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.

Because the world may celebrate the finish line but character is built long before anyone sees the result.

Topics covered:

• Consistency over motivation

• Building a business through slow seasons

• Confidence through action

• Training when nobody is watching

• The power of keeping promises to yourself

• Becoming before achieving

CONNECT WITH MARLA

Instagram @OneToughCookiePod

www.marlascookieco.com

Instagram @MarlasCookieCo

Facebook.com/MarlasCookieCo

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 support, and messy middle that often goes unseen. But beyond the pastries and coffee, this conversation is really about creating something meaningful: a space where people feel welcomed, seen, and at home.

From taking the leap before feeling fully ready to balancing family, business, and personal growth, Annalee shares an honest and inspiring look at what it means to build a business rooted in heart and community.

Whether you’re a small business owner, dreamer, creative, or someone navigating your own next chapter, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged to keep showing up for what matters most.

CONNECT WITH RISE & SHINE BAKESHOP

Instagram @RiseAndShine.Bakeshop

www.riseandshinebaleshopwa.com

Facebook.com/RiseAndShineBakeshop

Location:

308 W Kennewick Ave

Kennewick, WA

CONNECT WITH MARLA

Instagram @OneToughCookiePod

www.marlascookieco.com

Instagram MarlasCookieCo

Facebook.com/MarlasCookieCo

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 judged. This conversation is about so much more than workouts, it’s about empowerment, resilience, and learning to take up space unapologetically.

Whether you’re deep into your fitness journey or scared to even begin, this episode is a reminder that strength looks different for everyone.

CONNECT WITH HAVEN FITNESS

Instagram @HavenFitnessTC

Www.HavenFitnessTC.com

https://www.facebook.com/share/1E1TL1ChLf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

CONNECT WITH MARLA

Instagram @OneToughCookiePod

www.marlascookieco.com

Instagram MarlasCookieCo

Facebook.com/MarlasCookieCo

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.

We talk about the reality of growing alongside a fast-moving industry, the importance of community over competition, the behind-the-scenes of running a business together, and what it takes to stay grounded while building something meaningful.

This conversation is honest, inspiring, and a reminder that successful businesses are built on connection just as much as creativity.

CONNECT WITH BANDED BY BLOXHAM

Instagram @banded.by.bloxham

facebook.com/banded.by.bloxham

https://banded-by-bloxham.square.site

CONNECT WITH MARLA

Instagram @OneToughCookiePod

www.marlascookieco.com

Instagram @MarlasCookieCo

Facebook.com/MarlasCookieCo

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 challenges, and the heart behind bringing a children’s museum to the Tri-Cities.

We talk about collaboration over competition, the power of community, and what it takes to lead a vision that’s bigger than yourself. This episode is for anyone who’s ever had an idea on their heart and wondered, “Where do I even start?”

✨ In this episode, we cover:

• How the idea for the museum began

• What it takes to build a nonprofit from scratch

• The role of community in bringing big visions to life

• Behind-the-scenes challenges no one talks about

• How you can get involved and support the mission

If you’re local or just love hearing real stories of people building something meaningful, this one’s for you. 💛

CONNECT WITH MARLA

Instagram @OneToughCookiePod

www.marlascookieco.com

Instagram @MarlasCookieCo

Facebook.com/MarlasCookieCo

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 started as a path to provide has grown into something much deeper: a space where confidence is restored, stories are shared, and healing begins.

But her impact doesn’t stop in the salon chair.

Edith is also the heart behind a meaningful community initiative offering free haircuts to those in need, an event rooted in her own life experiences and her desire to give back in a real, tangible way.

This conversation is raw, honest, and incredibly inspiring. It’s about turning pain into purpose, building something from the ground up, and using your story to serve others.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your path, this episode is for you.

✨ In this episode, we talk about:

Overcoming adversity and redefining your story

Navigating life as a teen mom

Building a business with purpose

Confidence, identity, and transformation through beauty

Giving back to your community in meaningful ways

Listen in and be reminded: resilience isn’t about having a perfect story, it’s about choosing to keep going.

CONNECT WITH EDITH

Instagram:

@resiliencebeautystudiollc

@blondingbyedith

CONNECT WITH MARLA

Instagram @OneToughCookiePod

www.marlascookieco.com

Instagram @MarlasCookieCo

Facebook.com/MarlasCookieCo

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, and how confidence is built from the inside out.

It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a reminder that there’s always more beneath the surface.

CONNECT WITH MARI KRANZ

MAKEUP BY MARI KRANZ

Instagram @makeupxmarikranz

Facebook.com/makeupbyxmarikranz

SINCERELY MARI PHOTOGRAPHY

Instagram @sincerelymariphotography

Facebook.com/sincerelymariphotography

CONNECT WITH MARLA

Instagram @OneToughCookiePod

www.marlascookieco.com

Instagram @MarlasCookieCo

Facebook.com/MarlasCookieCo

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 success on your own terms.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered… what if I want something different?

CONNECT WITH MARLA

Instagram @OneToughCookiePod

www.marlascookieco.com

Instagram @MarlasCookieCo

Facebook.com/MarlasCookieCo