Daily Inspiration: Meet Marcia Reece

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcia Reece.

Hi Marcia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began as an Iowa farm girl with curiosity, resilience, and an unshakable belief that one person really can make a difference. I didn’t set out to become an inventor or entrepreneur—I simply saw problems that needed solving and had the courage to step in. Whether it was launching factories in China when few women dared to do so, or creating products that brought joy or better health into people’s lives, I’ve always been guided by a fierce desire to build things that matter.

In the late ’70’s, I invented sidewalk chalk and my fire was lit. I loved watching children have true joy and creativity when they played with my products. Next was the gel-filled wrist rest which helped so many of us not have carpal tunnel or sore wrists after typing for long times on those thick clunky old keyboards. All in all, I have created more than 100 products and brought them to market.

There have been more than a few bumps along the way—setbacks, naysayers, and closed doors—but each one shaped me. I leaned on my creativity, my faith, and a deep love for the people I serve.

Made in the USA, StayWell® Copper is the latest chapter in that journey—born out of science, inspired by history, and fueled by the urgency to help people stay healthy in simple, natural ways. After nearly dying from a deadly MRSA staph infection, I wanted to use my God-given talent to create useful, practical products to find a way to help people stay free of germs. It’s been the most difficult of all my products as I am as old as dinosaur fossils and dealing with Amazon and ecomm has been a daily struggle for me. But, I’m still giving it my all.

Looking back, I see my path was lit by persistence, passion, and purpose. I didn’t get here alone—I’ve been blessed with mentors, supporters, and divine nudges always coming along just when I needed them most. If my story inspires someone else to start, to try, or to believe in themselves again… then every step has been worth it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth? Not even close. But I wouldn’t trade the bumps for anything.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced was when Amazon suddenly delisted my products—StayWell® Copper—without warning or explanation. Overnight, our main sales channel disappeared. It felt like the rug was pulled out from under everything I had built. I was devastated. I had poured my heart, time, and resources into creating something that truly helps people, and suddenly, it was gone from the world’s largest online marketplace.

But here’s the thing: when you’re doing something you believe in, you don’t give up. You fight smarter. I dug in, built new sales pathways, connected directly with my customers, and rebuilt, step by step. That experience forced me to grow in ways I never expected. It reminded me even in the darkest valleys, there’s a lesson, a hidden strength, and sometimes… an even better door waiting to be opened.

The road’s been anything but smooth, but every setback has been part of the shaping. Each struggle has deepened my purpose. And the support from my community—that’s what keeps me going. Hearing from our healthy, happy customers and reading their fantastic reviews fuels my passion and keeps me going when times are tough.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Creativity has been the thread running through every chapter of my life. From my earliest days, I’ve always been a builder—of ideas, of products, of connections. I’ve had the joy of creating everything from successful businesses to bestselling toys, and now I’m honored to bring something truly meaningful into the world with StayWell® Copper. There is not one single person on this planet who can’t benefit from staying healthy and free from germs and that’s exactly what our products do – we kill 99.97% of germs on the germy things we touch all the time. And our products Last Forever..now that’s irresistible value.

My professional journey has been wonderfully diverse. I started life as a court reporter for the Chief Judge of Iowa and worked in that field for 12 years. But my mind didn’t stop. I was always dreaming and creating in my mind. I moved into product development and manufacturing, opening two factories in Colorado making sidewalk chalk and then demand dictated I open 3 factories in China – first in Shenzhen, then Guangzhou and the last in Xiamen. It was endlessly challenging as western women were as rare as unicorns in Asia at that time.

In 1990, I sold my company to Bandai, the world’s largest toy company at that time. Their CEO was a 64-year-old, 5-foot-tall Japanese man who flat-out refused to speak to me—because I wasn’t the “man of the company.” (Spoiler alert: there wasn’t one.) There I was, 37 years old, 5’8″, and running the entire show… yet invisible to him.

But guess what? He bought the company anyway—because we had a fully developed U.S. distribution system, and that’s exactly what he needed. The rest, as they say, is history. I’ve launched companies, sold companies, and learned something from every single venture—especially the hard ones.

One of my proudest moments was being inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 2020. To be recognized by an industry that brought so much joy and creativity into my life was deeply humbling. I’ve also written six books over the years (one became a #1 best seller)—each one an extension of my passion for storytelling, connection, and helping others.

But I think my proudest work happens at the intersection of innovation and purpose. I don’t just create products to sell; I create them to solve real problems. With StayWell® Copper, I’m blending science and wellness into a beautiful, all natural, drug and chemical-free solution people can use every single day to stay healthy. That kind of work—creative, practical, and driven by heart—is exactly where I thrive.

And at the core of it all? I’m a storyteller. Whether I’m writing, speaking, or designing something new, I want to connect. I want to make life a little better, a little easier, and hopefully a little more inspired for the people I serve.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Yes, I’m always leaning into resources that nourish my mind, spirit, and creativity. One of my all-time favorite books is The Art of Possibility by Rosamund and Benjamin Zander. It taught me to look at challenges not as roadblocks, but as openings for reinvention and growth. That mindset has gotten me through some of the toughest chapters in my life. Another great book is Start. Scale, Exit. Repeat written by Colin C. Campbell. It’s new and chock full of great wisdom.

I also love listening to podcasts featuring visionary entrepreneurs and scientists—How I Built This with Guy Raz is a favorite. It reminds me that success is rarely linear and that grit and grace often go hand in hand.

As for apps, I rely on a few key tools keeping me grounded and inspired. Insight Timer is my go-to for short, calming meditations when life feels overwhelming. I use voice-to-text apps constantly because inspiration doesn’t always strike when I’m at a keyboard—it might come while I’m walking or in the car, and I never want to lose a good thought!

But more than anything, I stay inspired by real people—my mentors, my brilliant circle of friends, and my grandchildren, who keep me curious, hopeful, and always dreaming of what’s next.

Pricing:

• I’m not sure what you are asking here.
• Our StayWell Products range from 29.99 to 42.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.staywellcopper.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staywellproducts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574138693872 StayWell Products is the name on Facebook
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/19175312/admin/dashboard/ Either Marcia Reece or StayWell Copper
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=staywell+copper