Local Teen's Business Receives National Attention

Delaware County (WTXF) The chief executive officer of a Delaware County company is getting some national attention. That's because the head of this company hasn't even graduated high school yet.

FOX 29's Chris O'Connell talked to the teen about his success.

"This is Novel Tie corporate headquarters or as my mom likes to call it the dining room," Shreyas Parab told FOX 29.

When most 14 year olds are playing video games, Shreyas is going over designs for his new company. The company is called Novel Ties, which has neckwear for the teen set.

"There was nothing out there like for me. So I created ties for kids, just like me," he explained.

As a sophomore at Archmere Academy, Shreyas is required to wear a tie every day. So he created his own, series of 8 fun designs, like chick magnet and stud muffin. He's worked with an overseas manufacturer, built a website and hired salesman.

"I get a chance to run a business, with employees, with sales with actual money. It started out as an idea but it's a company now,' he said.

Even at 14, Shreyas who reads the Wall Street Journal everyday already has an accomplished career.

He's appeared twice in the National Spelling Bee, he's the president of his class, hosted TED talks and his new business was recognized by Philadelphia's Young Entrepreneur Academy and that got him a meeting with Walmart. CEO Doug McMillon even wore one of Shreyas' ties.

"I pitched to actual investors, they gave me 800 dollars to jump start my business we're register with that state of Pennsylvania we have an EIN number, we are going to have to file taxes this year," said Shreyas.

He says he understands he's just a kid. A kid with big dreams. He's not sure where he want to go to college, but he does know his biggest role model.

"I don't know what I want to do yet but I do know I want to be like my mom," he told FOX 29.

The Novel Ties made a profit after the first two months in business.The next big step for Shrayus' company comes sometime this fall when he has the opportunity to open a pop up shop in a local Sam's Club store.