It’s our honor to introduce you to Marcie Garza, owner of Sweet Occasions Cookie Co. in Katy. Marcie is as kind and giving as she is talented. Her heart for others and for community is unmatched and well, her cookies are not only gorgeous but they’re delicious! Marcie’s cookies have graced many celebrations in our life, as well as our latest Moms Night Out in May. If you were lucky enough to snag one of her signature sugar cookies before they were gobbled up, you get the hype!
We are so excited to give this sweet mama the spotlight today to talk about her booming business, her favorite things about Katy, and of course all things motherhood! See our full interview with her below!
Marcie Garza
Sweet Occasions Cookie Co
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Katy area?
I was born and raised in the small city of Pharr along the southern border of Texas where the days are hot, the aguas frescas are cold, and the community is sweet. After moves for college, a career, a marriage, and work – my family and I finally settled in the Katy area in 2019.
How many kids do you have and how old are they?
We have one little boy who is four and a half years old, sharp as a tack, and sweet as honey.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I am absolutely terrified of heights but I love roller coasters! Just please don’t ask me to get on a ferris wheel. For some reason, that’s where I draw the line.
Favorite local things to do in the Katy area?
This is oddly specific, but I get excited every year for the La Centerra tree lighting celebration. Our son was born in early December, so Christmas time always takes me back to that sweet, slow season.
What is your go-to activity for yourself and for family?
If I have a morning to myself, you will undoubtedly find me at a coffee shop or roaming a farmer’s market. As a family, we love to check out new adventure spots we can all enjoy. We have miniature golf, indoor rock climbing, and Typhoon Texas on the immediate bucket list.
Give us your best mom hack that makes life easier.
Keep a basket of non-perishable snacks in the car. I have avoided countless hangry breakdowns since implementing the snack basket – and I guess my son eats them from time to time, too. Haha!
OK, let’s talk business. Tell us about your SWEET business and what makes it unique!
Sweet Occasions Cookie Co is a home-based decorated sugar cookie business. What I feel sets us apart is the personal relationship I like to develop with my clients in preparation for a set. I also love that my background in nutrition has given me the confidence to develop recipes that taste great and can be modified for dietary restrictions.
When did you officially launch your business and what’s been the biggest blessing in it all?
Sweet Occasions was launched in October of 2020 on such a whim that even my best friend called me to ask if my social media accounts had been hacked. The biggest blessing among the many that this business has given me is the community. Moving to a new town as a new mom only months prior to a lock down, it was really challenging to meet new people and connect. Sweet Occasions felt like a lifeline and gave me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people! 
What’s your back story- what did you do before launching your business?
Before I was your friendly, neighborhood cookie lady, I was a Registered Dietitian working virtually with students and student athletes at a state university.
Do you think it prepared you for being an entrepreneur?
I know it can seem like a huge departure to go from dietetics to cookies, but I am often surprised by the overlap. My dietetics career started as a dietitian for a grocery store, transitioned to a home-based dietitian for Veterans, and then moved to working with university-aged, active students. These roles required creativity, were customer service-oriented, revolved around client’s stories, and frequently required that I work independently. I use these skills daily as a solo entrepreneur in a product-based industry.
Most memorable event you’ve made sweets for?
Sweet Occasions only exists because 5 years ago I decided to make my own sugar cookies for my gender reveal party. Although I have helped in celebrating countless other moments for other people since then, I will always come back to those midnight moments at 5 months pregnant, quietly decorating cookies to celebrate my own baby, dreaming about who they would be and how they would change the world.
But then again, there was that Schitt’s Creek birthday set I did once…
Best advice for mamas wanting to launch into their own business?
First I would say, decide to do it today! If it’s on your heart, it’s for a reason. Then I would say to surround yourself with other business-minded women and mothers. Mompreneurship is a special type of wild, and having people you can connect with, confide in, and rely on who truly understand all the nuances of running a business while being a mother has been absolutely necessary for me. If you’re looking for a place to start, I would highly encourage coming to a Katy Women in Business meetup!
Biggest blessing about being a mama owned business in the Katy area?
Katy shows UP for its people! I have never lived anywhere where mom-owned businesses are as abundant as they are here, and I strongly believe that the reason this is possible is because the community supports us. 
Future plans and hopes for your business?
My hope for Sweet Occasions Cookie Co is that it continues to be a business that earns the trust, love, and respect of the Katy community.
I am actively planning two more Cookies with Benefits initiatives this year. Cookies with Benefits is a program where a portion of proceeds from cookie sales or cookie decorating classes are donated to local non-profit organizations. In the past, we have partnered with Kids Meals Houston, the Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists’ PAWS Grant, Sole Loved, and more!
Before I wrap up today, I want to add a special and heartfelt thank you to the amazing community that I get to serve. It is an absolute pleasure and privilege to make cookies for your celebrations and sweet moments. I am endlessly grateful for your continued support. 