We were lucky to catch up with Eric Ducharme recently and have shared our conversation below.
Eric, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I didn’t so much find my purpose as I followed it—like a current pulling me deeper into who I’ve always been.
From the time I was a kid, the ocean felt like home. The myth of the mermaid wasn’t just fantasy—it was freedom. It gave me language before I had words, identity before I had a name for it. I didn’t fit into the molds around me, so I made my own. I stitched together fabric and imagination, and over time, those creations became a worldwide brand. They became symbols—for transformation and for resilience.
But as I grew into this purpose, I also began to understand the fragility of the world that had inspired it. The sea—the place that gave me my dreams—is under threat. Plastic pollution, dying reefs, warming waters…it’s not just science; it’s deeply personal. Because you can’t build a world of wonder while ignoring the one, we’re losing.
That’s why conservation inspires what I do. It’s why we educate at the aquarium, and why I speak up—for the creatures without voices and the waters that still hold magic. To me, mermaiding is about connection. And with connection comes responsibility.
My purpose revealed itself in the quiet hours of making, in the joy on someone’s face the first time they slipped into a tail, and in the thousands of stories I’ve heard from people who saw themselves—maybe for the first time—in something I created. That’s what keeps me going. It’s not just about tails or performances. It’s about giving people the space to become—who they are, who they’ve dreamed of being—and reminding them that the world they dream in depends on the choices we make today.
Purpose, to me, is where passion and impact meet. And mine lives somewhere between the tide and the thread—where imagination breathes, and where the ocean still has a chance to thrive.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Mertailor is all about imagination made real—whether that’s slipping into a swimmable mermaid tail, watching one of our underwater shows, or exploring our ocean-inspired product lines. Over the years, what started as a niche idea has grown into something much bigger: a brand that blends fantasy, fun, and a deep love for the sea.
At Mertailor, we design everything with purpose and craftsmanship—from our handcrafted mermaid tails and swim apparel to the immersive experience at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter in Lecanto, Florida. The aquarium has become a place where families, fans, and ocean lovers can connect with the underwater world in a way that’s both magical and meaningful.
We’re always evolving. Each month we release a Tail of the Month, and this June’s—Rainbow Dream Collection—is one of my favorites yet. We’ve paired it with a full swimwear collection and made it available in a variety of fluke styles, so more people can find their perfect fit. We’re also diving deeper into storytelling with campaigns like “Mermaid Tears Are Real,” which raise awareness about protecting our oceans from single-use plastics and pollution.
What makes Mertailor special is the community that’s grown around it—people from all over the world who believe in the magic of transformation, the beauty of self-expression, and the importance of protecting the waters that inspire us.
If you’re new to Mertailor, welcome. There’s a whole ocean of creativity waiting for you here—and we can’t wait for you to dive in.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
For me, the three most important things that have shaped my journey are creativity, resilience, and a willingness to learn on the fly.
Creativity is the heartbeat of Mertailor. It’s not just about designing tails—it’s about thinking differently, imagining the impossible, and building something that didn’t exist before. For anyone starting out, don’t be afraid to chase the weird, bold ideas. That’s usually where the magic is.
Resilience has been just as important. Building a business—especially one that’s as niche and personal as this one—comes with a lot of ups and downs. You have to be ready to hear “no” a lot, but still keep swimming. If you believe in what you’re doing, keep showing up for it. That consistency is everything.
And finally, being open to learning—I learned by doing, asking questions, making mistakes, and figuring it out as I went. If you wait to be fully “ready,” you’ll never start. Instead, be curious, stay humble, and surround yourself with people who know things you don’t.
My advice: create what excites you, stay adaptable, and never lose your passion. That’s what turns an idea into a movement.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I’ve been lucky to have a few really important people in my corner over the years, but if I had to name the most impactful, it would be my family—especially my mom. From the very beginning, she believed in what I was doing, even when it probably seemed a little out there. She supported me through the late nights, the early shows, the packing and shipping chaos, and the growing pains of turning a passion into a business. That kind of steady support makes all the difference.
Beyond that, I’ve learned so much from the people who’ve worked alongside me—whether it’s been seamstresses, performers, or aquarium staff. Each person brings something unique to the table, and I’ve grown by listening, collaborating, and sometimes just watching how others solve problems differently than I would.
Success is never a solo act. It’s built with the help of people who see your vision and aren’t afraid to challenge you, teach you, or stand beside you when things get tough. I’m incredibly grateful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themertailor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mertailor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mertailor
Image Credits
Image credit, Mertailor Brands
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