Dive into 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, including aquatic community gatherings and the popular mermaid festival, 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 at a Texas immersion event.

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, including vibrant mermaid festivals and engaging aquatic community gatherings. 

Beyond the water, Margo has learned how to leverage online media to foster 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, especially at Texas immersion events!

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. Sirenella is also a prominent figure in the aquatic community gathering scene, actively participating in events like the mermaid festival and leading Texas immersion events that bring together enthusiasts and advocates for aquatic wellness. Outside of teaching, she shares her passion for aquatic 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. 

This year, ZieVi will be diving into her second year at Im'MER'sion Texas, an exciting immersion event, as your host and guide for a community potion crafting workshop. She is thrilled to connect with fellow enthusiasts at this mermaid festival and 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. Born and raised in East Texas in a deeply creative household, she was influenced by a mother who is an artist and a father who was a leather worker. This artistic upbringing laid the foundation for Leanna’s natural eye for detail and her 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. Leanna often showcases her artistry at local events, including the popular mermaid festival, where the aquatic community gathering celebrates creativity in all forms. Years of professional experience come together in every look she creates, proving that beauty is not just applied, but thoughtfully designed, making each project a true Texas immersion event.

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 aquatic community gathering of mermaiding enthusiasts. 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), and Ms. Texas Mermaid (2023). 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

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 that left me with 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 aquatic community gathering that embraced me. I discovered 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 at the upcoming mermaid festival.

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, a whole lot of science, and a celebration of our shared passion!

Ellen Wilcox brings a Latin-inspired dance class designed to enhance mermaid movement through fluid arms, expressive hips, and full-body coordination. As a Jill of all trades in various dance styles, she loves to help students embody grace, power, and effortless flow, looking forward to translating dance technique into smoother, more confident movement in the water. This class is a perfect addition to the aquatic community gathering at the upcoming mermaid festival, and participants can look forward to a Texas immersion event that will leave them feeling more connected, expressive, and at home in their mermaid bodies.