It wasn't the most conventional route to take after finishing school.
But after growing up with a fascination for insects and years of watching David Attenborough documentaries, Cameron Reardon had always known he was passionate about entomology - the study of insects.
And after a presentation in college on how to start your own business, he loved the idea of being his own boss and decided to start importing insects to his home to breed and sell.
Cameron who lives in Felinfoel, Llanelli, found a niche market for a new exotic insect store in Wales that could deliver to the UK and Europe.
But as a teenager with little business experience funds were low, space was tight and the teenager began with hundreds of bugs being stored in his parents home.
"We had the stock in the house and they used to always escape and I don't know why but they would always head for my mother's bedroom - she absolutely hated it," said 19-year-old Cameron.
While still studying at college, Cameron began importing exotic insects, breeding them and then selling them on over the internet to buyers who wanted them as pets.
The business also offered services such as birthday parties, education workshops and "fear classes" - aimed at helping people overcome their phobias of insects.
But Cameron's little idea that had been brewing ever since he was a young child really took off when he won the £5,000 Beacon Bursary for young entrepreneur's from Carmarthenshire Council and was able to set up a more permanent business model.
With the money he was able to buy more exotic insects and buy a shed to store them in.
Among the catalogue of insects that Cameron looks after are venomous spiders, scorpions, millipedes, crabs, bird-eating spiders and giant land snails.
But stock varies from season to season as does the income.
"We have some species that are venomous but nothing that can seriously harm you, nothing would hurt more than a bee sting, but people are still wary of insects even though they are really important for the environment.
"Stock changes from season to season but right now we have around 100 different species - the bird-eating spiders are really popular," added Cameron.
Most insects are ordered as pets and are sent to buyers in countries such as the UK, Belgium and France.
Orders come in via the Bug Box UK website and Cameron sets the insects up ready for delivery which includes feeding them before transit and preparing the tubs that they will be delivered in.
No single-use plastic is used and delivery is done within 24 hours via a special 'live animal' delivery method, to ensure the animals are safe.
As well as fulfilling his passion of working with insects, Cameron says that big money can be earned in his corner of the market.
On one occasion, Cameron made £5,000 in one day after an order of ladybird spiders sold out instantly.
The Llanelli entrepreneur said that he bought the red and black insect for around €2-3 each and then is able to sell each spider for around £25.
Giant African Land snails also offer a healthy profit margin and usually sell out instantly for around £70 each.
On a monthly basis, Cameron said he makes around £5,000 a month selling exotic insects.
And while earning what most established entrepreneurs would be more than happy with, the 19-year-old has big plans for the future.
"I would love to expand and franchise the business - there is a huge market in America where loads of kids have pet tarantulas so that would be amazing."
But for now Cameron's next step is looking to be a little closer to home.
He said:"I have been discussing opening a shop in Llanelli town centre as an exotic pet shop. I have a lot of plans for the future, it's really exciting."
