Today we’d like to introduce you to Luisa Potenza.
Luisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from Venezuela where I was raised by my grandfather. My grandfather was a veterinarian and AQHA breeder, which likely was a main driver for my passion for animals. Our home was always full of animals, horses, and other critters. Since I was a child, I always dreamed of working with animals in some capacity, usually with the goal of someday becoming a veterinarian myself.
After finishing school in Venezuela, I traveled to the United States to finish my degree at TCU. While there I met my husband, Benjamin Sheely, who was station in Fort Worth while in the Marines. We were married a couple years later in 2018. When we first met, I had a single hedgehog that I absolutely adored named Fabrizio. I eventually started a business from our home breeding African Pygmy Hedgehogs. However, unlike many other breeders in the area at the time, I focused on health, temperament, and meticulously tracked pedigrees to avoid any possible inbreeding and possible health problems.
After doing this several years from our home, we decided to get a real storefront and also sell supplies. We decided to open Potenza Exotics, where we can offer a place to pick up the animals we breed as well as all the needed supplies. We don’t consider ourselves a pet store, but rather a breeding facility with a storefront. We’re not a typical pet store. All the animals you see were bred by us and truly well taken care of. We do our absolute best to ensure they go to good homes and truly care for each of the animals we sell.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Starting a business is incredibly difficult for anyone. It stressful, time-consuming, and turning a profit is always a concern. This was made even more difficult as an immigrant with no credit and considered financially as a child here in the US. This made it impossible to get a loan for our business, requiring us to be entirely self-funded throughout our entire time in business so far.
We just recently started hiring our first employees as well, which can of course be stressful. Wanting to ensure we provide a livable wage to our employees while also trying to balance our budget with such tight margins. We’ve also recently expanded to include two separate spaces for both our animals and our store but hope to someday have our own space that we own. Leasing a commercial space can come with its own headache dealing with other business owners and their concerns being next to a pet store.
As you know, we’re big fans of Potenza Exotics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We’re a small pet store located at 7201 S Cooper St Suite 101 Arlington TX 76001. We sell a variety of supplies for small animals and reptiles. That includes merchandise from Pangea, Repashy, BioDude, ZooMed, and Exo Terra. All animals sold in store were bred and cared for by us.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I think it’s surprising for most people to find out we started a brick & mortar business in our mid 20’s. It’s both easier and more difficult than many realize to open a small business. Although difficult, I think anyone can pursue their passions.
Contact Info:
- Email: Contact@potenzaexotics.com
- Website: www.potenzaexotics.com
- Instagram: @potenzaexotics
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/potenzaexo
Image Credits
Danielle Smallwood
Luisa Potenza
