Meet Marki Nichols | Custom Cookie Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marki Nichols and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marki, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started doing cookies as a hobby, I never thought I would be able to turn it into a successful business. I thought, there are so many people already doing this, why should I even try. But as I kept practicing and getting to know more people, my confidence grew. I thought, my work and my love for this craft will speak for itself. If I can make just one person happy with the cookies and designs I create, then that is enough for me! So I put together a business plan, came up with a name, designed a logo, and dived right in!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is Cactus Flower Cookie Co. I do custom vanilla sugar cookies for any event you can come up with! I’m so proud of the following I’ve gained in the last year and the risks and challenging designs I’ve taken on. I’ve gotten to where I am today by never giving up and continuing to push on. There have been many times I’ve felt incredibly overwhelmed and wanted to quit, but once I see my customers’ faces light up and get just as excited as I do about their cookies, it makes it all worth it and reminds me why I do what I do. I’ve learned to be confident in my design and to realize that I am my own worst critic and to just relax! Through cookies, I just want to make someone’s day a little brighter and to put a smile on their face.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my friend to downtown Phoenix first, catch a baseball game, or a basketball game. Go to a comedy show at Stand Up Live afterwards. Then for some drinks at Copper Blues or Bitter and Twisted. The next day, we would get brunch at The Boozy at High Street, then head up north to Sedona, see all the beautiful red rocks, go for a hike at West Fork, maybe check out Devils Bridge. Then have lunch at Creekside to enjoy the view. After that, lounge poolside at Talking Stick Resort and get in some gambling before dinner at Maple and Ash in Scottsdale.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friends and family who have been with me since day one! Testing out recipes, letting me make cookies for events and birthdays, and constantly encouraging me and pushing me to make my cookie hobby into a real business!

Instagram: @cactusflowercookieco

Facebook: @cactusflowercookieco