Mermaid Factory

I would give the experience 5 stars because it is fun, relaxing and creative; if it weren’t for the service. First of all, their website says that they close at 9 pm but they let you know they will close at 8:30 pm to clean. I understand that cleaning takes time, but shouldn’t it be done after they close? Or maybe the site should say they close at 8:30? And they really start cleaning and rushing you around 8pm; which made us really stressed out. Another thing is that they ask if you need help but they are actually not very willing to help even for simple things like glue. And then there are the «rules»: «if you take a color, bring it right back» (although there are at least 5 tubes of the same color and you’re the only person there), or «We can give only 1 glitter color to you at a time». Things like these really made a fun experience turn into a stressful, «will we be able to finish on time» kind of experience.

FABULOUS experience! When my mom was coming to town to visit, I knew it was time to try out the new Mermaid Factory at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach, so we went with my two adult daughters. Although they have plenty of items to shop for and beautiful pre-​made mermaids you can purchase (average $ 45), the real fun is in making your own mermaid or dolphin ($ 25)! The staff will guide your choices to create the perfect mermaid for YOU. And there are SO many choices — from plain & simple to glittery glamor queens and superheroes to wild fun! These make a great souvenir and you may find yourself addicted to these little beauties. It is especially enjoyable to make these with a group — family, ladies night out, birthday party, etc.
Be sure to allow at least two hours to make your creation — more if you are with a fun or boisterous group — and call ahead to make a reservation, as it can get pretty busy. Check out the gallery on their website
or pinterest for ideas before going, but be warned — it will make your head spin! LOL. Of course, you can alway get the Mermaid-​To-​Go kit ($ 25) if you are short on time, but I encourage you to carve out a couple of hours to make yours at the studio, as it really is a great experience! Oh, and bring a camera for some amusing selfies!

This was so much fun! Great time with my 6 year old, my sister, and my mom. Loved this experience! Staff very friendly and helpful! Highly recommend!

Came here for the first time last night and I had the best time! The concept of painting your own «Norfolk mermaid» is so original! They recommend you make a reservation so you can have plenty of time to work on your masterpiece. Also plan on it taking about 2 hours because there’s so many options and colors to choose from it’s so overwhelming at first, you’ll take at least 30 minutes thinking about what you want your mermaid to look like.
We had a great time painting and making our mermaids pretty! The lady working was super helpful and very attentive to everyone in the shop at the time. She offered ideas and some tips for painting and glittering. My friend and it love our mermaids and can’t wait to come back with a bigger group of friends.

Awesome experience! My daughter and niece say it’s there favorite new place to go. Staff is extremely helpful even though it was busy, they did whatever to help. I wanna come back and do my own.

Awesome spot.
I’ve been twice to the Mermaid Factory, both times to this VA Beach location on Laskin; I’ve yet to try the Norfolk location. No complaints from me for this place!
I love their logo — the «M» is a mermaid tail, how fun!
As soon I entered the first time, I was in awe — it’s so pretty. The place is beach-​y, shabby chic-​y, and full of pretty mermaids! There’s a cube shelf as soon as you enter, where you can find an array of pre-​made creations, which are for sale, and can which also be used for inspiration when creating your own.
The basic cost for the standard sized mermaid is $ 25 — it includes the mermaid, base/​stand, all the paint you need, and glitter. After you’ve painted your mermaid, added glitter and/​or sand, and would like to add some extra details, then you could head on over to the wall where the «extras» are — you choose your own embellishments, which have different prices and range from ten cents to a dollar. They have sea shells, mini sunglasses, mini wine bottles, various little colored rocks, little glittered starfish, so many things, even tulle, which is used for little skirts for your creation (s). This particular location gives you the option of decorating a mermaid or dolphin, which is neat.
The girls working at this location (Jenn & Chloe) are nice and helpful. They’ll give you thorough instructions, help you if you need it — answer questions, match a particular paint color, etc. They’ll also check up on you throughout the process to see if you need assistance with anything.
It was so fun for me that I’ve already been twice in two months! I do plan on going back again, I already have a mermaid in mind. Pretty soon I’ll have a huge collection. lol. You can also have a birthday party here, or come for a special event such as a bridal shower or bachelorette party; it’s definitely cool and different. You definitely need to make arrangements with the staff ahead of time. I might even celebrate my birthday here with a bunch of girlfriends.
When I post pictures of the place & my creations on facebook or instagram, many of my out-​of-​town friends say, «When I come to Va Beach, you gotta take me there.» So I guess that means my mermaid collection will keep growing. :)
Not only can you create your own stuff here, but you can also purchase some to-​go kits, and create them at your home. You can also choose different sizes of mermaids, and of course the prices will vary. There’s a huge selection of gifts as well, all mermaid and beach-​y themed.
Awesome place — I am definitely a fan. I suggest it to anyone and everyone; fun for all ages. Best bet is to make reservation; definitely call ahead. Happy decorating!!!