My name is Krista Woods, and I am the founder of GloveStix, a company born out of necessity, frustration, and a determination to solve a smelly problem. Like many entrepreneurial stories, mine began with a personal experience that led to an innovative solution.

As a mother of three active children, sports were a significant part of our lives. From football to lacrosse, my kids were always on the go, and so was their gear—especially their gloves and cleats. However, with intense practices and games came a less glamorous reality: the unbearable stench of sports equipment. If you’ve ever been around an athlete’s gear bag, you know the kind of odor I’m talking about—strong, persistent, and seemingly impossible to eliminate. The smell took over our car, our house, and everything in between.

I tried everything on the market—sprays, deodorizers, and home remedies—but nothing worked effectively and most came with so many chemical additives. The odor always returned, and I knew I wasn’t the only parent struggling with this issue. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and develop a real solution.

GloveStix was born out of this need. I set out to create a product that would not just mask the odor but eliminate the bacteria that caused it in the first place. Through extensive research, trial and error, and a lot of determination, I developed a simple yet effective solution: a set of antimicrobial Stix and inserts that absorb moisture, neutralize odors, and inhibit bacteria growth inside sports gloves, cleats, and all the other gear. Unlike chemical sprays that only offer temporary relief, GloveStix worked continuously, making gear fresher and safer to use.

Launching GloveStix wasn’t easy. As a mom with no background in business or product development, I had to learn everything from scratch—manufacturing, marketing, and sales. I faced skepticism, self-doubt, and financial challenges, but I believed in my product and its ability to help families like mine.

Over the years I have been fortunate to win many awards and appear on National Television several times.  One of the turning points in my journey was appearing on Shark Tank. It was an incredible experience that validated my hard work and exposed my product to an even bigger international audience. The response was overwhelming, and it fueled my passion even more. Winning multiple awards, gaining national recognition, and hearing from happy customers who finally found relief from the stink reaffirmed that I was on the right path.

Beyond business success, what drives me the most is helping people—whether it’s fellow parents, athletes, or anyone struggling with smelly gear. GloveStix is more than a product; it’s a solution that makes life a little fresher and easier.

Looking back, I never imagined that a smelly sports bag would lead to this incredible journey. But I’m grateful for every challenge and every lesson because they led me to create something meaningful. If my story can inspire others to take their frustrations and turn them into innovations, then I’ve achieved more than I ever set out to do.

GloveStix started as a necessity in 2015, but it has become my passion. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that sometimes the biggest problems lead to the best solutions—you just have to be willing to take the first step.