Jacob Griffith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jacob, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the most misunderstood things about my business is that people often assume it’s just “dressing up as a mermaid or merman.” In reality, it’s a professional entertainment service that requires specialized training, safety certifications, and performance skills. From swimming in custom silicone tails to working with aquariums, festivals, and corporate events, it takes a lot of physical endurance, creativity, and planning. It’s also more than just entertainment—it’s about creating a magical and immersive experience that leaves lasting memories for audiences of all ages. What might look like play on the surface is actually a carefully crafted blend of art, athleticism, and storytelling.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jacob, though many know me as Capitol Merman. I’m a professional merman based in the Washington, DC area, and I travel across the country performing at aquariums, festivals, and special events. My work combines athleticism, artistry, and storytelling to bring the world of merfolk to life in a way that’s both immersive and unforgettable.
What makes my brand unique is that it’s not just about wearing a tail—it’s about creating a Fantasea experience. Whether I’m swimming alongside marine life at an aquarium, appearing at a renaissance festival with the Court of the Water Nymphs, or making a child’s birthday party magical, I focus on blending education, entertainment, and imagination.
My journey has taken me from being featured on Netflix’s MerPeople to representing Mertailor, one of the leading names in the mer-industry. I’m currently working on expanding opportunities for audiences to interact with merfolk in creative new settings, including larger-scale festivals and pride celebrations. Above all, my mission is to inspire wonder, spark joy, and show people that the magic of the ocean can be real if you believe in it.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The two relationships that have most shaped how I see myself are with my mom and my mer-bestie, Coral Koi. My mom has always been my biggest supporter, and she taught me the value of hard work, compassion, and staying true to myself. No matter what new adventure I take on, she’s been the grounding force reminding me to stay humble and focused on what really matters.
On the other hand, Coral Koi has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation within the mer-community. Having someone who shares the same passion and understands the unique challenges of this career has helped me set bigger goals for myself and push further than I thought possible. At the same time, she’s also been there to keep me balanced—reminding me to enjoy the ride and not lose sight of why I started in the first place.
Together, those two relationships—family and chosen family—have given me both the roots and the wings to grow in my journey.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could, especially during the time I helped put together the Syren Symposium, a mermaid convention. It was one of the most stressful projects I’ve ever taken on—juggling logistics, creative visions, and the pressure of making something meaningful for the community. In the moment, it felt overwhelming, but looking back, it revealed so much about myself.
That experience showed me where my true strengths lie—like bringing people together, leading with passion, and finding creative solutions under pressure. It also highlighted the areas where I still needed to grow, such as time management and knowing when to step back and ask for help. Most of all, it taught me that trust is both my greatest tool and my greatest vulnerability. Trusting others allows me to collaborate and dream bigger than I ever could alone, but it also means I can be let down. Learning how to balance that has been one of the most valuable takeaways.
Success feels great, but it doesn’t usually demand deep reflection. Suffering does—and because of that, I came out of the Syren Symposium with more clarity, resilience, and determination than I ever would have if everything had gone smoothly.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is the belief that “when the tides rise, all ships rise together.” It’s a saying my team, the Court of the Water Nymphs, often uses to remind ourselves that individual success is never truly individual—it’s collective. Whenever I accomplish something, I make it a priority to ensure the people around me are lifted up too.
For me, that means sharing knowledge, experiences, and joy freely so others in the community can grow alongside me. If my team is strong and winning, then I am too. Protecting that value ensures that instead of competing in isolation, we’re creating a culture of support, collaboration, and shared triumphs. It’s not just about one mer shining—it’s about raising the whole pod together.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I was someone who brought people together. I want to be remembered as a connector—someone who created spaces for joy, imagination, and community, whether through mermaiding or just everyday life. More than anything, I hope people will say I had some amazing friends and that I was a good friend to them. At the end of the day, the relationships we build and the way we show up for each other matter more than any stage, spotlight, or success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://capitolmerman.com
- Instagram: capitolmerman
- Facebook: Capitol Merman
Image Credits
@visualartistrymedia (Aquarium Image)
@coryandthecity (DC Pride Tank Image)
@tonypowell1 (Pool Picture)
@EITM (Radio Picture)
