One Tough Cookie

When nobody is clapping? This episode is a reminder that confidence isn’t built through recognition... it’s built by keeping promises to yourself. The work you do in the quiet moments, the early mornings, and the days nobody notices is what ultimately shapes the person you become. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, stuck, or wondering if your hard work is worth it, this conversation is for you. B...

What does it really take to turn a passion into a place people feel connected to? In this episode of One Tough Cookie, I sit down with Annalee, owner of Rise & Shine Bake Shop, to talk about the journey from baking at home to building one of the Tri-Cities’ most loved gathering spaces. We dive into the real behind-the-scenes of entrepreneurship — the fears, growth, sacrifices, community suppor...

In this episode of One Tough Cookie, I sit down with the owner behind Haven Fitness to talk about building more than just a gym... they’re building a community where women can grow stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally. We dive into confidence through strength training, overcoming gym intimidation, redefining fitness culture, and creating a space where women feel supported instead of judg...

What happens when you introduce something completely new to your community… and then watch an entire industry grow around it? In this episode of One Tough Cookie, I sit down with the owners of Banded By Bloxham to talk about the journey of helping bring permanent jewelry to the Tri-Cities, building a recognizable local brand, and navigating entrepreneurship as partners both in business and in life...

In this episode of One Tough Cookie , we’re diving into what it really looks like to build something from the ground up, before it even exists. I’m sitting down with the president of the board for the Mid-Columbia Children’s Museum to talk about how a simple idea turned into a community-driven movement. From the very first spark to gaining local support, we’re unpacking the momentum, the challenge...

In this powerful episode of One Tough Cookie , Marla sits down with Edith, the owner of Resilience Beauty Studio, to talk about what resilience really looks like, beyond the highlight reel. Edith shares her journey through adversity, including navigating life as a teen mom, facing personal challenges, and finding her way into the beauty industry... not just as a career, but as a calling. What star...

This episode is a little different… because we’re recording it while I’m literally in the makeup chair getting ready for a photoshoot. What started as getting ready turned into a real, honest conversation about confidence, business, and the moments people don’t always see. We talk about what it’s like to sit in someone’s chair during big life moments, what makeup artists witness behind the scenes,...

We hear it all the time: start the business, chase the dream, go all in. But what happens when your path shifts? In this episode of One Tough Cookie , I sit down with a former hairstylist who made the decision to step away from her business and return to a more stable career. We talk about outgrowing what once felt aligned, the pressure to keep going, and what it really looks like to redefine succ...

CONNECT WITH MADISON The Bronzed Society facebook.com/TheBronzedSociety Instagram @TheBronzedSociety CONNECT WITH MARLA Instagram @OneToughCookiePod www.marlascookieco.com Instagram @MarlasCookieCo Facebook.com/MarlasCookieCo

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...

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...

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 compet...

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) b...

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 ce...

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 th...

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...

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...

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, v...

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...

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...

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, an...

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 voi...

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 int...

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 f...