Meet Kaden Shackleford | Reptile Handler and Breeder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaden Shackleford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaden, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Since I was young I have always loved animals, and specifically reptiles. I started working for a reptile shop when I was sixteen and learned from the shop that I worked at how to start my own business. I already had a lot of reptiles and thought why not make a little money and have fun as well. I began building my website, making business cards, and getting new animals. Before you know it I have a functioning business around my favorite thing, reptiles.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is all about bring education to youth and adults. I want to teach and educate people on reptiles, and show them that reptiles are something we should respect. Every reptile that I own is extremely friendly and does well with people because of the care that I provide for them. I keep them in all natural enclosures and like to have living plants inside of the cages. This is what sets me apart from other reptile party services. I have learned a lot in the past couple years. I have learned how to breed and keep reptiles the right way. I have learned to always respect them. I have learned that starting a business isn’t always about how much money you make. It’s about the impact you have on people. Nothing makes me happier then seeing someone excited about learning about reptiles. Since starting this business I have been very fortunate to only have had one set back. The one set back was a accident that occurred at my work. I had a large glass door fall and cut my arm. I had to have emergency surgery to save my arm. I had lost a lot of blood and severed 12 of my tendons, my radial artery, my radial nerve, and all the muscle in my forearm. After surgery I was told that I should have lost my arm. But a miracle happened and I got to keep it. I now have full motor function back and feel better then ever. I am back to running my business and making people happy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love going to reptile shops. I would take them and hit up every reptile shop in Los Angeles. I would take them to my favorite breakfast shop called blu jam cafe, then go to a couple shops and check out their reptiles. Go to lunch at Cheesecake Factory, and end the day by going to my favorite hiking spot to hunt for wild reptiles. I also enjoy going to amusement parks. So of course I would have to take them to six flags magic mountain and maybe Disney land. But my favorite thing to do is go watch the Los Angeles dodger play the Saint Louis Cardinals in baseball. That is how I would end the trip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom and step dad where really helpful in starting my business. My stepdad taught me how to build my website and invested in the business. My mom taught me how to add special features to my website and how to reach out and market my business. I learned how to breed reptiles through videos on YouTube from Brian Barcyck.

Website: https://www.kadeswildlife.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kades_wildlife/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/WcpqDwa2cnw