Meet Jacob Griffith

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jacob Griffith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jacob, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

My confidence and self-esteem were largely shaped by my background in competitive baton twirling. I was a member of Wheaton Dance Twirl Teams, based in Maryland, and had the incredible opportunity to compete across the globe under the guidance of my coaches Annie Kennedy and Dale White. Traveling internationally, performing on large stages, and representing my country pushed me out of my comfort zone at a young age. It taught me how to carry myself with pride, stay composed under pressure, and trust in my abilities—both individually and as part of a team. That experience built a strong foundation of self-assurance that I now carry into my work as a merman performer. Whether I’m engaging with guests or performing underwater, that same sense of confidence and presence guides me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As a professional merman performer, I bring fantasy to life through immersive aquatic entertainment. I appear at aquariums, festivals, corporate events, and private parties, creating magical moments that spark imagination and wonder for audiences of all ages. Whether I’m performing underwater or engaging with guests on land, my goal is always to create a sense of awe and connection—between people, and between humans and the ocean.

What I find most exciting about this work is the way it allows me to blend theatrical performance, character work, and environmental education into a single experience. Seeing the reactions of children and adults alike—whether it’s wide-eyed wonder or heartfelt curiosity—is what makes this role so meaningful to me.

Coming up, I’ll be returning to the Virginia Beach Aquarium this April with Visual Artistry Entertainment for another season of mermaid performances, and continuing my work with The Court of the Sea Nymphs at Renaissance festivals across the country. I also collaborate with Mertailor and the Appalachian Mermaid Society to bring high-quality, inclusive merfolk experiences to a wide range of venues.

At the heart of my brand is a commitment to authenticity, inclusivity, and creating joyful, lasting memories. I want people to walk away from every interaction believing that a little magic really does exist in the world.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the greatest impact on my journey are resilience, determination, and organization—all of which were deeply instilled in me through my experience with Wheaton Dance Twirl Teams. Training and competing at a high level under coaches Annie Kennedy and Dale White required constant discipline, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, and the commitment to stay focused on long-term goals. That foundation has carried into everything I do, especially in the performance world where consistency, professionalism, and perseverance are key.

For those early in their journey, my advice is this:

-Resilience is built by staying present during challenges. Don’t be afraid to fail—those moments often teach you the most.

-Determination grows when you surround yourself with people who push you to be better. Find mentors and teammates who believe in you and challenge you to rise.

-Organization is what keeps everything moving forward. Whether it’s balancing rehearsals, events, or personal growth, having a system in place will help you stay grounded and ready for opportunity.

Stay passionate, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of showing up with intention. That’s how real growth happens.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely—I’m always open to partnering with others, but for me, it’s about more than just “collaborating.” I truly love working with people to create something beautiful and meaningful. I never want to become someone who says yes to a project just because I might get paid to post something. I only want to work alongside individuals or brands that I genuinely believe in—partnerships that benefit both sides and have the potential to inspire others.

I’m especially interested in connecting with artists, performers, creatives, and organizations who share a passion for storytelling, inclusivity, and making a positive impact. Whether it’s through live events, creative projects, or community outreach, I want to build something that resonates and uplifts.

If that sounds like you, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me by email at capitolmerman@gmail.com or through Instagram at @capitolmerman. Let’s create something magical together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Rioux Media
Submerge Photography
IvySkyPhotography

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