I love exotic animals and learning about the natural world, how things exist and why, so Zoology was an obvious passion and my subject of choice when looking at universities. Anglia Ruskin specialised in animal sciences, which was perfect for me, especially as it meant I could commute from home in Ipswich. From the beginning of my time at Anglia Ruskin the course was amazing. I wouldn't have changed anything about it or my time here, other than the assignments being a bit easier of course!

After graduation I started looking for jobs, but had already worked in kennels, zoos and pet shops and none had really satisfied my need to interact and be hands-on with the animals. I looked at various jobs in ecology and other similar fields but none really drove my passion. I then learnt about a guy who ran his own business, a mobile zoo with just reptiles and bugs, and I just knew that was for me! I had previously kept Sugar Gliders as pets and love mammals so that was where my love of exotic pets started.

I am a self-motivated person and am driven to succeed but I think it's more about being passionate about something than being particularly entrepreneurial. Anglia Ruskin nurtured the belief and confidence that I can be anything and do anything I want to, if I put my mind to it, and gave me the motivation to start my business. There's no room for excuses and everyone is capable of doing this. My studies also gave me the information basis I need, as my work in schools involves teaching the students about the animals.

Since its foundation, my business has progressed vastly; the response and demand for my service has been amazing and I am now able to cover the whole of East Anglia. I started doing events in January 2012 and already have meerkats and other exotic creatures added to my collection. I have a lot of goals in life and in particular I want to continue to expand and franchise my business and I would love to open a place with its own play centre where people can visit me. I would also like to open an e-commerce pet shop and an affordable exotic Veterinary centre.

My inspiration was my nan, who passed away while I was doing my dissertation in my final year at Anglia Ruskin. She did a lot of charity work and I always wanted to follow in her footsteps - I now do the best job in the world and help charities through the nature of my business. I know she would be proud, and that's an amazing goal to achieve.

If I could give advice to others it would be never give up on your dreams and remember you should never settle for less when you can settle for more.

Kimmy Rudland
BSc Hons Zoology 2011