Mermaid Molly
Creative, Musical, Magical, Introverted, Punctual, Stubborn
Mermaid Molly
Talk about a stroke of luck! The family went tubing in Elora. On the way to the tubing spot, we realized there was a Renaissance fair nearby. Many friends and family were participating in various roles, from administration to fair attendees. We decided to stop by the fair and enjoy an extra activity that day. When we finished tubing, we headed straight to the fair.
There were many booths, ranging from sales to food stalls; the variety seemed endless. There was axe-throwing for those with a strong arm. A birds-of-prey exhibit captivated us.
One booth showcased mermaids posing for photos. My brief interaction with one of the mermaids lasted only three to four minutes. I was drawn in by the entertainer's big, sincere smile. When she smiled, her face brightened up, and mine did too. I couldn’t resist capturing a photo of this beautiful lady.
The image stayed with me in a positive way long after the show. Here was someone clearly engaged in something she was passionate about. She fit the mould perfectly; that was exactly the kind of person I wanted to feature in my second book.
I reached out through my connections, got her name, and contacted her. Then I forgot that I had sent her an invitation because she didn’t reply immediately. Apparently, the communication method I used wasn’t one she checked regularly. It was several months later that she saw it and replied that she would participate. Molly answered her questions very thoughtfully, but it was my follow-up question that gave me one of the best answers I’ve received in these projects.
Meet Molly in her words.
At some time, you reached a fork in the road. At that time, it didn’t feel like it, but looking back, you realize it was a big moment. One that changed your life. Describe yours.
A key moment in my career was auditioning for my first princess company in 2021. The pandemic was in full swing, and I was working at UPS. I missed theatre since live entertainment was shut down due to COVID, so I decided that being a princess for children's birthday parties would be the next best thing. It turned out I absolutely loved this line of work and chose it above all else, eventually launching my own character entertainment company in 2023.
Fairy Princess Molly
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge has been finding steady work in the gig economy. Financial planning is quite tough when you don't have a regular paycheck, and the entertainment industry overall is quite unpredictable. I manage this challenge by collaborating with and subcontracting for several different entertainment companies besides my own.
What is one gem you learned on your journey that you would love to share? Alternatively, what hint would you tell a younger version of yourself?
I would advise my younger self to take risks and pursue my goals. As someone who is naturally introverted and shy, I have always found it hard to put myself out there. Over the years, I've learned that nothing will happen unless you actively pursue it.
What makes you tick, and why are you so passionate about being a mermaid?
A few things contribute to why I love what I do. First, it combines all my favourite things—singing, costuming, acting, crafting, and sometimes even swimming. I get to work with children, who are such a joy to be around. My clients are usually celebrating something, and I have the honour of making their day even happier.
There's also something very magical about a child seeing their favourite character come to life. They genuinely believe a real mermaid, fairy, or princess is right in front of them.
I also get to make my inner child happy every day and am surrounded by colourful, sparkly things. There's also lots of variety in the characters I portray, which helps keep things fresh and exciting.
