Success Story
| Region/Nation | South West |
|---|---|
| Sector | Arts, Entertainment and Leisure |
| Programme | Start Up Loans |
Michelle Forsbrey is a keen surfer, skier and swimmer. When she’s not working as a flight attendant she is drawn to the ocean, beach and water; a true Mermaid at heart.
After picking up a number of injuries Michelle decided that the best option for rehabilitation was to spend more time in the pool. As part of this, she purchased a mermaid tail to help make her recovery more fun. She was soon making a splash in the local hotel pool where she swam, sparking attention from both parents and children.
After researching how she could take the idea further, she discovered a week-long mermaid instructor course in Germany which she attended alongside an international life savers course and a free-diving course in Gozo, Malta.
Now, with the support of a £5,840 Start Up Loan, Michelle’s Mermaid Academy is open for business and she has already trained over 300 mermaids and mermen to level 2 and 3 stars. Michelle has hosted numerous children’s parties, corporate events (including an event for David Lloyd Club swimming instructors), and numerous surprise birthday and anniversary sessions for adults as individuals or couples.
Michelle offers party events, with each session containing a photo shoot and a session on safe use of mermaid tails, learning mermaid swimming techniques, choreography, making up routines and learning a full repertoire of mermaid moves. Michelle also educates mermaids about the ocean and has planned a Mermaid Beach Clean in spring this year with the Surfers Against Sewage Charity. She manages all of the lessons and events herself, together with underwater photography, all enquiries and bookings.
Michelle does a lot of charity work as a mermaid, including working with the Dreams Come True charity to provide a free mermaid lesson to a 22 year old lady who is suffering from a terminal illness.
Michelle is currently considering applying to appear on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den show to approach the Dragons for investment in her company. Should she make it through, Michelle is considering her pitch and plans for a stand-alone swimming pool so she can teach in a permanent location. She is also thinking about taking on staff and instructors and is considering making her brand into a franchise. She is also keen to develop a range of merchandise and investigate opportunities to take her mermaid academy abroad.
Quick links
More success stories
Read a success story about Woof The Yorkshire Dog Shop
Natalie Press is the founder of Woof The Yorkshire Dog Shop (Woof), which sells a wide range of organic, grain-free and sustainable pet products.
Read a success story about We Make Footballers
Leon Stapleton, founder of We Make Footballers Cardiff, a football training academy for children aged 4-12. Applying for a £15,000 Start Up Loan meant that Leon was able to launch the first We Make Footballers franchise in Wales.
Read a success story about Two Blues Solar
Dan Levene is co-founder of Two Blues Solar, a solar panel installation business which addresses the growing demand for sustainable solutions to help drive the nation's net-zero agenda.
Sign up for our newsletter
Just add your details to receive updates and news from Start Up Loans
Sign up to our newsletter