A calling beneath the surface: Inside Drexel's new faith-based aquatics shop

When Drexel native Joshua Anderson first became a Betta fish owner, he didn’t expect it to turn into a full-blown passion and way to spread the gospel. Now, through Fishers of Men Aquatics, he has found a new way to minister to the community.

But for Anderson, 35, the business is about more than just selling fish. Through his faith, he said he has always felt called to spread the word of God and open a space that’s welcoming to families in the community, creating a business that he could feel proud to promote.

Fishers of Men Aquatics, at 108 S. Main St., officially opened on May 4, and Anderson said the response from the community has been positive because people won’t have to travel far to find an aquatics store anymore. He added that before he opened his business, he was traveling to north Charlotte.

Anderson has been a lifelong member of the Drexel community, attending Hallyburton Academy and getting baptized at the First Baptist Church. Once he graduated, we went on to pursue a degree in sustainability and later opened a smoke shop on Highway 18, where he has put bits and pieces of scripture in bags when people come to purchase products as a way to spread the word.

“That was kind of my ministry to do that,” Anderson said. “I find if I make that my first priority, everything else just kind of falls in line,” quoting a verse from Matthew that aligns with his intentions.

Matthew 6:33 reads: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

He added that the smoke shop will likely close by November with new federal regulations coming, though he had already started leasing the new spot in Drexel before learning of the changes.

The name of the shop comes from a Biblical reference to Matthew 4:19, Anderson said.

“Jesus comes up to the fishermen and tells them that if you put down your nets and follow me, I’ll make you fishers of men,” Anderson said. “That just went hand-in-hand with my whole philosophy of I’m not doing this to make money, I’m doing this to share the word.”

Anderson said his faith has become a major part of who he is, though that journey was not always straightforward. He grew up going to church but turned his back on religion as he got older. He later found his way back to Christianity and got saved again at 28 years old.

What followed shortly after was Anderson taking a chance on opening his first business, which he attributed to God’s timing. He said he felt the same with his decision to start breeding fish, and he was able to get right on his first try.

Anderson still has his original Betta fish, which is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, but he became passionate about fish and learning about different species and how to care for them.

“I didn’t think that I would care for a fish like that, but it turns out I like them as much as I do my cats and dogs,” Anderson said.

“We’re told in Genesis to be good stewards of this planet, so caring for animals has always been something I’ve really been passionate about,” he added.

Fishers of Men Aquatics offers a wide variety of the Cichlid species, which are Anderson’s personal favorite. About three-quarters of the fish in the store fall into that category, though they range in color and origin, with many coming from Africa, South America, and Central America.

Because Anderson breeds many of the fish himself, prices vary. Some younger fish cost around $3, while others reach $55 on the higher end. He recently ordered several Pleco fish that trend closer to the $100 range. The fish, which come in a range of color variations, are known for cleaning algae in tanks.

Anderson hopes to begin selling food and other aquatic supplies in the future as he finds his footing. One offering that has already proven successful is pre-made tanks with gravel, plants, and a few fish, designed as starter kits for customers.

He added that customers also go home with a small bottle of chemicals and a small supply of food, so they do not have to immediately shop for additional supplies.

If customers do not see a fish they would like to take home, Anderson said they can request special orders, something he believes will help set his small shop apart from larger retail pet stores.