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Natural Awakenings Naples and Fort Myers

Reader Spotlight: Meet Shelley McKernan, Naples resident

Work: Professional mermaid, Sea Shelley


Proudest Achievement: I feel so fortunate to have created a career being Sea Shelley the Mermaid of Naples. I am able to follow my dreams, work with kids, publish a children's book and entertain in my community.  


Expectations for the Future: To keep inspiring merkids to follow their dreams and push the boundaries of their imagination. 


Favorite APP: SeaLife Sport Diver. I can put my iPhone in a case and take underwater photos and videos. The merkids totally come out of their shell underwater and love taking “shellfies”. 


Favorite websites: Sea-shelley.com I spend a lot of time there.


Local causes supported: Climate Connections and Collier County Waterkeeper (CCWK). I lead the water-testing program with CCWK, and we are always seeking new volunteers and donors. The Waterkeeper Alliance promotes swimmable, fishable, drinkable water in your community.


Most frequented healthy food restaurant: Juicelation. My favorite juices are all of them.


Where I pick up my copy of Natural Awakenings: Food & Thought. I love shopping organic and local.


How I invest in my community: Investment in the future starts at a community level, encouraging the next generation. My mermaid lessons include spreading kindness, picking up trash, exercising and show kids that eating fruits and veggies is good for them. I want to “kelp” them to succeed.


Favorite quote: “You want thingamabobs? I’ve got 20.” ~ The Little Mermaid. But my all-time favorite quote is by Eleanor Roosevelt. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”


What I am doing to be the change I want to see in my community: I try to be a good role model with healthy habits, kind words and an eco-friendly lifestyle. I’m constantly learning and evaluating my impact in our society.