A small local business opened its doors on Edgewood Drive on Feb. 1, 2025, and it all started with a single Christmas gift. After receiving a tarantula in 2017 from her daughter, owner Amanda Vandruff and her husband began breeding the arachnids in late 2019. They secured a business license and began going to exhibitions just before the pandemic, eventually launching a website to ship their exotic inventory nationwide.

After one year in business, Quality Business Awards recognized Eighth Element Exotics as the “Best Pet Store in Manhattan, Kansas” in 2026. Despite the success, many long-time reptile owners in the area still do not know about the store’s presence in Manhattan.

“There’s still people that went to Reptile World for feeders that still don’t know we’re here,” Vandruff said. “So we’re still getting the word out that we’re here.” 

On top of the struggle to get their name out, Eighth Element must compete with larger corporations. 

“It is hard to compete with Petco,” Vandruff said. “I’ve had customers buy an animal from me, and they’ll be like, ‘Well, let’s go get the supplies for it.’ I tell my customers if I don’t have it, I can probably get it, and I’m willing to try to get it.” 

Corporations such as Petco and PetSmart have massive supply chains to keep pricing low, creating a hurdle for independent shops like Eighth Element. 

“Petco pricing, because it is corporate, and there’s a lot of Petcos across the United States, they can buy in bulk, and have the pricing down cheaper,” Vandruff said. “So that’s the hardest part for a mom and pop shop.” 

While it is difficult to match corporate prices, Eighth Element Exotics offers a familial atmosphere, as Vandruff’s family has been part of the business since the beginning. Outside, the storefront features custom illustrations painted by Vandruff’s daughter, and when customers walk into the store, they will usually see her grandchildren running around as well. 

From the soft fur of a chinchilla or bunny to the striking appearance of Cassie the Macaw and Vandal the Boa Constrictor, even the animals at Eighth Element Exotics bring a familial energy to the store. 

For Vandruff, the shop is more than a retail space. It is a platform for community education. 

“I hope we can do our community good,” Vandruff said. “We were at the library for the Kansas Science Festival last weekend, and we did that last year also. And then last year we were also out at the lake for OK [Outdoor Kansas] Kids Day with a couple of animals.” 

Eighth Element Exotics may be small, but its footprint is growing. Through community outreach and educational classes, Vandruff is doing more than just selling exotics — she’s building a new generation of animal lovers in Manhattan.