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

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