland, diving into fantasy worlds and living out her own underwater adventures.
It wasn’t until 2020, however, when Tamsin decided to take the plunge into the world of professional mermaiding.
“It gave me a creative project to get passionate about during COVID and it grew from there,” Tamsin told 7NEWS.com.au.
Mermaiding has grown significantly in recent years, thanks in part to social media which has helped spread the magic of the craft to a global audience.
The rising popularity of mermaiding has even made waves on Netflix which has debuted the series MerPeople.
Tamsin is one of many performers who have embraced mermaiding not just as a hobby but as a career.
Her first professional gig as a mermaid came in 2023 at Sealife on the Sunshine Coast, where she discovered the joy of making a splash with both kids and adults alike.
“It was so much fun meeting the kids and adults and getting photos with them, seeing the excitement on their face when they got to meet a real mermaid,” she said.
For Tamsin, each performance is a chance to spread joy and reignite the magic of imagination for her audience.
“I love bringing joy and magic to people,” she said.
“There’s quite a bit of misery in the world and it’s nice to be something positive.”
Despite her success, one thing has always eluded her: the perfect mermaid tail.
“I’ve tried many different tails, both fabric and silicone but none of them were the right fit for me,” she said.
She says she needs a tail combining comfort, performance, and aesthetic appeal — something that would allow her to glide effortlessly through the water while maintaining the graceful, magical presence of her underwater performance.
Tamsin discovered the work of renowned US mermaid tail designer Kariel, whose creations are celebrated for their craftsmanship and artistry.
The name Kariel is a playful mix of creator Kari Joallen’s own name and Disney’s iconic mermaid Ariel.
Her silicone tails are meticulously sculpted, hand-painted, and designed to move fluidly in the water.
“Kariel’s tails look incredibly natural,” Tamsin said. “They’re so comfortable and they feel like a second skin.”
To truly understand the importance of a custom-tailored tail, one has to dive into the details.
A custom-tailored design provides crucial comfort and support for the performer’s body, making it possible to swim and perform safely
In contrast, an ill-fitting or second-hand tail can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and even increase the risk of injury.
Many custom silicone tails come with moulded foot pockets and a solid fluke, making them heavier and less comfortable.
“My current tail doesn’t have a monofin and the whole fluke is solid silicone,” Tamsin explained.
“This makes the fluke a lot heavier than other custom tails with a monofin.
“Plus, the moulded foot pockets dig into my heels and ankles, which causes pain. It’s difficult to perform like that.”
For a performer who spends hours in the water, comfort is essential — and Tasmin knows the risks of pushing through pain.
“It becomes dangerous if the pain leads to fatigue and cramps,” she said.
“As a dancer, I’m used to pushing through pain but it does eventually get to a point where you can’t.”
Kariel’s silicone tails, on the other hand, are designed with performance in mind.
“My silicone tails are lightweight, flexible, and designed to move as naturally as possible,” Kariel explained to 7NEWS.com.au.
“I’ve spent years crafting tails that are both functional and magical — designed to withstand both stage and ocean performances.”
Each tail is a wearable sculpture, crafted from freehand clay sculptures and cast in medical-grade silicone.
They’re then hand-painted with biodegradable sparkles and mica powders to create a shimmering, lifelike effect.
“Silicone tails take one month to six months of work, depending on the level of detail,” Kariel said.
“Sculpting, painting, and finishing are time-intensive because every scale and shimmer is placed with intention.
“But it’s all worth it when you see the final result — the way they move in water, the way they shine.
“My silicone tails are often purchased by professional performers for aquarium shows and live events, by underwater models, and — most of all — by art collectors.
“Some hang in hotels, others are displayed on statues, and many are treasured as centrepieces in private homes.
“I’ve even collaborated with renowned ocean artist Wyland on a tail and mermaid artwork.”
The stunning craftsmanship comes with an eye-watering price tag: Kariel’s full custom designs cost $US12,000 (about $A18,447).
More affordable options start at $US4,000 ($A6,149), though these are less customisable and come with additional costs for fins, monofins, and shipping.
“Having a tail like that would be the epitome of my mermaid identity,” Tamsin said about Kariel’s so-called Legacy Tails.
“It would truly be ‘me’ as a mermaid.”
To make this dream a reality, Tamsin has launched a fundraiser to help finance her custom silicone tail and continue to grow as a performer and expand her presence in the mermaiding community.
“Every person has something they’re passionate about,” she said.
“For me, being a mermaid is that passion.
“Having a custom tail is like owning your dream car.
“It’s not just about the cost, it’s about fulfilling your passion and living out your dreams, both in the water and beyond.”
Tamsin is currently in talks to perform at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) next year and collaborating with an author who writes stories about fish and sea creatures.
“It’s a great opportunity and I hope it helps me grow as a performer,” she said.
For Tamsin, owning a Kariel tail is the next chapter in her mermaid journey, turning a childhood dream into a professional pursuit of magic, joy, and self-expression, letting her truly dive into her passion.
“Having the perfect tail would be the ultimate for me,” she says.
“It’s not just about the tail — it’s about living my dream as a mermaid.”
