Reptile Store
Shop Stories may get paid commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Interview with Jenna Miller, Owner of the Reptile Store in Sacramento, California
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the reptile business?
A: My name is Jenna Miller, and I've been passionate about reptiles for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Sacramento, California and always dreamed of opening my own reptile store one day. When I graduated from college, I decided to take the leap and start my own business. It was a risk, but I knew it was what I wanted to do.
Q: What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced in running a reptile store?
A: One of the biggest challenges has been educating the public about reptiles and their care. Many people are afraid of these animals or simply don't understand them. It's been a constant struggle to get people to realize that reptiles make great pets and are not as scary as they might seem. Additionally, the cost of keeping and caring for reptiles can be high, which has been a challenge for some of our customers.
Q: What sets your reptile store apart from others in the area?
A: We pride ourselves on the knowledge and expertise of our staff. Our employees are passionate reptile owners themselves and can offer advice and guidance to customers who are new to the world of reptiles. We also hold regular educational events, such as reptile shows and workshops, to help educate the public about these amazing animals.
Q: How has the pandemic affected your business, and what steps have you taken to adapt?
A: The pandemic has definitely been a challenge for us, as with many small businesses. However, we were fortunate enough to have already established an online presence through our Shopify store, which allowed us to continue serving our customers when our physical store had to close temporarily. We also started offering curbside pickup and delivery options to help meet the needs of our customers in these difficult times.
Q: Can you talk about a particularly memorable experience you've had with a customer or a reptile in your store?
A: One of my favorite experiences was with a customer who was terrified of snakes. She came in to browse our selection of lizards, but our staff members were able to educate her about the benefits of owning a snake and help her choose the perfect one for her. After spending some time with the snake and seeing how gentle and docile it was, she left the store with a newfound appreciation for these amazing creatures.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring small business owners?
A: Don't be afraid to take risks and follow your passion. It's not always easy, but if you're willing to put in the hard work and stay dedicated to your goals, success will come. And don't underestimate the power of an online platform like Shopify to help you reach a wider audience and grow your business.
Q: What are your plans for the future of your reptile store?
A: We're always looking for new ways to educate the public and serve our customers better. We're planning on expanding our product selection and continuing to offer innovative ways for people to learn about and appreciate the world of reptiles. Ultimately, we want to continue to be a resource for reptile owners and enthusiasts throughout Sacramento and beyond.
Shop Stories is designed to provide inspiration through stories about ecommerce success. Articles on this site including names, businesses, locations and any other element of the story have been created with a combination of human inspiration and generative AI. Articles may contain inaccuracies, untruths and possibly incorrect or dangerous advice. Use at your own risk.