One Tough Cookie

Hard seasons in business don’t just challenge our work, they can quietly change how we see ourselves.

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, Marla sits down with Melissa Nissan, owner of TSP Bakeshop, to talk about the internal journey that comes with stepping into ownership and navigating a small, competitive community.

After taking over an existing bakery, Melissa found herself facing challenges that tested her confidence, sense of self, and resilience as a business owner. Rather than focusing on situations or specifics, this conversation centers on the internal experience, the self-doubt, the growth, and the rebuilding of confidence that often happens quietly behind the scenes.

Together, Marla and Melissa explore what it looks like to lead with integrity, protect your confidence when things feel out of your control, and rebuild self-trust after a hard season.

If you’ve ever questioned yourself because of a business challenge, felt discouraged by competition, or wondered how to stay grounded when things feel personal, this episode is for you.

You’re not alone, and this chapter doesn’t define you.

TSP BAKESHOP

Melissa Nissan

www.tspbakeshop.com

Instagram @tspbakeshop

Facebook.com/tspbakeshopwa

HOST

Marla Rogers

Instagram @onetoughcookiepod

www.marlascookieco.com

Hustle culture promises success but what happens when it starts costing you your health, creativity, and joy? In this episode, Marla sits down with Concetta of Layered Cake Artistry for an honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and redefining success as a small business owner. As Concetta celebrates six years of her storefront, she reflects on the lessons learned, the pressure to always do more, and what it looks like to build a business that supports your life, not consumes it. This episode is a reminder that slowing down or pivoting isn’t failing, it’s aligning.

Website:

www.layeredcakeartistry.com

Instagram:

@layeredcakeartistry

Facebook.com/layeredcakeartistry

TikTok:

LayeredCakeArtistry

Host:

Marla Rogers

@OneToughCookiePod

@marlasCookieCo

Fine Lines, Deep Meaning: The Stories That Live in the Chair

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, Marla sits down with Julie of Fine Lines Tattoo by Julie to talk about the connection, meaning, and stories behind fine line tattoos. Julie shares her journey as a self-taught tattoo artist, how creativity becomes a safe space, and what it looks like to build a business rooted in heart, intention, and quiet strength.

Fine Lines Tattoo By Julie

Website:

https://finelinestattoo.glossgenius.com

Instagram:

Finelinestattoo.byjulie

Host: Marla Rogers

@OneToughCookiePod

@MarlasCookieCo

Branding is about so much more than a logo, a color palette, or pretty packaging — it’s about intention, storytelling, and connection.

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, I’m sitting down with Sarra, owner of JoJo’s Freeze Dried Goodies, to talk about what it really means to build a brand with purpose. From creating recognizable products to building multiple brands that each have their own voice and identity, Sarra shares the behind-the-scenes decisions that have helped her connect with customers and build genuine loyalty.

We talk about branding mistakes, lessons learned, staying consistent while evolving, and why authenticity will always matter more than perfection. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your brand, this conversation is full of real-life insight, encouragement, and reminders that your story matters.

If you’re a small business owner, creative, or entrepreneur trying to build something meaningful — this episode is for you.

JoJo’s Freeze Dried Goodies

Website: www.bossfarmsllc.com

TikTok: JoJosFreezeDriedGoodies

FB: JoJo’s Freeze Dried Goodies

IG: @JoJosFreezeDriedGoodies

@jamesnuthousecrazypb

@Lilliepopscandiedfruit

@OneToughCookiePod

Host: Marla Rogers

@marlascookieco

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, Marla sits down with the two moms behind Bagg Books, a mobile bookstore turned community space built around one powerful idea: women deserve rest without guilt. From handpicked romance novels to a converted trailer and an upcoming storefront, they share how they’re redefining self-care, challenging the hustle culture, and giving women permission to escape into a good read. If you’ve been craving a reminder to slow down and choose joy, this conversation is for you.

Instagram

@bagg.books

Website:

www.baggbooks.com

@OneToughCookiePod

Host: Marla Rogers

@MarlasCookieCo

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, Marla sits down with Erin, owner of Earth Spirit Mystical Boutique in downtown Kennewick. From starting in her kitchen as a creative side hustle to building a storefront and community gathering space, Erin shares the intuition, courage, and heart behind growing a business rooted in connection, creativity, and safe spaces.

Instagram

@earthspirit_shop

Facebook

facebook.com/earthspirit_shop

Website

https://www.earthspiritshop.com

Instagram

@OneToughCookiePod

@MarlasCookieCo

 In this special episode, Marla takes you behind the scenes at the Grace Hollow Holiday Market, capturing real, unfiltered conversations with the small business owners who make this season shine. These quick vendor interviews are filled with heart, hustle, and the true spirit of supporting local during the holidays.

Vendor Instagrams

@GraceHollowMarkets

@Soulfullysaid_byMichelle

@banded.by.bloxham

@whimsy_love

@TheFarmHouseFeelsCo

@foxetailsco

@dazzlinglifedesigns

n this episode of One Tough Cookie, Marla sits down with Makaylah — owner of Ven-You, a Tri-Cities event space that has become a thriving hub for celebrations, workshops, pop-ups, and community connection.

When Makaylah took over the business, she didn’t just continue what existed… she reimagined it. With intention, creativity, and a whole lot of grit, she transformed Ven-You into a space that feels welcoming, elevated, and full of possibility.

But her story doesn’t stop there.

Outside of entrepreneurship, Makaylah is also an Ironman athlete — a journey that requires extreme discipline, resilience, and mental toughness. In this episode, she shares how her training mindset shows up in her business, what fuels her on the hard days, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

This conversation is all about taking ownership of your story, stepping boldly into opportunities, and building something that supports everyone around you.

Ven-You

instagram: @venyou.tricities

Website: www.ven-you-space.com

Instragram:

@MarlasCookieCo

@OneToughCookiePod

Balancing Business, Motherhood & Mental Health

with Tri-Cities Realtor Kayla Pratt 

In this heartfelt episode, Marla sits down with Kayla Pratt, Tri-Cities realtor, former Miss Spokane Teen 2003 and Miss Spokane 2006, and mompreneur navigating the beautiful chaos of raising a family while building a thriving career.

Kayla opens up about the real, raw, behind-the-scenes moments that don’t make the highlight reels: mom guilt, mental load, burnout, boundaries, and the constant pressure to “do it all.” Together, Marla and Kayla explore what it means to chase your dreams while also being present for the people who matter most.

This episode is a reminder that motherhood and ambition can coexist but it requires support, self-awareness, and a whole lot of grace. Whether you’re a small business owner, a mom juggling multiple roles, or someone needing reassurance in a heavy season, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Topics We Cover:

    •    The truth about balancing clients, kids, and constant demands

    •    How Kayla prioritizes mental health in a high-pressure industry

    •    Realistic routines and boundaries that help keep life afloat

    •    Letting go of perfection and embracing growth

    •    Why guilt and grace often show up together

    •    Encouragement for moms building something of their own

Instagram: @tricitiesrealestate_kaylapratt 

@marlascookieco

@OneToughCookiePod

Every small business has its quiet seasons; those slower months that test your patience, your confidence, and your passion. In this episode, Marla sits down with the owner of What’s The Scoop?, a beloved local ice cream shop known for their bold weekend-only hours and wildly creative flavors, to talk about the reality of running a business when things aren’t busy.

Together, they dive into what the “slow season” looks like for a small, community-driven shop and how to stay motivated when foot traffic slows down and doubt starts to creep in. From navigating burnout to using downtime for creativity and flavor innovation, this conversation is full of honesty, inspiration, and the reminder that growth doesn’t only happen during your busiest times.

In This Episode, We Cover:

    •    The origin story of What’s The Scoop?

    •    Why they operate during unique weekend-only hours

    •    What a “quiet season” really looks like behind the scenes

    •    How to stay motivated when sales dip

    •    The creative process behind their wild and unexpected flavors

    •    Lessons learned from burnout, doubt, and slowing down

    •    How community support keeps them moving forward

    •    Why slow seasons can actually be the sweetest seasons

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

It’s real. It’s honest. It’s exactly what small business owners need to hear when they’re feeling discouraged or thinking no one else understands the ups and downs. This episode is your reminder that slower seasons are not setbacks, they’re part of the journey.

Connect With What’s The Scoop:

Instagram @whatsthescoop

facebook.com/whatsthescoopwa

TikTok @poutine.scoops.wa

Connect With One Tough Cookie:

Instagram:

@onetoughcookiepod

@marlascookieco

New episodes every week 🎙🍪