Creativity just outside the door

For Dathan Kemp, inspiration was right outside his front door. Surrounded by buckets of pinecones in his yard, the 13-year-old homeschool freshman saw more than yard waste — he saw an opportunity to create something special.

That idea became Pinecone Creations, where Dathan handcrafts unique home décor using pinecones, sticks, wood, and other natural materials. Each piece is thoughtfully made, with Dathan collecting, painting, cutting, and assembling the materials into rustic decorations that celebrate the beauty of nature. Depending on the design, each item takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete and is available at prices ranging from $2 to $20.

Beyond creating handmade décor, Dathan values the experience of running his own business. He says the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship at a young age has taught him valuable lessons that many kids don't get the chance to experience. A homeschool student who enjoys science, playing the guitar, and working on cars, Dathan hopes to become an engineer one day.

One of his favorite memories came when customers who purchased his creations asked him to sign them. It was a meaningful moment that reminded him his hard work was making an impact.

After four years with Kids Can, Dathan continues to grow both as a maker and a young entrepreneur. Guided by the quote, "Life has no remote; get up and change it yourself," he embraces every opportunity to learn, create, and turn ordinary things into something extraordinary.