im'mer'sion texas 2026!

Kelli Cowart, also known in the mermaid world as Luna Lagoon, is a Texas mermaid with a lifelong love of bringing imagination to life. For over 12 years, she has dedicated herself to building a dream career in the world of entertainment—working as a full-time face painter, airbrush artist, character actor, and professional mermaid in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. 

Her journey has taken her from local parties to teaching classes in California, Missouri, and across Texas, where she shares both her artistry and her experience as a business owner. Through her company, Paper Moon Entertainment, Kelli provides magical entertainment for events of all kinds, employing a team of talented artists and performers who help her vision shine. 

At the heart of everything she does, Kelli (or Luna, when she’s under the sea) is passionate about more than just performing. She’s a fierce advocate for self-love, community over competition, and encouraging others to follow their dreams—whether that means painting a child’s face, teaching a new skill, or inspiring someone to dive into a creative career of their own.

“Margaret, widely known online as The Mermaid Margo, is a semi-professional mermaid who uses her PADI certification and aquatic artistry to express herself through mermaiding. She brings joy and whimsy to others by performing at events, fundraisers, and community gatherings.

Beyond the water, Margo has learned how to take advantage of online media to create natural growth across multiple platforms. She desires to share her insights and creative tips to help others learn to more effectively express themselves online. Margo is driven to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere across social media where everyone feels confident being their true self!“

Between Magic and Mayday: A Mermaid’s Guide to Safety Joan Pillow, known as Mermaid Sirenella, is a Florida-based PADI Mermaid Instructor, firefighter-paramedic, and aquatic educator who blends her passion for the ocean with real-world rescue expertise. Through her business, Siren Synergy, she teaches mermaid and swim lessons, CPR certification, and offers personal training — inspiring confidence and connection in every student she works with. This interactive dryland session focuses on what often gets overlooked in standard mermaid and safety training — what to do after a rescue. Drawing from her firsthand emergency response experience, Sirenella guides mers through the critical moments once a distressed swimmer has been brought to land: how to assess, assist, and stay calm while waiting for first responders. Along with these essential post-rescue actions, she shares practical tips for recognizing hazards, maintaining scene safety, and building confidence through preparedness. Outside of teaching, Sirenella shares her passion for aquatic wellness and safety through her business Siren Synergy, creating engaging content and community outreach that inspire others to feel strong, capable, and connected — both in and out of the water 

 Mermaid ZieVi is a freshwater fish operating out of the Horicon Marsh in Southeastern Wisconsin. She has been in love with water her entire life and swam competitively before later diving into the world of mermaiding. She found a true passion in creation. Self taught and guided by her love of nature and fantasy, ZieVi uses resin as her medium for expression. With her imagination and ever-faithful glue gun, ZieVi Creations empowers all ethereal fantasy creatures through enchanted adornments.
ZieVi will be diving into her second year at Im'MER'sion Texas as your host and guide for a community potion crafting workshop.
She is excited to see what magic we can conjure this July!

-Owner & Artist of ZieVi Creations
-Wisconsin Mer Pod Admin
-Organizer of Fresh Coast Fins, WI's Mermaid Convention
-PADI Pro Mermaid Instructor
-Aqua Guard Ambassador
 

 With over 14 years in the beauty industry, Leanna Gaitan is a seasoned makeup artist and the owner of Naturally Flawless Beauty Team and NF Beauty Suites in College Station, TX. Was born and raised in East Texas in a deeply creative household, by a mother who is an artist and a father who was a leather worker. Artistry and craftsmanship were part of everyday life. That foundation shaped Leanna’s natural eye for detail and hands-on approach to beauty.

Her work spans bridal makeup, body painting, and special effects, blending technical expertise with creativity that feels intentional, and personal. Years of professional experience and an artistic upbringing come together in every look she creates. Where beauty is not just applied, but thoughtfully designed. 

 ​With over a decade of experience both under the sea and in the classroom, Mermaid Scarlett brings a powerhouse of professional performance and educational expertise to the world of mermaiding. Since beginning her journey 13 years ago, Scarlett has dedicated herself to the craft—from high-profile aquarium performances to being featured in the Netflix documentary Merpeople.​Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her numerous titles, including:​Miss Mermaid Texas (2021–2024)​Miss Lone Star State Mermaid (2022–2023)​Ms. Texas Mermaid (2023)​A Unique Blend of Art & Performance​What sets Scarlett apart is her dual career as a K-6th Art Teacher for the past 12 years. This background gives her an unparalleled edge in "Party Performance 101." Her years in the classroom have provided her with deep insights into party management, character development, and effective ways to entertain and inspire young minds.

 Nimue (Nim-way) is a professional fantasy creative and creature of freshwater folklore dwelling in the Great Lakes region.

Wisconsin Mer Pod Admin
Organizer of Fresh Coast Fins, WI's Mermaid Convention
PADI Pro Mermaid Instructor
Professional Fantasy Creative & Wearer of Many Hats
Experienced in Design, Events and Community Building with a background in Technology and Healthcare

Water has always been a place of peace and power in my journey. As soon as I was running - I was swimming. In early years, water was my quiet companion throughout countless sun soaked lake days. Later on I became a competitive swimmer and in adulthood fell into the realm of mermaiding as a way to heal after a near fatal collision had left me with a quite a few internal injuries, including multiple breaks in my pelvis... It healed more than I had intended. I found a family and myself again through the community. I found strength and freedom in my connection to water and all the places it has carried me. I am honored that it will carry me to Im’MER’sion Texas this July where I have the opportunity to educate and empower others within our community.

During my presentation we will dive past the shimmer and spectacle of the mer world and journey into The Science of Swim! Here we'll explore the fascinating blend of physics, physiology and fins within mermaid swim and dive, how to use what we know to grow and finally how to find somewhere to apply this knowledge in a section about forging relationships with aquatic facilities. So come join us for some sirens and a whole lot of science! 

Ellen Wilcox brings a Latin-inspired dance class designed to enhance mermaid movement through fluid arms, expressive hips, and full-body coordination. A Jill of all trades when it comes to dance styles, she loves to help students embody grace, power, and effortless flow and looks forward to translating dance technique into smoother, more confident movement in the water. Expect to leave feeling more connected, expressive, and at home in your mermaid body.