Page 58 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2026

THE
ISSUE
Lukas, Tasha and Lauryn Martin
The creative minds behind L&L Pen Palz, Lauryn and Lukas, are often found at the family kitchen table working on their latest designs. Colorful beads, glittery acrylic pieces, and craft supplies quickly fill the space as the siblings bring their ideas to life.
The Pass Christian students are the young entrepreneurs behind L&L Pen Palz. This handmade craft business started about a year ago with decorative beaded pens and has
since grown to include a variety of custom creations.
Their mom, Tasha Martin, said the idea began during a conversation about things the kids wanted but the family couldn’t always afford.
“As a single mom, I may not always have money to give them to spend as they want,” Martin said. “When I gave them the chance to build something and take ownership of it, it was amazing to watch them learn the value of creating and earning.”
Lauryn, who turns 11 this month, helped motivate
the idea. After suggesting a garage sale, the conversation
quickly shifted to the idea of starting a small business inspired by TikTok videos showing people making decorative beaded pens.
“We ordered a small kit and decided to try it,” Martin said. “Lauryn could make them on her own, and then she taught Lukas.”
Before long, the kitchen table became their creative workspace, 58 | April 2026
story by Cherie Ward photo courtesy of Tasha Martin
and the siblings settled on the name: L&L Pen Palz. Today, these young entrepreneurs create beaded pens, glittery acrylic badge accessories, and other custom items. They sell online, in local shops, and at festivals across the Gulf Coast.
Lauryn enjoys learning the business side of things, from organizing displays to helping calculate sales and taxes. She’s
even started sharing what she’s learned with friends. Lukas, 8, brings creativity and enthusiasm to the
business. He was born with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, a genetic condition that includes
craniosynostosis. Working on the crafts helps him improve his fine motor skills and communication, while also building his confidence. At festivals, customers often take time to encourage him as
he works through counting money or explaining products.
Watching the kids take ownership of the business has been especially meaningful for Martin. “They set up their
booths, talk to customers, and come up with new ideas,” she said. “It’s theirs.”
The next step for L&L Pen Palz is creating a website and eventually expanding to more social media platforms as the kids get older. For now, customers can find their creations and follow their journey on the L&L Pen Palz Facebook page.
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