AQUALILLIES - Key Persons
Francesca Owen (Australia) Francesca "Frankie" is a photographic artist and Manager of the Aqualillies Australian Team. Frankie's intrigue for the water began at age eight when she was introduced to artistic swimming. In 2012, she was selected to represent Australia in the London Olympics Games. After hanging up her competitive gear, she picked up her underwater housing and camera, and hasn't left the waters edge since. Having studied Photojournalism at University, Francesca was able to merge her two passions and creates underwater art for that graces the walls of hotels and homes in Byron Bay, Paris and New York. Some of her favorite past events include an appearance for Cosmo Magazine in Sydney and an exclusive gala for Chopard Jewelry in Singapore.
is a forensic psychologist currently working with a Los Angeles County program that integrates women back into society after incarceration. Jasmine has a passion for preventative measures for at risk youth and working to bridging the gap between the justice system and mental health. In college Jasmine worked as a bookkeeper, which lead to her own passion and love for numbers and accounting. She has continued in accounting and bookkeeping to perform this vital role within our company.
Inspired by teamwork, sparkles and smiles, Mary started synchronized swimming at age 6 and quickly became hooked on the unique and demanding sport. She competed on a national and international-level and then followed her love of the water back east to study Art History and swim at the College of William and Mary. From there it was on to the University of Southern California Gould School of Law to get her J.D. in 2012 with a specialization in entertainment law. Working at Aqualillies is Mary's dream exhibit, the perfect blend of artistry, athleticism and her passion for the water. She was Scarlett Johansson's mermaid trainer and body double in Hail, Caesar!, and choreographed splashy moves for Disney, TNT's Claws, Morton Salt, Missy Elliott and more.
Mesha Kussman (Founder & Artistic Director) received a BFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in Experimental Theater where she studied dance technique, choreography and directing. She began her career creating high concept dance-theater work for the performance art scene in Downtown, NY. In 2003, she moved to Los Angeles where her expressive visual style gained a commercial home when she founded Aqualillies. Most recently her work has been featured in The Coen Brother's Hail Caesar!, Glee, TED and music videos from Justin Bieber & Nicki Minaj to Sébastien Tellier.