Meet Joshua Pharris | Artist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Joshua, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The Art of Darts was driven by a desire to create something new and unique. My love of colorful dart frogs, creating terrariums and design spawned this company, an amalgam of all of my passions.
While we are in a niche industry I wanted to create something special for the hobby and provide quality education, products and contribute to the overall community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am originally a painter and visual artist. Transitioning to apparel design, graphic design and laser engraving was my attempt to bridge the gap between my love of art and providing quality products and décor for the hobbies. What began as a simple t-shirt printing endeavor slowly grew into a full on exotic pet business. By working closely with the community, providing logo design for fellow breeders, custom apparel printing and original decals for other small companies within the hobby I was able to grow and expand in a few years.
While it has not always been easy, surviving Covid and hard times, I am proud to still be in business despite the many hardships and setbacks. Thankfully with the help of local venues, expos, grit and determination I managed to maintain and continue to provide Northern CO with quality animals. original apparel and terrarium supplies. I have had to adjust and adapt a number of times as the market changes but I have maintained reasonable prices and not lost sight of my goal to provide the highest quality products and services for my customers and fellow hobbyists. Without their continued support I would not have made it and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to supply many with their first dart frogs, isopods, terrarium builds and more recently mushroom kits and supplies.
Providing education to the next generation and contributing to the local CSU genetics lab I hope to aid my community and bring the hobby to the forefront.
Adapting to change and recognizing setbacks as being a necessary part of the process has been critical. Failures are truly learning experiences in disguise and while I have struggled alongside my fellow small business owners, I’m grateful for the experience in whatever capacity that takes in the future.

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.
Fort Collins is a beautiful city, full of culture and life. As a born and raised local there is a comfort and charm only this city can provide.
Fort Collins seems to be a near perfect mix of small town charm and big adventure. At the base of the foothills the Rockies are easily accessible providing scenic views and plenty of trails, parks and outdoor activities. Horsetooth Reservoir has been a favorite spot of mine and is just a short drive from Red Feather Lakes and the Roosevelt National Forest.
The downtown scene has you covered when you’re finished exploring with an active night life, plenty of local restaurants and venues to enjoy Fort Collins provides a welcoming vibe with a friendly and bustling atmosphere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without the aid of other local CO breeders, expo promoters and larger out of state companies and organizations I wouldn’t be where I am today. FrogDaddy and Houston Frogs helped guide my path and together we created the Reputable Dart Frog Business and Breeder Association which aids hobbyists in finding reliable and responsible dart frog and suppliers in the hobby. I am grateful for their guidance and aid in maintaining and managing my company.
I also would like to thank the promoters who continually provide incredible local shows and expos, without which I wouldn’t have been able to maintain as long as I have. The All American Reptile and Plant Expo and Show Me Reptiles Show both have helped me along the way.
Last and certainly not least, the local exotic pet stores in Northern Colorado have been wonderful to work with and provide incredible customer support and community engagement.

Website: https://theartofdartsco.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheArtofDartsCo/

Image Credits
Joshua Pharris