What started as a wedding favor turned into a million-dollar gourmet cookie business. Kara talks with Vicki Kotris, founder of Cleveland Cookie Dough Company, about turning passion into profit, and why your support system might be your most valuable business asset. They unpack how to grow a small idea into a serious operation, the difference between momentum and burnout, and the surprising sales channels that changed everything. Vicki opens up about the real behind-the-scenes of building a brand, managing a partnership, and why joy matters as much as strategy.

Chapters:

00:00 The cookie that started it all

01:15 From wedding favors to full-time business

03:00 Launching with confidence (and no storefront)

04:20 Building brand recognition through food trucks

06:00 The role of friends and family in early growth

08:10 When to go from farmers markets to wholesale

10:30 Managing growth without losing quality

13:00 The surprising sales channel that unlocked 7 figures

14:45 The decision to expand into a second kitchen

17:00 Working with your partner and staying married

19:15 The invisible labor of female entrepreneurs

21:30 Rest, hustle, and choosing momentum over burnout

24:00 Social media and building a community

26:30 Vicki’s biggest lesson after $1M in sales

28:00 What powerful means now

30:15 Advice for entrepreneurs ready to start

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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