ISLE OF WIGHT
Shannon Kokot, owner of M.A.M.A.S. Creative Sweets LLC, a family-owned and operated specialty sweets shop in Windsor, is the recipient of the 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The honor, which is given out by the Isle of Wight County Department of Economic Development during Virginia’s Business Appreciation Month, was announced during the county Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Thursday evening.

M.A.M.A.S., which opened in July 2013, creates hand-dipped chocolate cookies, pretzels and fruit and 150 combinations of one-of-a-kind, fresh fruit pies with a trade secret filling. Much of her business is by special order. Kokot creates personalized pies, chocolate trays, mugs and gift boxes for special occasions.

Kokot took a leap of faith when opening this niche business in a small town and exemplifies a true entrepreneurial spirit. Her business has become a vital part of the Windsor community, and Kokot has donated much time, effort and product for civic and charitable events.

“M.A.M.A.S. stands for ‘Making A Moment Always Special,’ and thank you for making a moment special for me,” said Kokot about receiving the Entrepreneur award.

M.A.M.A.S. Creative Sweets was also recently voted “Best Chocolatier” in Eastern Virginia by Virginia Living magazine’s “Best of Virginia 2015” contest. Kokot beat out several larger competitors in Virginia Beach and Williamsburg to win this award.

“That was exciting,” she said on Friday. “Pretty crazy.”

Kokot added that she’ll go to Richmond for the VLM award this summer.

Isle of Wight County Economic Development has been honoring a county business as Entrepreneur of the Year since 2005. Previous winners include The Hughes Agency, Travis’s Auto Repair, Bon Vivant Market, Ringo’s Donuts, The Oaks Veterinary Clinic, Darden’s Country Store and Sesroh Tack Shoppe.

M.A.M.A.S. Creative Sweets is located at 79 E. Windsor Blvd.