Not everyone has good intentions — be cautious.
Many successful people reinvented themselves in a later period in their lives. Jeff Bezos worked on Wall Street before he reinvented himself and started Amazon. Sara Blakely sold office supplies before she started Spanx. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was a WWE wrestler before he became a successful actor and filmmaker. Arnold Schwarzenegger went from a bodybuilder, to an actor to a Governor. McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc was a milkshake-device salesman before starting the McDonalds franchise in his 50s.
How does one reinvent themselves? What hurdles have to be overcome to take life in a new direction? How do you overcome those challenges? How do you ignore the naysayers? How do you push through the paralyzing fear?
In this series called “Second Chapters; How I Reinvented Myself In The Second Chapter Of My Life “ we are interviewing successful people who reinvented themselves in a second chapter in life, to share their story and help empower others.
As a part of this interview series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Maria Watson.
Maria Watson, founder of YouChews, and a testament to the idea that entrepreneurial spirit knows no age limits. Following personal tragedy and an inspiring career turnaround, Maria, at 69 years of age, has launched an innovative nutritional supplement company that’s redefining how we think about and consume caffeine. Chewable supplements are rapidly emerging as a leading trend in the industry, offering convenience, better absorption, and enhanced flavor, and Maria is at the forefront of this movement. Maria’s journey into wellness began in 1991, and she quickly ascended to top ranks in the industry. Her integrity and passion for quality led her to establish MSI Labs, followed by roles at major wellness firms, and finally to the founding of YouChews in 2024. Her latest venture encapsulates her vast experience and dedication to promoting a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. Maria’s latest venture, YouChews, embodies her decades of expertise and passion for wellness, all driven by her belief in living a long, vibrant life. Guided by the motto, “You’re never too old when you have natural energy.” Its flagship product, the Coffee Chew, combines premium Kona coffee beans, rich cacao, and Guarana for a balanced, sustained energy boost without the highs and lows of traditional caffeinated drinks. This innovative approach not only offers the mental clarity equivalent to an 8oz cup of coffee with just 2g of sugar but does so in a chewable form that enhances absorption. Maria’s vision extends beyond Coffee Chew; pioneering a line of chewable supplements aimed at supporting brain, gut, and heart health, poised to transform the market.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Igrew up in a family of high achievers, so ambition was instilled in me early on. I started first grade at four and graduated high school at 16, dreaming of a career as a professional dancer. However, due to concerns about my choice of career, my father was unwilling to support my college education if I pursued dance, so I decided to take a different path. I started working as a waitress and quickly advanced to management, driven by my desire to excel in everything I did. This determination has followed me throughout my life and career, leading me to eventually start my own company, YouChews, at 69.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote” and how it’s been relevant to you?
“People don’t know what they don’t know.”
When I began formulating supplements, I quickly realized that many clients had unrealistic expectations about what could be achieved. This inspired me to start formulating for myself. It was important to me to create products that actually worked, which ultimately led to the founding of YouChews — a company focused on delivering innovative, effective, and convenient nutritional solutions.
What are the top three qualities that helped you achieve success?
- Passion: I wake up every day excited to see what lies ahead. I’m driven by a deep passion for wellness and helping people live vibrant, healthy lives.
- Purpose: After the devastating loss of my son in 1987, I found healing through amino acids. That experience gave me a clear sense of purpose — to help others overcome challenges and improve their lives. This purpose continues to drive everything I do with YouChews.
- Drive: My faith and belief in my purpose fuel my determination to succeed. I truly believe that nothing happens by accident and that I’m meant to be on this path, helping others lead healthier lives through innovative supplements like our Coffee Chew.
Can you tell us about your career experience before your Second Chapter?
Before YouChews, I built a successful career in wellness, rising to the top ranks in the industry. My commitment to quality and integrity led me to found MSI Labs, where I learned the intricacies of supplement formulation. After working with major wellness companies, I felt it was time to create something of my own. That’s when I founded YouChews in 2024, combining my decades of expertise to offer a product that meets modern consumer needs — convenience, effectiveness, and great taste.
How did you reinvent yourself in your Second Chapter?
After losing my son, I found the strength to reinvent myself through faith and a deep sense of purpose. With no formal training, I relied on my passion and intuition to navigate the business world. Starting YouChews was a leap of faith, but I felt confident that I was on the right path. I knew that the skills I had developed over the years in wellness were aligned perfectly with this new venture.
What was the trigger that made you decide to make a huge transition?
There wasn’t a single event, but rather a gradual realization that my faith and experience had prepared me for this transition. Founding YouChews felt like a natural progression of my career and personal journey — a culmination of everything I had learned and believed in.
How did you discover new skills within yourself, and how did you overcome barriers?
I believe that when you pursue your passion, new skills naturally emerge. My love for wellness has driven me to continuously innovate. Seeing the rise of “pill fatigue” and recognizing the need for a more convenient option, I developed chewable supplements like the Coffee Chew. It’s all about adapting to the changing needs of consumers while staying true to my mission of helping people live healthier lives.
How are things going with this new initiative?
The response to YouChews has been incredible. People are excited about the convenience and effectiveness of our chewable supplements, especially the Coffee Chew, which offers a quick, sustained energy boost. The feedback and connections I’ve made along this journey have been a blessing, and I’m thrilled to continue expanding the product line to address other health concerns like brain, gut, and heart health.
Who has been instrumental in your success?
My son and my mother. My son gave me the purpose and passion to keep going, even through difficult times, while my mother instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything. Their influence has been central to my journey.
Have you ever struggled with self-belief? How did you overcome it?
After selling our vitamin company, I went into consulting, formulating for other businesses. I struggled with self-doubt when an opportunity arose to start my own manufacturing company. I would pray each week about how I was going to make payroll, and eventually, I had to sell my assets. That experience felt like a failure, but it ultimately reinforced my resilience and taught me to never give up — an essential lesson that continues to guide me today.
How did you create your support system before moving into your new chapter?
Everything I needed seemed to fall into place — first, I met the chew manufacturing team, then the PR firm, and the collaboration began. It felt as though everything was aligned, reinforcing my belief that I was on the right path.
What are “5 things I wish someone told me before I started”?
- Don’t let excitement cloud your judgment.
- Not everyone has good intentions — be cautious.
- Take your time making decisions — sleep on it.
- Never lose faith, even when things get tough.
- If something’s not meant to be, move on gracefully.
If you could inspire a movement, what would it be?
I’d love to inspire a movement centered around the idea that maintaining health doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple practices like intermittent fasting can reverse many diseases. Quality of life should be our ultimate goal, and I want to show people how achievable that is.
Who would you love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?
Robert Kennedy Jr. He’s a true health advocate who understands the bigger picture when it comes to wellness. I admire his commitment and would love to discuss our shared passion for health.
How can readers follow your work online?
Visit us at YouChews.com to stay updated on our latest products and initiatives.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
