A TEENAGER has opened his own store at just 16 after deciding to pass on going to college.
The ambitious teen, who lives with his parents in Alsagers Bank, runs the shop on his own every day.
Josua Mancell-Chesters opened his own shop, MCS Nutrition, in Alsager, Chesire.
He said he is enjoying building his business and getting to know customers.
The former Madeley High School pupil says he doesn't feel like he's missing out on being a teenager and enjoys the challenge of running the Chapel Mews shop.
Josua left Madeley High at the end of Year 10 and enrolled in an online school for his GCSEs as his family were intending to move to Spain, where he was born.
But when plans changed and they remained in the UK, he continued with online schooling as it gave him the flexibility to work alongside his dad, who is the global managing director for a sports nutrition distributor, at the same time.
When he finished his GCSEs, which included business, Josua, who is dyslexic, was not enthusiastic about further education.
Instead, he had the idea to open his own nutrition shop.
He revealed he hopes to make his own branded products and franchise the business in the future.
Keen sportsman Josua, who enjoys boxing, football and rugby, said: "I've tried to get as big a range in store as possible, including protein bars and snacks, vitamins and minerals and protein powders.
"I don't want people to think it's just for gym fanatics - there is something for everyone.
"I've got a good work ethic and I like working hard for something and being successful. I've always had that mindset and I'm quite good at motivating myself.
"I don't feel like I'm missing out on being a teenager because I'm really enjoying running the shop. There's always something to do - when it's quieter I work on my website or research products so I am never bored."
Josua's mum Sarah Mancell-Chesters, an executive assistant and accountant, said: "We discussed his business plan discussed several times over dinner and agreed we would encourage his entrepreneurial flare and support him in his venture.
"With lots of support and guidance from Shane on products and sales techniques and myself teaching him the administrative parts of running a business he is already exceeding way above our expectations.
"He has formed business relationships with many well-known suppliers and as the shop is becoming established with the local community too.
"He manages the shop on his own everyday while we both work full time.
"He's impressed us with his self-discipline and how much he researches products and ingredients to make him confident giving advice to people that call into the shop."
Dad Shane Chesters added: "With Josua's ever-growing portfolio of ideas and goals he wants to achieve, while only young, we are more than confident he will soon be very successful in his chosen field.
"The sports nutrition world is one of the biggest evolving industries and it's great that it's so welcoming and adaptable for young people to become a part of it."
MCS Nutrition is open in Chapel Mews, Alsager, from 9am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Josua is not the only young entrepreneur to set up his own business.
This savvy young businesswoman has told how she managed to open her own shop at just 23.
