Owning a small business is a labour of love, and we love our small business owners! We asked the businesses of Moss End Garden Village to share a short story of why they decided to start their business, what they love about owning a business at Moss End, or just something entertaining about themselves…

This week we’re introducing The Jungle Reptiles and Jenna, Co-owner.

The Jungle Reptiles are a family run business specialising in reptile and exotic animal care; from the sale of reptiles and reptile food, to hosting parties and even offering reptile holiday boarding care!

Jenna and Kyle started The Jungle Reptiles as they both have an amazing passion for these creatures. They wanted to spend their days talking to like-minded people and help to educate everyone about this much mis-understood creatures. Many people feel that they are cold and boring, but as Jenna explained each and every reptile have different characters.

Jenna commented “my Mum always said do something you love, or just enjoy 2 weeks holiday a year, so here we are doing what we love!”.

Clearly Jenna loves reptiles, life revolves around the shops and she loves the fact that their children are involved too. The education side of The Jungle Reptiles is very exciting, being able to talk to children and spark their enthusiasm for these animals is what its all about.

Jenna and Kyle really like the fact that Moss End Garden Village is very much a family environment. Everyone is very friendly and all the traders work together to support each other. For example if one trader has something they no longer need they offer it to the rest of us, plus we bounce ideas around to increase our marketing presence.

“Things have changed so much at Moss End, it really is a place for the family to enjoy a morning or afternoon out, its not just about the retail side of things anymore”, Jenna commented.

Some unusual facts about Jenna and Kyle is that they keep over 600 Geckos in their bedroom, looking after them and raising them! You may also be surprised to learn that when Jenna was just 8 years old she managed to sneak 30 toads home in her parents car after a family holiday. She wanted to save them from being squashed! I think its safe to say the passion for reptiles was live and kicking even then!

With more than 44 independent retailers at Moss End Garden Village, this is just a small snapshot of some of the familiar faces you’ll see when you visit.   Come and visit to explore and discover a new shop you’ve never been to, and don’t forget to say hello to the owner! To find a list of all businesses that call Moss End Garden Village home, click here.