We’re looking forward to introducing you to Montana Pickens. Check out our conversation below.
Montana, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that brings me joy is plants. Our home is covered in them- we joke that they are the only way we know how to decorate! Pothos, philodendons, monsteras, aloes, and so many more in all different colors and shapes and sizes. They’re so beautiful and they bring me a lot of joy- we hope to have a large greenhouse one day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Montana and I am a professional mermaid! I own my own LLC; lovingly named Iron Shore Mermaid. I partner with different companies around the US where I do multitudes of different activities. I perform in aquarium exhibits, coach/direct underwater models, perform at art festivals, and entertain kiddos at birthday parties and public events. I get to travel the United States, and the world, and meet incredible people and do amazing things.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that shaped how I see the world would be the first time that I dove with a whale shark. It made me feel small, but not insignificant. I was awe-struck by the beauty and design of our natural world and felt honored to be able to see this animal in person. The plants and creatures that share this planet with us are all unique and I think that’s wonderful.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I’ve learned that we can’t control how others view you and that it’s a waste of our precious time to worry about or try to change those things. All we can do is continue to be good people, be kind people, and put good back into our world.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say that the public version of me is close to who I am as far as surface level topics go. I believe in being honest about who I am, but I’m not as confident as my online presence might suggest. People know that I’m a mermaid, that I care about our environment, and that I love plants and animals. What the internet doesn’t see is that I’m actually fairly introverted and weird at times. But I suspect many people may also feel that way.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people will always misunderstand what it means to be a mermaid. “Mermaid” in many peoples eyes equates to what they think “Barbie” is- but if you know anything about who Barbie really is and what she represents, she’s more than just a doll. She’s more than a girl in a hot pink dress. She represents all that women are capable of and everything that we can achieve if we just believe that we can. She tells women that you don’t have to be forced into any one role- you can be whatever you want to be. And for me, that’s what being a mermaid is. We wear pretty costumes, sure, but we also push ourselves past our physical limits in uncomfortable situations to make real life, moving artwork. And that’s really special.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ironshoremermaid.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironshoremermaid/
Image Credits
Submerge Underwater
Keely Sanchez Media
MOcean Art
