Ponoka's Branden Lawrence has found the perfect venture for his creative gifts and entrepreneurial spirit.
And it's essentially come out of several health challenges over the past few years.
"In December of 2019, Branden got very sick with mono," explains his mom Tara Lawrence.
"The neurologist and the rheumatologist told us that often when little kids get mono, it can give them a form of brain damage. That's what happened with Branden."
Over time, his parents started to notice that video games were harming their son, so they wanted to steer him to other activities that would be more helpful to his development and sense of fulfillment.
"Branden was watching a YouTube video one day right around Christmastime this past year, and he came to me and said, 'Mom - this guy makes chess pieces! I want to try it.'"
Tara and her husband Shaun found that by using a lathe, Branden could make all sorts of things, including very uniquely designed pens.
"It takes about 10 minutes to whittle (the wood) down, and then for all of the gluing and putting them together, about another hour," explained Branden, adding that one of the things he likes the very best about creating the pens is working alongside his parents.
He also makes pens using acrylic.
Tara and Shaun, meanwhile, are very proud of their son's accomplishments, and all three are excited about how far he can run with this as well.
Next up, Branden wants to start designing chess pieces.
"Also, little trinket dishes. And come to Christmastime, he's hoping to make Christmas ornaments that he can sell at my table when we go to markets," said Tara, who owns Tarrific Cre-a-Shauns.
"His dream is to eventually make enough money to buy a bigger lathe to make large wooden bowls and bowl sets - cool stuff like that.
"He has now found his little piece of paradise," she said, adding that currently, Branden's earnings largely go back into supporting his craft.
She noted that down the road, he would like to see some of his revenue go to support such initiatives as children's mental health services and programs.
"His long-term goal is also to show other kids that just because they might have an (issue), there are still things out there for them."
Despite his challenges, Tara said her son is an absolute sponge when it comes to acquiring knowledge and information about a range of subjects.
"If it comes to learning, he will take it all in. He will soak in what you are saying, and he can pretty much tell you back, word for word, what he has been told.
"I'm so proud of him," she said, adding that Branden has been through so much with his health struggles these past several years. But the obstacles simply haven't slowed him down.
"He's keen to learn. Most adults haven't been through what this child has been through these past five years. He's very resilient,"
she said, adding that the creation of the pens provides Branden with a superb outlet.
"Your hands are busy, and your brain is busy because you are watching what you are doing - but it's very calming at the same time," she explained of the process, adding that Branden is also crafting key chains these days as well.
Anyone interested in purchasing one of his pens can head to Tara's Facebook page (Tarrific Cre-a-Shauns) and message the family.
Branden has already given his growing venture a name - Buzz and Beyond Wood Turning. It's a nod to a popular character he has always loved, said his mom.
For Tara, seeing her boy find his niche in terms of his amazing creativity has been a joy.
And ultimately, the message for any youngster - or anyone for that matter - is to just never give up, she added.
"He's fought this for five years now, and he just never gives up," she said, reflecting on the past several years and their impact on her young son.
"He has hard days, and days when he just can't get out of bed. But Branden bounces back. For me, that's the beauty (in all of this) - he pushes back, he's resilient, and he is finding his way."
