I'm a female as well... I guess my image leads people to think that I am more of a girly-girl than a tom-boy because when I tell people my interests, including keeping numerous reptiles, I get shocked and awed faces in response (and copious questions too)
I have friends who listen to me blab on and on about my snakes, I guess they understand my passion lol, but most people I am around, don't.
My parent's would tell you that I was born with the passion for reptiles. I kept toads and newts, and the occasional Garter snake that I would catch... I even tried to catch a Black Racer (or Indigo snake, I was never quite sure what it was, but it was around 5 foot in length, which was a foot and half longer than me at that time) Ever since I can remember, I loved snakes and lizards and just about every reptile imaginable. I don't know what sparked the passion, lol. Maybe Jurrasic Park and Godzilla? xD
As soon as I had the chance, I got my own snake... which soonly after turned into many snakes. Now I keep 6 snakes, 4 lizards, and 6 turtles. To be fair, most of the turtles are my father's and most of the lizards too, but we share reposibility of them. He didn't like snakes, ever, but I helped him get over his disinterest with my interest.