Gypsy Mermaid Brings a Smile to the Jersey Shore

It was about to be another uneventful Friday morning in Strathmere when Seaville resident, Sunny DeVaul spotted what appeared to be a blue Gypsy caravan parked outside of Doughboy’s Café.

Soon, a woman who claimed to be a gypsy mermaid emerged, promptly entered the café and began circulating among curious customers.

Since her arrival last week in Upper Township, the British Columbia native and entertainer Michelle Kaiser—a.k.a. the gypsy mermaid— has been turning heads all over the Jersey Shore; reading palms, putting on performances from her back of her caravan and selling music CDs.

“I happened to be in Baltimore for a festival… so I thought I’d head on out to the ocean,” she said. “The ocean was calling the mermaid.”

For the past two years, Kaiser has been living an out-of-the-box, mobile lifestyle.

“The calling of the road has always been there,” says Kaiser. “I always have had that call to travel to different places and live in the lifestyle of the people in that place, not just the touristy things.”

One of the most remarkable things about the gypsy mermaid is her giant vehicle, which is fretted beads, utensils, and random, kitschy lawn ornaments.

“I’ve been [creating] art cars for close to 20 years, at least,” said Kaiser. “And this art car is the biggest and baddest one I’ve had.”

Kaiser said she expects to stay in Upper Township for a few more weeks before moving on to D.C. for a performance.

“The only purpose for me right now is to share smiles and giggles with everyone I come across,” said Kaiser.  “I think I’m doing a pretty good job with that.”