A Journey of Love, Resilience, and Holistic Health: The Story of Mark and Rebekah Spencer

Written on 07/18/2024
J. Hancock

 

Meet Mark and Rebekah Spencer, a dynamic couple whose love story, intertwined with their passion for health and community, has created a lasting impact in their hometown of Lapeer, Michigan. Together, they have raised ten children, aged 21 to 33, including eight boys and two daughters, each contributing to their tight-knit family and the larger community.

A Serendipitous Meeting

Mark and Rebekah’s paths crossed in a rather serendipitous way, reflecting their shared commitment to health and wellness. Rebekah, the owner of Rebekah’s Health and Nutrition Source, had been sourcing honey from Spencer’s Apiaries, owned by Mark. For two years, their professional paths intersected without them ever meeting in person. It was during a scheduled delivery to Rebekah’s Lapeer store that she finally ensured they would meet. Their connection was immediate and profound.

Rebekah reminisces about their first encounter, thinking Mark might be married and feeling a pang of envy for his wife. However, as fate would have it, they were both single and destined to be together. Their love story culminated in a beautiful wedding on November 28, 2023, in the Serengeti National Forest, Africa.

A Wedding to Remember

The night before their wedding was magical. Rebekah vividly recalls the sunset behind the trees, the distant roars of lions, and the calls of guinea hens. Birds and insects created a symphony around their camp, with giraffes walking nearby and a rainbow gracing the sky. They captured the enchanting sounds of the African wilderness, a memory that remains one of their most treasured.

Building a Health and Wellness Empire

Rebekah’s journey into holistic health was born out of personal necessity. For over 30 years, she struggled with health issues like bladder and kidney problems, thyroid issues, migraines, and Lyme disease. Conventional medicine offered little relief, leading her to explore natural healing and holistic medicine. Through self-education and experimentation, she discovered the transformative power of treating root causes rather than just symptoms. This approach restored her health, and at 60, she is now medication-free, active, and the healthiest she’s ever been.

In 2007, Rebekah established Rebekah’s Health and Nutrition Source in Lapeer, Michigan. What began as a small, cozy store has grown into the largest supplier of high-quality health products in the area and the third-largest health store chain in Michigan. Their mission is to create effective, therapeutic herbal, vitamin, and nutraceutical supplements that empower people to achieve and maintain optimal health.

Mark, on the other hand, started Spencer’s Apiaries, LLC, in 2012. His desire to work with nature and produce pure, healthy, and enjoyable products has made his business a staple in the community. He mentors, trains, and supports the local beekeeping community, serving as the V.P. of Seven Ponds Bee Club and an instructor at the SEMBA bee school.

Together, Mark and Rebekah have merged their businesses. Spencer’s Honey is now a part of Rebekah’s Health and Nutrition Source, with Mark’s products well-stocked throughout their four stores.

Community Involvement and Volunteer Work

Rebekah’s commitment to her community is unwavering. For 24 years, she has been an integral part of the Lapeer community, actively participating in the Chamber of Commerce for nine years, serving as past president and vice president. She has contributed and worked many volunteer hours to countless local projects that have built up the community, such as the pocket park, Lapeer Days, and fireworks.

The families of Lapeer have always been supportive, fostering a tight-knit community. Rebekah’s children participated in various activities like quiz bowl, robotics, tennis, Boy Scouts, soccer, and basketball, reflecting the community’s strong values and support system.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Navigating the health and wellness industry, especially during the tumultuous times since 2019, has required immense resilience. The onset of the pandemic in early 2020 brought unprecedented challenges. With health concerns at an all-time high, demand for their products surged, but so did operational difficulties. Supply chains were disrupted, and in-store operations faced restrictions.

Rebekah and her team quickly adapted, expanding their online presence and enhancing their e-commerce platform. They implemented contactless delivery and curbside pickup to ensure the safety of their customers and employees. This period of rapid adaptation and growth taught Rebekah invaluable lessons about leadership, adaptability, and resilience.

Today, Rebekah’s Health and Nutrition is stronger than ever, thanks to the unwavering support of their customers and the dedication of their incredible team. The journey of the last few years has reaffirmed Rebekah’s belief in the power of resilience and adaptability, showing that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we can find ways to grow and succeed.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Rebekah’s Health and Nutrition Source approaches its 15th anniversary, the future looks bright. Their dynamic business environment has helped them achieve great success, leading to the launch of three additional locations. The integration of Spencer’s Honey into their stores has added a unique and valuable dimension to their offerings.

Rebekah’s personal healing journey and professional accomplishments continue to inspire others. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of holistic health and the strength found in adversity. Together, Mark and Rebekah Spencer have created a legacy of love, health, and community that will undoubtedly continue to flourish.

Photography by Lasting Memories Photography