Checking in with The Mertailor Eric Ducharme

But first, here’s one of the photos from the show:

Photo from TLC

And second, how gorgeous are his tails? Here’s a Chris Crumley photo featuring Kristi Sherk (who has very good taste in books) in one of them, but there are countless stunning photos to choose from.

Photo by Chris Crumley with model Kristi Sherk

And third, please don’t be too jealous but here is Eric with yours truly a couple of years ago in his Crystal River studio, either before or after a glamorous lunch at APPLEBEE’S:

Yes, mermen eat salads at Applebee’s.

So I haven’t interviewed you for this blog since November 2011. A lot has happened since then! Can you give us a rundown?
Oh my goodness, Carolyn! Where in the world do I start! Life is simply fantastic and I could not ask for anything more! So many wonderful opportunities have come my way since you and I both sat down for lunch at Applebee’s! I always love speaking to you because you totally understand me, well, at least I think! But anywho, the mermaid tail business could not be any better! Every year since I was 16 Mertailor LLC has doubled its profits while growing into a successful production. One of my major accomplishments was getting to perfect my silicone mermaid tail design. This has allowed me to further my journey to create the most cost effective, realistic looking mermaid tail on the market. Yes, there is now a larger market of mermaid tail companies. I have noticed a huge spike of up in coming mermaid tail companies. I am not too worried as this keeps me on my feet, creating new and improved products for my client base. I also find that a lot of the competition finds out how difficult it is to keep up with the constant business. It is simply amazing how many tails are sold each much. The amount of individuals finding out that they can now purchase their very own mermaid tail is crazy cool!

I am just proud to say I have been able to hold my own and continue growing with my company as I see big things for both of our futures.

So what was your reality-tv experience like, filming “My Crazy Obsession”?
It was fantastic! The crew was amazing to work with as well as the media and amounts of press that has been a result of the airing of the show. In less than 24 hours, my life changed on the flip of a coin. There are so many new fans and supporters of me. Not only interested in purchasing a mermaid or merman tail, but interested in sharing their mutual passions with me. It was crazy to see how many articles, new castings, and publications to promote and advertise the “Merman” Eric Ducharme aka The “Mertailor”. It was just a wonderful experience and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

There has been a ton of press about you in the past couple of weeks (I can’t tell you how many people have forwarded me articles about you!). What has it been like for you?
Oh my goodness has there! It is non-stop! It is amazing to see all of these media stories! I love it! I am so happy to be able to introduce the idea of “mermaiding” to the entire world. It is not just the USA, but the stories that have been spread all over Europe!

What’s happening with your fashion line/mermaid tail-making?
Like I said, the mermaid tail business is BOOMING! I am making these tails by day and shipping them out by night. It is so difficult to keep track of exactly how many tails are getting shipped on a monthly basis. As for the fashion line, there are always ideas and design concepts. I keep them in my thoughts and write them down for safe keeping!