Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Kelley.
Shane, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sure! My name is Shane Kelley, and I’m the founder of Small Town Xotics, a reptile breeding business based in Knoxville, Tennessee. My journey into reptiles started in the small town of Santa Paula, CA. I officially launched Small Town Xotics in 2019 and began producing Ball Pythons in 2020. A year later, I expanded into Western Hognose snakes and Leopard Geckos.
What started as a hobby quickly became a full-time pursuit. I fell in love with the genetic side of reptile breeding the endless possibilities in creating healthy, visually stunning animals. But what really pushed Small Town forward was the community. In 2020, we had a breakout year. I was honored to be recognized by some of the biggest names in the industry, including being called the “Rookie of the Year” by Billy at Mutation Creation, and the same year, I won the first-ever “15 Minutes of Lame” contest hosted by Snakes and the Fatman. From there, my brand grew organically through social media, YouTube, podcasts, and word of mouth.
Today, Small Town Xotics is more than just a reptile brand, it’s a movement. I’ve built a loyal following through authenticity, transparency, and a strong commitment to mentorship and education in the reptile community. I also host and produce the podcast Reptiles Unplugged, co-founded a private dinner club called Snakes & Steaks, and run an event called Reptiles on the River to bring people together offline as well.
My goal has always been to create a positive impact in the reptile world while producing top quality animals. I still run everything myself from animal care and breeding to marketing and customer service and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love what I do, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who support it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One major challenge has been navigating the reptile market, which can fluctuate wildly. Morph popularity, pricing trends, and even misinformation can shift quickly, especially on social media. Learning how to stay true to my breeding goals while also remaining adaptable has been key. I’ve made mistakes along the way like investing in projects that later cooled off but I’ve learned from each one.
Another obstacle has been building trust online. Reptile sales, especially high end morphs, often involve hundreds or thousands of dollars. I had to work hard to build a reputation for being transparent, ethical, and responsive. That’s part of why I put so much energy into Patreon, YouTube, and community events they’ve helped me earn that trust by showing who I am and what I stand for.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Small Town Xotics is a boutique reptile breeding operation based right here in Knoxville, TN. We specialize in producing designer Ball Pythons and Western Hognose snakes, with a focus on rare, high-end morphs that are healthy, ethically produced, and visually striking.
What sets us apart is our transparency and community driven approach. I document almost every clutch and pairing publicly across social platforms and through Patreon so that buyers can see where their animals came from, how they were raised, and what the breeding goals were behind each project. There’s no smoke and mirrors here just clean genetics, proper husbandry, and a commitment to pushing the hobby forward.
We’re probably best known for our multi-recessive Ball Python projects like Genetic Stripe Clown combos with Desert Ghost and Hypo as well as our growing work with Arctic and Albino lines in Western Hognose. We’ve also built a loyal following through YouTube, our Reptiles Unplugged podcast, and community events like Reptiles on the River, an annual Small Town family meet up that blends fun, education, and real relationships.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that Small Town Xotics has become more than a logo. It’s a movement. People recognize us not just for the quality of our animals, but for the ethos behind the brand: honesty, consistency, mentorship, and always putting the animals first.
Our animals ship nationwide, and we work with both first-time keepers and seasoned breeders alike. We also offer Patreon-exclusive perks like credit toward animal purchases, shed testing discounts, Husbandry.Pro benefits, and a private audio podcast called The Secret Sessions.
At the end of the day, Small Town is about connecting people to reptiles in a way that’s real, inspiring, and sustainable whether you’re a keeper, a breeder, or just curious.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Knoxville has honestly been the perfect place for me. What I love most is the natural beauty there are lakes, rivers, and endless greenery everywhere you turn. Coming from California, I didn’t realize how much I missed things like consistent rain, having four seasons, and the kind of peaceful outdoor environment Knoxville offers.
I also have easy access to major shipping hubs like FedEx, which is a huge benefit for someone in the reptile industry. It allows me to serve customers nationwide efficiently and safely, without having to navigate logistical hurdles. Everything I need to run a responsible, community focused reptile business is right here.
And honestly? I can’t say a single bad thing about this area. The people are kind, the pace of life feels just right, and I’ve felt welcomed here since day one. Knoxville has given me the space to grow Small Town Xotics into something I’m proud of.
Pricing:
- Ball Pythons range from $40-$5000
- Western Hognose range from $100-$2000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smalltownxotics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltownxotics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallTownXotics
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallTownXotics
