Mar-Lyn Ceramics was founded in 1971 by Martha Hood. After Martha and her daughter, Lynne, had taken a ceramic class, they decided to open a small shop at their home in West Point, Mississippi. As business grew, Martha realized she needed more space. In 1976, they moved to the old Coca-Cola bottling plant at 307 W. Main St. in West Point, MS. Martha's husband, Emmett, came to Mar-Lyn after retiring from USDA.

After completing college Lynne came to work full-time, and Marcie, another daughter works part-time at Mar-Lyn's. Martha and Emmett retired in 2000, and now Lynne's husband David has joined the staff.