Meet Cierra Chamot | Founder of the Cookies N’ Cocoa Event

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

Hi Cierra, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
People will try to tell you that your dreams are too big and that you should pursue something more realistic. If you don’t believe in yourself and your dreams, then they’re right. However, if you truly believe in yourself, and believe in your dreams, then don’t let what other people say stop you from pursuing them. Don’t give up, even in the hard times. Always remember that many times, the biggest achievements and blessings come after the hardest climb.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Cookies N Cocoa was started after losing my best friend in a car accident. She was a school teacher who loved Christmas and loved her students so the Cookies N Cocoa vision is to keep her memory alive through events that share the hope and joy of Christmas. Our goal is to keep these events free so that families of any income level are still able to experience the magic of Christmas. One of our biggest challenges with this is fundraising enough money throughout the year to cover the expenses of the event, that way any donations that do come in during the event can go to other causes, such as scholarships to students in the community.

Building something from the ground up is never easy, and trying to make something good from a tough situation is also difficult because you’re not necessarily in the right headspace. However, when you push forward, find people who support you and your dreams, and never give up, you can build something amazing. This is how the Cookies N’ Cocoa event has become what it is today and will continue to be an annual Christmas event that makes a difference in the community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I believe the best experience of a city is to experience it like a local. When someone from out of state visits, I take them to all of my favorite spots – plus a few of the touristy areas mixed in. The week would include a day trip up to Prescott to see Watson Lake, get coffee from downtown, and go to the Park Plaza Liquor Deli for lunch. In Phoenix I would take them to my favorite country dance places, go to a D-Backs game, watch the sunset at Granada Park, go to church at Christ’s Church of the Valley, get coffee from Cartel Coffee and Press Coffee, and hike up Camelback mountain. I’d give them a look into the places I hangout and the people I spend time with – immerse them in my community – so they’re able to see Arizona as more than a tourist.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be where I am today without my parents, brother, and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Website: cookiesncocoa.org

Instagram: instagram.com/cierrachamot

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cierrachamot/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookiesncocoa

Image Credits
Miranda Kauffman