Published 1:36 pm Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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The number of children-owned businesses in Panola County is growing, and young entrepreneurs across the county are stepping up, turning their ideas into businesses and preparing themselves for a well-rounded future. From handmade jewelry and personalized accessories to refreshing fruit drinks, these young business owners are learning valuable lessons in creativity, responsibility, money management and community involvement. Behind each little business is a big dream, a willingness to work hard and a family helping make it possible. Here are a few of Panola County’s amazing young entrepreneurs who are proving that age is no limit when it comes to having an idea and giving it a try.
What started as a way for two brothers to save money for a new gaming system has grown into a refreshing small business with a purpose. DeAndre, 15, and Avery, 11, launched Agua Bros in the summer of 2025, bringing aguas frescas, or fresh fruit waters, to local markets while learning valuable lessons about money, responsibility and entrepreneurship.
The brothers originally spent their time mowing lawns to save for their gaming goal. Looking for something different that would keep them from spending long hours working in the sun, they decided to try their hand at the local farmers market. That decision led to a business that combines their love of creating drinks with a desire to offer customers more options. Agua Bros specializes in fruit-infused aguas frescas, with an emphasis on alternative sweeteners such as monk fruit, honey and agave. The idea took shape after DeAndre noticed customers at the market mentioning that they had to limit their sugar intake. With diabetes common on their father’s side of the family, the brothers began researching ways to make flavorful drinks using different sweeteners.
They discovered that organic agave and monk fruit without erythritol could help them achieve the taste they wanted while offering alternatives to traditional sugar. Although they enjoy experimenting with different options, the brothers admit that regular raw sugar remains their personal favorite.
For DeAndre and Avery, running Agua Bros is about more than earning spending money. It has given them opportunities to meet new people, introduce customers to their products and experience the satisfaction of building something of their own. They have also learned that running a business requires planning and discipline. Money earned cannot all go toward the next thing they want to buy. Some must be saved for future supplies and ingredients to ensure they can continue selling at upcoming markets.
Their business has even provided a few practical lessons along the way. As they prepare their drinks, they are learning to work carefully with kitchen tools, including sharp knives and peelers. One of their proudest experiences came during a potluck event, where the brothers prepared what they thought would be plenty of drinks, only to find themselves needing to restock. The busy event brought plenty of compliments from customers, giving them encouragement and confirmation that people were enjoying their creations.
Their parents also play a supporting role in keeping the young business running. When extracurricular activities make preparation more challenging or time is running short, their mom or dad steps in to help cut fruit. Their mother also helps the boys keep track of their schedule and upcoming commitments.
Looking ahead, DeAndre and Avery hope Agua Bros continues to be something they enjoy doing while bringing drinks that customers enjoy as well. They are focused on growing at a comfortable pace rather than taking on more than they can manage. Their advice to other young people interested in starting a business reflects that same approach: Find something you enjoy, take your time, trust God and allow things to grow naturally.
Agua Bros does not yet have its own social media page. Updates about pop-up appearances and weekly drink offerings are shared through the family’s Rancho el Refugio business Facebook page and the Panola County Fresh Market Facebook group.
At just 10 years old, Lucy Fugler is already learning how to turn creativity into an opportunity through her small business, Lucy’s Designs. For the past two years, Lucy has been creating handmade beaded accessories while saving money for special trips, hobbies and fun field trips as part of her homeschool journey.
Lucy’s Designs features a variety of beaded products, including pens, bookmarks and keychains or bag charms. Each creation gives Lucy an opportunity to express her creativity while making something others can enjoy. What began as a way to earn extra money has grown into something more meaningful. Through her business, Lucy has found a way to share something she loves with others while working toward experiences and memories that matter to her. “My favorite part of running my own business is getting to be creative and come up with new ideas while also learning responsibility, budgeting, and how to manage my own money,” Lucy said. “I love being able to work toward my goals while having fun along the way!”
Like many young entrepreneurs, Lucy is discovering that running a business involves more than making and selling products. She is learning how to budget her earnings, plan for future expenses and make thoughtful decisions about how to use her money.
Her parents play an important role in helping her develop those skills. They assist with budgeting, ordering supplies online and making smart financial choices to keep Lucy’s Designs moving forward.
One of Lucy’s favorite parts of the experience is creating custom orders for customers. Seeing people happy with the items she makes is among her proudest accomplishments. She also enjoys meeting new people, making connections and introducing others to her growing business. Looking toward the future, Lucy hopes to continue expanding Lucy’s Designs while learning new skills and exploring fresh ideas. Her goal is to keep creating products that bring happiness to others while enjoying the process along the way.
At just 6 years old, Sarah Jane is already learning what it takes to run a business, serve customers and make her dreams a reality through Sarah’s Creations, a handmade accessories business she started in March 2025. Sarah’s Creations offers beaded jewelry, bag clips and other creative accessories. What began as a homeschool lesson in basic economics quickly became something Sarah loved doing, and she has continued building her business ever since.
Her favorite part of the process is choosing new beads and charms and dreaming up fresh designs. Custom orders are especially exciting for Sarah, who enjoys working with customers to bring their ideas to life. Through her business, Sarah is learning lessons that reach far beyond crafting. She is discovering the importance of tithing, giving and reinvesting in what she is building. Each week, she puts one-fourth of her earnings back into the local market, shopping with other vendors and supporting the small businesses around her.
One of Sarah’s proudest accomplishments was saving enough money to purchase her own business sign. That purchase marked her first major investment in Sarah’s Creations and gave her a tangible reminder of how far her hard work could take her. She has also earned recognition for her creations, winning Best of Panola County for best jewelry. The achievement is an exciting milestone for a young entrepreneur whose business began with a simple homeschool lesson.
Sarah has big dreams for the future. She hopes to grow Sarah’s Creations enough to hire her friends to help fill orders and eventually see her products sold in a retail store. Her parents have supported her along the way. Her mother drives her to and from events, while her father encourages her efforts and occasionally helps pay for beads and other supplies.
When asked what she would tell another child who wants to start a business, Sarah kept her advice simple and confident: “Start it! If you think it’s a good idea, just do it.”
Customers can learn more about Sarah’s Creations on Facebook by searching for Sarah’s Creations. She also shares her work on Instagram at @sarahscreations_2025 and TikTok at @sarahscreations25.
Supporting tomorrow’s business owners today
These young entrepreneurs are learning lessons that will serve them long after their first sales. They are discovering how to manage money, work with customers, plan for the future and turn their ideas into something tangible. Just as importantly, they are learning the value of supporting their community and building relationships with the people around them. Small businesses do not have to start with big buildings, large investments or years of experience. Sometimes, all it takes is a few beads, a pitcher of fruit water, a creative idea and the courage to get started.
Panola County residents can support these young business owners by stopping by the Panola County Fresh Market on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m., located behind the Panola County Chamber of Commerce. Visitors can meet the young entrepreneurs, shop their creations, enjoy their products and encourage them as they continue growing their businesses. Every purchase, kind word and familiar face at the market helps show these children that their hard work matters. By supporting our littlest business owners today, the community helps nurture the confidence, skills and dreams that may shape Panola County’s business leaders of tomorrow.
