Camp North End bakery named after owners’ daughter gives back to families in need

CAMP NORTH END, CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN) — Small. “Quaint.”

Sweet. “Cute.”

Precious. “Adorable.”

Those words could be used to describe both the cookies and their tiny little storefront in Camp North End.

Cara’s Cookie Company just opened up its shop in Charlotte. But where the magic happens is up the road at their bakery in Concord. It’s where they make and sell… a lot of cookies.

Just how many? Depends on who you ask. “At least 150 a day,” said co-owner Jen Hamilton.

“Tens of thousands. Does that sound like a lot? We’ll just say millions,” smiled co-owner Tom Hamilton.

Tom and Jen started Cara’s Cookie Company in 2019.

“Cara Nicole Hamilton,” said Jen. “Nicole is my middle name.”

They named it after their little girl—Cara. “We just get to be reminded of Cara,” said Tom.

“I think just anything that gives us a reason to talk about her,” said Jen. “Keep her memory alive.”

Cara was born with a terminal brain tumor. Her fifty short days on earth were packed with ups and downs—and so much love. Due to the swelling in her brain, she couldn’t open her eyes- until something happened a few days before she passed.

“Jen was feeding her,” remembered Tom. “Her eyes just slowly raised up almost all the way normal—it was just like it was magic.”

Their business supports their non-profit, Cara’s Purpose. They help families in similar situations with whatever they may need.

“These little babies that are born with a little bit of time—it still means something,” said Jen. “Her life had a purpose.”

Though her time here was short, Cara is part of more lives than just her own. Cara’s cookies are made for moments.

“It’s for birthdays. Weddings. Graduations. Showers, that sort of thing—we’re part of more memories for families,” said Tom.

A year after she passed, Jen and Tom got some happy news.

“In 2020, we tried again and we got twins! Dax and Cooper just turned 5 and started kindergarten,” smiled Tom.

Every day, they are reminded of Cara, who is proof that there’s a purpose for everything and everyone.

“There’s still a purpose no matter how short the time,” said Jen.