I’m a junior doctor with the NHS but I have a VERY unusual side hustle… it’s like I live a double life
AN NHS junior doctor says she lives a double life after revealing her VERY unusual side hustle.
Most people know Yasmin Awan as a hard-working employee in the major trauma unit at Aintree Hospital in Liverpool – but others have met another persona.
For the 28-year-old stuns fans when she performs as mermaid Athena Storm at parties, weddings and other events.
Yasmin, from Neston, on the Wirral, told Metro: “When I was doing my MA, I was working late in the library and procrastinating online.
“I found an advert which said “learn to be a mermaid” and went and did a weekend.
“It’s a huge part of my life now.
“I used to separate my life into being a doctor and being a mermaid, but it’s all one.”
The ‘mermaid’ explained her hectic work rota means she can’t always jump into the water when she wants.
And, it took a lot longer than one weekend to land herself a spot on the aquatic entertainment scene.
She’s trained to hold her breath for up to four minutes, an impressive feat, and she’s braved it in the same tanks as sharks.
“People don’t think being a mermaid is very complicated but it’s not just dressing up”, Athena added.
The junior doctor also makes her costumes by hand, making sure to sew every sequin on – to make it safe for marine life.
As well as saving lives in the hospital, her side hustle also brings joy to those around her.
“It’s really special, what I do makes a really positive difference”, she explained.
“Children think I am real so to give them that magic in their life.
“I know I’m one person so I can’t change the world, but if I can change one person’s world, and give a child a bit of magic, I am making the world a bit of a happier place.
“It fills me with life and with joy.”
Combining her passions, she has asked to hold charity events for Alder Hey and Sheffield Children’s Hospitals.
They have included beach clean ups during which Yasmin becomes Athena, and children are given a “wish crystal” if they bring her a piece of rubbish.
This comes as millions of people kick-start successful side hustles.
One man who makes £22,000 a month from his weird part-time job said he doesn’t care if people criticise him.
Curtis Gibbs, 25, was able to quit his job in retail and is now living the life of luxury.
Meanwhile, after going through a bad breakup, this woman set her sights on creating a successful business – and is now worth millions.
Alice Robert began her side business while going through her split – after having a “vivid dream” urging her to do it.
Plus, this student pays for his pints at the pub with the cash he makes from his side hustle.
Tyler Potts pockets an extra £320 a month doing odd jobs alongside his full-time nursing degree.