Inner Sanctum

The Mermaid Lounge is Wilmington’s newest “femme-centered sanctuary” — an oasis created for those looking to celebrate their femininity, socialize, nourish themselves professionally or spiritually, and above all, feel empowered in a safe, close-knit community.

For ALISHA BROWNE, honing this sacred space materialized through years of following her creative pursuits and continuously providing the women she works with more opportunities to feel supported.

Browne moved to Wilmington after finishing business school and then worked for a decade in marketing. She attributes this period to building the foundation of her communication skills and her desire to tell people’s stories. Still, she reached a point where she wanted to branch out on her own.

“I felt a pull toward something more personal and transformative,” Browne says. “I always had the spark inside me of wanting to own my own business.”

Soon enough, she utilized a creative outlet she had been practicing since she was young: photography. In 2019, Browne opened Atlantic Boudoir, a female-driven photography studio.

“After years of photographing women and hearing their stories, I realized so many of us were craving a deeper sense of connection, confidence, and community,” Browne says. “I also have this beautiful space where I hold my photo sessions, which had the potential to be so much more.”

Meanwhile, Browne was friends with JULIE MARIE, who owned Lavender Rain Emporium next to Atlantic Boudoir on Castle Street. Julie Marie moved her business into Browne’s space and later became Atlantic Boudoir’s creative director. Together, the two collaborated on how to make The Mermaid Lounge a reality.

The Mermaid Lounge opened this May, but the community Browne has fostered through her previous work and encouraging spirit is already fully onboard. Within the first week, twenty “Siren’s Circle” memberships – the premium package – were already purchased.

“Since then, we’ve been growing slowly and intentionally. We want to make sure we’re nurturing the kind of close-knit, supportive community that people are really craving and not just packing the space,” Browne adds.

The Mermaid Lounge is open three nights a week, Wednesday through Friday, for members to socialize and work independently or utilize any of the fun extras the Lounge has to offer, such as craft kits, tarot cards, and board games.The Lounge also offers an array of workshops, classes, and special events on other days of the week from resume-building classes to evening flow yoga classes and sexual intimacy wellness workshops. 

“There’s a real mix of play, rest, and growth,” Browne says.

“For a newbie, I’d recommend starting with one of our casual social nights, or an art event. It’s a great way to dip your toes in and meet people without pressure.”

These events are open to the public, though members get first dibs on registration, as well as discounted tickets. The offerings are ever-changing and continue to be added, and Browne is diligent about updating The Mermaid Lounge’s calendar online.

Browne attributes the success of The Mermaid Lounge to the local community. “Wilmington is full of creative, open-hearted women, and they’ve shown up for this space in such an encouraging way,” she says. “So many women have expressed their enthusiasm and excitement to finally have a space that’s designed with them in mind. That’s really the best feedback we could ask for.”

The Mermaid Lounge’s current memberships include two options. “The Siren’s Circle” membership offers access to the lounge, early event registration, discounts, a confidence and community newsletter, a guest pass, and more. “The Cove Collective” package is a more casual membership with lounge access, the newsletter, and discounts.

As the Lounge expands, Browne says, “We’d love to see The Lounge become a go-to haven in Wilmington for femme-identified folks. We’re also dreaming of collaborations with other local women-owned businesses, more signature events, and even traveling Mermaid Lounge pop-ups in other cities.”

Browne says above all, she wants to make sure the Lounge always feels like home for members — a place for both growth and comfort.

“I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” she says.

To view more of photographer Madeline Gray’s work, go to madelinegrayphoto.com.

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