Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronneil Harewood.
Hi Ronneil, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My family and I relocated with Textron Aviation from Hudson Valley, NY to San Antonio TX in 2013. I have a B.S in aircraft management and flight and was excited to accept a position where I could use these skills.
During my time with the company I had great experiences. I tackled a variety of leadership roles and truly enjoyed what I was doing. Even still, I never lost the desire to open my own business. However, as is with life, things don’t always happen right when we want them to. Fast forward 7 years. My wife and I had built a solid life in San Antonio. We were youth directors of our local church, welcomed a new baby, and established our careers even further. Even still, I never lost the desire to create something of my own.
Thinking back, there was never any doubt in my mind that my business would have to involve the aquarium hobby. I love fish! Being originally from the island of Barbados, I grew up surrounded by water. The sea holds a special kind of wonder for me, and I’m passionate about anything to do with enjoying and preserving sea life.
When I was younger, I used to visit a fish shop not far from my house. One day, the owner noticed me looking at the fish (yet again). He asked me what I was interested in, and how I would set things up if I had a tank of my own. Excited about sharing my plans, I told him all about what I wanted to do. I was young at the time and didn’t have the money to make any of these ideas come true, but I think it was my enthusiasm that must have touched him. He said to me “Wait here”. He went to the back of his store and brought back a used tank. Then he said, “There you go, let’s see what you can do with that”.
That was a life-changing moment for me and the start of something very special. It was because of his gift that I was able to establish my first saltwater tank. Even more than that, his kindness granted me the opportunity to dream. I have never forgotten his generosity, and it is from this experience that Sea Hare Aquatics was born. If I can make one person feel as special as that store owner made me feel that day, I know I’m planting a seed that can last forever. This thought makes me very happy.
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 of the early hurdles to opening our store was finding the courage to take the leap.
As a current real estate agent with Phyllis Browing Company, even though I felt prepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship, the thought of being a business owner was intimidating. Now, approaching our one year anniversary of the shop opening, I’m so glad that I did it. My faith in God and the support of my family and friends is what allowed this dream to become a reality for me. Believing in yourself is not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My wife and I own a beautiful aquarium shop nestled in the Hill Country of San Antonio, TX. Our store specializes in saltwater and freshwater fish, plants, corals and ponds. Our aquariums represent a modern design, ideal for any fish enthusiast looking to elevate their aesthetic and enjoy a beautiful aquatic experience.
Our aquariums are placed in the comfort of homes, schools, and commercial property settings. We are partnered with several vendors to be able to offer our clients custom tank builds, in addition to water feature options that will set their display miles apart from any other.
Sea Hare Aquatics is most proud of our growing relationships with our local community. We have had so many opportunities to interact with different people from all walks of life. What sets us apart is our commitment to customer service and our goal of making this hobby as accessible as we can for everyone. We are excited about education so that people can learn to maintain their systems with confidence.
Our goal is that by offering individualized services, we will provide our customers with a peace of mind. All that will be left for them to do is sit back and enjoy their underwater world while receiving an educational and supportive experience.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Absolutely! If the Covid-19 crisis has reinforced anything, it is the importance of family and community support.
It is always our goal at Sea Hare Aquatics to express the highest level of kindness to everyone we meet. If our customers leave each visit at our store just a little bit happier than when they came, then we are confident that our purpose is being fulfilled.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.seahareaquatics.com
- Instagram: @seahareaquatics
- Facebook: @seahareaquatics
- Other: https://seahareaquatics.com
