Rising Stars: Meet Wendi Archambault of Arvada

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendi Archambault.

Hi Wendi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Trailhead Cookies started in 2024 on a chilly October day in Arvada, Colorado. A group of hockey moms—including me—needed a fundraiser for an upcoming tournament. With a borrowed mixer and a little time, we baked cookies and sold out in hours. People weren’t just buying snacks—they were tasting something different: local, real, and full of Colorado spirit.

That was our trailhead moment—the start of a journey we never expected. Since then, we’ve grown from a cottage bakery in my dining room to a brand that pops up at farmers markets, community events, and this Holiday at the FlatIron Crossing Mall. Every cookie is inspired by a Colorado destination, and our mission is simple: create treats families feel good about sharing.

Today, we’re building a loyal following through Facebook, Instagram, and trailheadcookieco.com, and planning big things. What began as a fundraiser has become a brand rooted in adventure, community, and cookies.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road—but every challenge has taught me something. Perfecting recipes took time and a lot of trial and error. Last year, high egg prices were a big surprise and really impacted costs. I’ve been funding Trailhead Cookies through our family savings while working a full-time 9–5 job, which means balancing time and resources has been tough.

The fun part has been figuring out what people love—testing flavors and getting feedback from the community. Connecting with customers at markets and events has been the most rewarding part. I’m passionate about baking, and even with the bumps along the way, I’m thrilled to share that excitement with my community.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love baking cookies—but not the fancy sugar-and-frosting kind. Those bakers have incredible talent! My cookies are more like the ones your grandma made, just bigger and better—real butter, pure vanilla, cane sugar, and absolutely no preservatives. We eat pretty clean at home, and I believe my cookies should live up to those same high standards.

What sets Trailhead Cookies apart is authenticity. Every cookie is inspired by a Colorado destination, and they reflect who I am—fun, adventurous, and real. I’ve worked in the CPG food industry for over 25 years with brands you probably have in your pantry right now. That experience taught me how consumers shop, what trends matter, and how to create products people truly love.

I’m most proud of the impact we’re making in the community. We’ve donated thousands of dollars in cookies and funds to local youth sports and the arts. Our logo was designed by a high school senior at Arvada West, and this holiday season, I’m dedicating a corner of our cookie cart to showcase local youth artists. It’s my way of giving back to the community that has given me so much.

What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, means building something that lasts—a business model that is sustainable, profitable, and rooted in values I can proudly pass down to future generations. It’s not just about selling cookies; it’s about creating a brand that becomes part of people’s lives and traditions.

I look at companies like Mrs. Fields and others who started small and grew into household names, and I think: if they can do it, so can I. For me, success also means staying true to quality, community, and creativity while scaling in a way that feels authentic. Ultimately, success is about leaving a legacy—a business that continues to thrive long after I’m gone, bringing joy to customers and opportunities to those who work with us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.trailheadcookieco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailhead_cookie_co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567149261723
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trailhead-cookie-company/about

Image Credits
Family photo credit: Life In Portraits. All other are Wendi Archambault