One Tough Cookie

What 9 Years in Business Has Actually Taught Me

This week’s episode is a little different… it’s just me.

After almost 9 years of running my cookie business, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing what this journey has actually looked like—beyond the pretty cookies and curated posts.

In this episode, I’m talking about:

✨ 3 things I’d absolutely do again

⚠️ 3 things I’d do very differently

💥 The biggest misconception about running a cookie business

👀 What people don’t see behind the scenes

If you’re in the messy middle of building something—this one is for you.

You’re not behind. You’re building.

CONNECT WITH MARLA

Instagram @OneToughCookiePod

www.marlascookieco.com

Instagram @MarlasCookieCo

Facebook.com/MarlasCookieCo

You asked, I answered.

In this episode, I’m sharing the real behind-the-scenes of life, business, and motherhood, what’s working, what’s hard, and what I’m learning in this season.

From routines and running a business to raising kids and showing up when it’s not perfect… this is the unfiltered version.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re just figuring it out as you go...same.

Parenting is beautiful but it can also feel isolating, especially when you’re trying to figure out what to do with your kids or how to connect with other families in your community.

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, Marla sits down with Whitney, the founder of Tri-Cities Toddler, a platform designed to make life easier for parents, caregivers, and families in the Tri-Cities.

What started as a simple idea has grown into a powerful local resource connecting families with kid-friendly activities, community events, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations throughout the area.

Whitney shares the story behind why she created Tri-Cities Toddler, the impact it’s having on local families, and how building community can make parenting feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more connected.

Whether you’re a parent looking for things to do with your kids or someone who believes in the power of supporting local communities, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and practical ideas.

CONNECT WITH WHITNEY

TRI-CITIES TODDLER

www.tricitiestoddler.com

facebook.com/tricitiestoddler

Instagram @tricitiestoddler

TikTok @tricitiestoddler

CONNECT WITH MARLA

Instagram @OneToughCookiePod

www.marlascookieco.com

Instagram @MarlasCookieCo

Facebook.com/MarlasCookieCo

What happens when building a business becomes part of your healing journey?

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, Marla sits down with Shannon, founder of Atomic Alchemy, a community-centered space rooted in everyday magic, self-trust, and personal growth.

Shannon is also known locally for creating markets and events that bring small businesses together, embodying the idea of community over competition. But behind the scenes, her journey has been about more than entrepreneurship.

It’s been about healing.

Together, Marla and Shannon talk about what it looks like to grow a business while also growing as a person — navigating motherhood, self-discovery, doubt, and the courage it takes to bet on yourself.

This conversation is honest, reflective, and deeply human, a reminder that you don’t have to be fully healed to begin building something meaningful.

Because sometimes the business you create… is also the thing that helps shape who you become.

✨ If you’re in a season of building, healing, or becoming, this episode is for you.

CONNECT WITH SHANNON

Atomic Alchemy

www.atomicalchemyllc.com

IG: @atomicalchemyllc

facebook.com/atomicalchemyllc

CONNECT WITH MARLA

IG: @OneToughCookiePod

Marla's Cookie Co

www.marlascookieco.com

IG: @marlascookieco

facebook.com/marlascookieco

What does it take to stay in business for 15 years in today’s retail world?

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, I’m sitting down with the heart behind Pipsqueaks Boutique — a children’s boutique rooted in handmade goods, thoughtful curation, and deep community connection.

We talk about what it really means to support local makers in a world of fast fashion, how relationships (not transactions) build longevity, and the power of creating a space where families feel known and welcomed.

Fifteen years doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through consistency, trust, and choosing heart over hustle — again and again.

If you’re a small business owner, a maker, or someone who believes community still matters, this conversation will remind you why supporting local makes such a difference.

Pipsqueaks Boutique

www.pipsqueaks.org

Instagram: @pipsqueaksTC

Facebook.com/PipsqueaksBoutique

What does it really mean to be seen?

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, I’m sitting down with Jamie, the photographer behind JK Photography here in the Tri-Cities, to talk about the woman behind the camera.

We go beyond the lens and into her story — how she turned creativity into a calling, what it looked like to build her business from the ground up, and why helping women feel confident and celebrated in front of the camera is at the heart of everything she does.

Jamie shares what the early days of entrepreneurship looked like, how community has shaped her journey, and the powerful role photography plays in helping people step into their next chapter.

Whether you’re a creative, a small business owner, or someone learning to show up more fully as yourself — this conversation will remind you that your story matters.

Connect with JK Photography in the show notes and follow along with her work.

Jamie Kincaid

 www.jkphotoswa.com

Facebook & Instagra

@jkphotoswa

Host: Marla Rogers

www.marlascookieco.com

@OneToughCookiePod

@MarlasCookieCo

In today’s episode of One Tough Cookie, I’m joined by a very special guest and my favorite human, my husband, Keithan, for a casual, real-life conversation as we step into a new season as a family.

This year will look a little different behind the scenes, and instead of overexplaining, we wanted to share a simple check-in about partnership, navigating change with intention, and staying grounded through it all.

It’s an honest, lighthearted episode filled with steady perspective, a little humor, and a reminder that seasons can shift without everything falling apart.

Thanks for being here with us.

In this sweet and inspiring episode of One Tough Cookie, Marla sits down with the owner of How Sweet It Is, a specialty candy shop in the Tri-Cities that’s bringing nostalgia, joy, and community connection to life—one treat at a time.

What started as a simple love for candy and childhood memories turned into a bold business leap during uncertain times. Together, we talk about the real behind-the-scenes journey of building a brick-and-mortar shop, the challenges and growth that come with entrepreneurship, and the powerful impact of creating a space centered around happiness and connection.

From curating unique candies to hosting community events and giving back locally, this episode is a reminder that some of the best businesses are built from heart, creativity, and a little everyday magic.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a dreamer with an idea, or someone who believes joy is worth building—this conversation is for you.

🍭 Follow How Sweet It Is: @howsweettc

Www.howsweettc.com

🍪 Follow Marla & One Tough Cookie: 

@marlascookieco

@OneToughCookiePod

Www.marlascookieco.com

Behind every seamless event is a business owner quietly managing timelines, vendors, emotions, and last-minute surprises — so clients can actually enjoy their day.

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, I’m joined by Bliss Events, a local wedding and event planning business, to talk about why hiring an event planner truly changes everything. From the unseen problem-solving that happens behind the scenes to the emotional weight planners carry on some of life’s biggest days, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make events look effortless.

Whether you’re planning a wedding or event, or you’re a small business owner who understands the value of systems, trust, and experience — this episode will give you a whole new appreciation for the calm behind the chaos.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Why event planners matter more than people realize

• What really happens behind the scenes on event day

• The business side of creating unforgettable experiences

Bliss Events

IG: bliss.events.wa

Facebook.com/blisseventstc

Www.blisseventstc.com

Host:

Marla Rogers

IG: MarlasCookieCo

Podcast IG: onetoughcookiepod

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, I sit down with Sarah Hermann, owner of A Bit of Happiness Farm.

What started during Covid as a simple backyard idea, inviting families to come feed a few animals, quickly grew into something much bigger. Sarah shares how that small spark turned into a full family farm experience, expanding to new land and becoming a place for birthday parties, field trips, volunteer opportunities and meaningful community connection.

This conversation is about building something with heart, growing alongside your family, and creating joy in a season when people needed it most. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most impactful businesses start small and grow exactly the way they’re meant to.

Facebook.com/abitofhappiness

IG: @abitofhappinessfarm

TikTok: abitofhappinessfarm 

Website: www.abitofhappinessfarm.com

Host: Marla Rogers

@OneToughCookiePod

@MarlasCookieCo

www.marlascookieco.com