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

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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

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www.marlascookieco.com

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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

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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

CONNECT WITH MADISON

The Bronzed Society

facebook.com/TheBronzedSociety

Instagram @TheBronzedSociety

CONNECT WITH MARLA

Instagram @OneToughCookiePod

www.marlascookieco.com

Instagram @MarlasCookieCo

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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