OUR STORY
Passionate About Inspiring Others
My name is Shannon, and I'm a lifelong ocean advocate who loves using film and photography to tell stories. I've been part of the "mermaiding" community since 2013, and have performed as a mermaid at events benefitting local nonprofits.
During college, a photographer friend and I dreamed up a crazy idea: why not do a photoshoot with me dressed as a mermaid? Sure enough, a few weeks later we at the closest beach doing just that. I had a blast, and one of the best parts was bringing magic to the kids who saw a "real mermaid" on the beach that day.
It was an incredibly body-positive experience too-- despite my concerns, I realized that kids didn't care what size or shape you were if you were a mermaid! I wanted to share the experience with others. I knew I wasn't the only kid who dreamed of being a mermaid growing up! At the time, I didn't have the resources to bring this idea to life. For a while, it stayed just that-- an idea.
In 2017, I had the opportunity I needed to begin: I applied to host an Airbnb Experience. I used this chance to design something that would make childhood dreams come true, promote body positivity, and incorporate ocean conservation. After all, where better to experience being a mermaid than sunny southern California? Luckily, my Experience was accepted in the initial cohort of Airbnb Experiences, and that's how this all began!
In 2020, I moved to Los Angeles and re-branded from SD Mermaids (a tribute to San Diego, where I was based for 7 years) to Salt + Drift Mermaids. Although COVID-19 put the mermaid magic on hold for a while, I'm looking forward to meeting you soon!
Our mission
Salt + Drift Mermaids was created to share the magic of "mermaiding" with others. Mermaiding is for everyone, no matter your race, gender, age, or size. Through our photoshoots, we aim to make you feel beautiful, empowered, and magical!
To give back to the ocean that mermaids call home, we donate a portion of the proceeds from each photoshoot to a local marine conservation nonprofit. Learn more about the organizations we donate to below!
San diego coastkeeper
San Diego Coastkeeper is a nonprofit organization that protects and restores fishable, swimmable and drinkable waters in San Diego County. For more than 25 years, San Diego Coastkeeper has used a strategic combination of science, advocacy, education, and community engagement to address existing and emerging water quality issues.
5 gyres
The 5 Gyres Institute is a leader in the global movement against plastic pollution with more than 10 years of expertise in scientific research and engagement on plastic pollution issues. Through this research, 5 Gyres continuously engages diverse stakeholders in understanding the science to drive impact as well as conduct community outreach and citizen science to implement data-driven solutions.
