A Citrus County entrepreneur/artist is literally making waves in the fashion world.
Eric Ducharme started designing mermaid tails when he was a child, and now he has built a successful business that's supplying mermaid tails and more to people all over the world.
"Some kids want to be firefighters," Ducharme said. "Some kids already want to be doctors or lawyers when they are 8 or 9, and I wanted to make mermaid tails."
Ducharme sends between 375 to 500 of his tails all over the world every month. Pop megastar Lady Gaga is among his customers.
"There are a lot of movies coming out that actually use our tails," he said.
At age 5 Ducharme made his first tail, and at age 13 he started his business called MerTailor.
Now the Lecanto High School graduate is 25 and his business is cranking. He has several employees who work for him, and now he is branching out into swimwear.
"My childhood dream has turned into a major career path for me," Ducharme said.
His mother Candy helps out around the office these days. She has watched her son's business unfold and is beyond proud.
"So driven," she said. "That he would elevate this business to what it has become today."
"Not only do I get to be creative with what I do and bring my art to the world, but people get to enjoy it," Ducharme said.
By the way, all the tails are made for swimming, if you want.
