Marci Hopkins is an award-winning TV Personality; host and motivational speaker. The creator and host of Wake Up with Marci – which airs on CBS owned WLNY-TV, channel 10/55 at 6 am on Saturdays. Marci is a fearless new voice in television who tackles a wide range of issues on her show, including mental illness; domestic violence; divorce; addiction; trauma; weight loss; sexual abuse; wellness and more.
Over a cup of coffee, Marci has candid conversations with her guests and her mission is simple: She’s committed to inspiring and empowering her audience while spreading hope and happiness. “My guests have gone through incredible hardships, but these are stories about people who have overcome hardships and come out stronger as a result,” says Hopkins. “They’re living proof that it is possible to heal and that difficult situations don’t have to define you…I hope viewers find strength and hope through these stories.” The show is a passion project for Marci, who is three years sober after winning her battle with alcoholism.
When Marci’s not hosting her show, the mother-of-two devotes much of her time to giving back to her community. Recently, she hosted a fundraiser for the SWS Organisation and raised money for children and families in NJ and for the Kumali Organisation in Uganda, Africa. She is co-founder of Dragonfly Productions, which is a full video content studio in Fairfield, NJ and is on the board of the YWCA, dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Thank you for joining us Marci, can you tell us a little bit about your background and your journey so far as a TV Personality; host and motivational speaker?
I have always worked in television. My path started in Houston, Tx at Liberty Sports Communications in Operations for Prime Sports Rocky Mountain. I then moved onto Programming, once Fox and Liberty merged. I moved to Denver as the Program Manager. I decided to move to Corporate for FOX Cable group in LA and became the Director of on Air Promotions for FX Network.
I met my husband, retired and had my first child. We then moved cross country to NJ and I decided to get in front of the camera a few years after my daughter was born. I realised that my schedule would not allow for the last-minute auditions and logistics demanded of me so I took some time off. Having a year off I wanted to get involved in the industry again and give back to my community, so I launched a social media talk show called Coffee with Marci.
The show was doing really well, but I knew I wanted to do more, so I launched Wake Up with Marci, which is all about empowering women.
I now tell stories of hardships and triumph to spread hope to my audience and let them know they are not alone. I also have specialists to educate us on topics from beauty and self-confidence to mental health and chronic illness. It is time to heal, transform and be inspired by Wake Up with Marci.
As the creator and host of Wake Up with Marci, can you tell us what sparked this passion to launch this show?
I myself have been through many hardships; Abandonment, sexual abuse and was raised part of my life by my alcoholic mother. I used alcohol myself to cope with my past until my life started unravelling. I knew I had to make a change and I put down the drink and started my healing journey and turned my life over to God. I know we all have a story and I wanted to share the joy I have found in life since I have faced my demons. That is why I launched Wake Up with Marci; to share hope and prove to others that anything is possible. I am proof of that and so are my guests.
Following your candid conversations with your guests during your show, who has been the most inspirational guest so far and why?
That is so hard to answer. I’ve had so many guests overcoming some incredible life-changing obstacles. I recently had a woman that had brain surgery and was going to lose her hearing. She overcame the odds and manifested her outcome. She believed she would not lose her hearing and it came true. A miracle! She now helps others to do the same. It is just so incredible the capacity we have on the outcome of our lives if we just believe, surrender and do the work. All my guest are a true inspiration in their own way.
Is there anyone that you would particularly love invite on the show?
Oprah! Hands down. She is a mentor to me and my idol. The epitome of my mission.
What was the ultimate deciding factor to keep the show female-centric?
While my show focuses on women, anyone can learn from my guests. I just share on female subjects that others may shy away from. I want to help women going through divorce, reinvention, ageing, menopause, abuse and more.
How you are balancing the work/life strife?
It’s easy; I work when my children are in school and spread it out throughout the day. I put my family first, but running your own business has no hours. You are always on. I have now opened a studio called Dragonfly Productions, with Gerald D’Ambra, Founder and CEO of NJ on Air, which is a digital streaming network. We are a full video servicing studio. I know my workload will increase but I love what I do and I know I am inspiring my children by my ability to do both and continue growing.
Do you currently use any apps or tools to help the functionality of your business practice?
Well, I use NJ on Air, which is a digital app to stream Wake Up with Marci. Foursquare for my website. Instagram and Facebook to do daily Inspiration for my followers and promote my show.
If you could tell your 18-year old self a solid piece of advice, what would it be?
Never give up, turn it over to God, respect and love yourself.
What does #BEYOUROWN mean to you?
Be your own cheerleader! I always looked to others to validate me. I now know I can look inside to find the reassurance I need in this life.
What does 2020 look like for you and how are you planning to grow?
2020 is already looking amazing. I am booking clients at my studio. I just booked Suzanne Sommers on my show and I’ve always looked up to her. She is such an inspiration for women. I also currently air on Saturdays on WLNY-TV at 6a and they are looking to give me a better time slot. I am looking to go national this year on WGN America. I hope to expand on my motivational speaking and start my book, with this I hope to reach more people and spread more hope.
Instagram: @wakeupwithmarci
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarciHopkins1/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
Website: http://www.wakeupwithmarci.com
Image taken by Marta Chodur photography
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