'I work in travel, but I'm also a human mermaid'
When Amy-Louise Weitz takes time out from driving Not Just Travel’s social media and wellbeing strategies, she is wholly dedicated to the world of mythical sea creatures, and here she shares the benefits of this passion
I am a mermaid. Is there anything more magical? Believe it or not, there is training you can do and certificates you can achieve. You can then train others to become human mermaids.
So, what is mermaiding, and how does it help your wellbeing? Firstly, it’s about body confidence and not being afraid to be you. Unapologetically you. There is nothing more freeing that fin flipping with other like-minded merfolk. Perfecting your turns and handstands. It’s an amazing way to get exercise and boost dopamine levels. I always prioritise my well-being, whether it’s relaxing baths, listening to music, or putting on make-up, because it’s so important to feel good about yourself.
Once you’re in a fin you need to perfect the ‘dolphin’ stroke. In a fin you can’t flick your feet so the movement comes from your core. I have always dreamt of winning the lottery and saving a UK lido where I could train and help others to find their inner mermaid spirits.
However, my passion for mermaids goes beyond the swimming pool.
I first became obsessed with mermaids when I went to see The Little Mermaid with my beloved Nannie in 1989 and fell in love with Ariel. When Nannie sadly died in 1995, Disney became my sanctuary. Each visit to the House of Mouse became a pilgrimage, and I have now been to Disney parks countless times.
In my spare time I love to dress up and have fun. Last year we held Not Just Travel’s Seminar at Sea onboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady where there is a Scarlet Night, so I made a red mermaid costume in tribute to the fleet of ships.
I’ve also flipped my fins in the Coney Island annual Mermaid Parade three times now. The event is in its 42nd year, it’s huge and ever growing. All sea folk from around the globe gather on Coney Island Beach wearing shimmering costumes and sequins to raise awareness of the ocean and the importance of our beaches, and I just have the best time.
A fabled proposal
I love being a mermaid so much that my partner devised his marriage proposal to me around it.
We were in Orlando, at the beginning of a Florida road trip, on Valentine’s Day in 2018. We spent the day park-hopping and enjoying the magic of Walt Disney World. People ask me, did you have a clue? I have to say no but as we were passing security in Animal Kingdom, Simon did set the metal detectors off… I had already made my way through so didn’t take too much notice but now, Simon tells the story of whispering to security that it was an engagement ring and a surprise.
We saved the Magic Kingdom until last and headed straight to Ariel’s Grotto to meet her. Simon kept leaving the queue, I mean how many times does one need the restroom? Little did I know the next five minutes were going to be extra spectacular.
As we entered, we sat with Ariel and chatted about all things under the sea…then as we get up to leave Simon grabbed my hand (at this point the staff had started filming) and he got down on one knee with the most stunning ring, designed with a mermazing element! I was stunned and I said yes in a heartbeat. The rest was a blur! We celebrated every mile down to Miami.
Channelling the spirit
If I could make a living out of being a mermaid, I would, but working for Not Just Travel is the next best thing.
As social media manager, I manage the brand’s social platforms day to day and create authority content to build brand awareness. The biggest part of my role is training and creating strategies for our travel consultants to use daily to stay active on social media. I created “Do Something Social: your daily dose of social media” to give the travel consultants structure and a plan to follow. I like to set them tasks so they can express their tone of voice and I am huge believer in agents being the face of their business, striving for authenticity over perfection and telling their story. I am here to support them and guide them.
As part of the in-house engagement team, Team:You, I jumped at the chance to help people with their wellbeing. Each week during Wellbeing Wednesday, we engage with our corporate team members on simple ways they can look after themselves. With the team mostly working from home and very busy during holiday and booking periods, wellbeing is a key priority for Not Just Travel. We keep it topical and focus on subjects that resonate such as stretching, gratitude, meditation, mental health, and the negative effects of bluelight. Our session and tips on how to get eight hours’ sleep was particularly popular. Business development manager Danielle Dry is taking the content and cascading it out to her consultant team so the initiative is company-wide – for both the corporate team as well as consultants.
I am very much about ideas and creativity and I wanted to channel my inner mermaid spirit to help making every day fun at work – everyone should be able to enjoy the journey and I’m really proud to be a part of Team:You.
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