A Craft Artisanal Bakery that opened in 2020 is now closing and while the owner says she is not worried about herself, she is sad she will no longer see and interact with customers.
Naima Craft, who started out baking at home with a cottage license, then had a 150-square-foot stall in Hartford’s Swift Factory, which she occupied starting October 2020 but quickly outgrew, then opened her location in East Granby in December 2021 at 10 East St.
In a social media video, she pleaded with customers, “do not worry about me” in thinking about the closing of the bakery. She said she loved the experience, putting “joy and passion” into her work, meeting people, being silly with kids, and having many regulars.
“I have been very intentional, so this is all good,” she said.
“I am not sad,” Craft said, noting that she would miss her regulars. “I will miss that connection.”
“I don’t want you all to worry about me,” she said.
Customers immediately reacted, and while some are sad the business will close, others said they only wanted what is best for Craft.
“No matter what you do, you always follow your heart and intuition- it will always steer you in the direction you were meant for!! Excited to hear what you have in store next we love you,” one customer posted on social media.
“So proud of you and all you have accomplished,” a customer shared.
Another said, “Enjoy your rest and see you in 2026.”
“Happy for you and your next adventure! The Craft will be missed,” was another post.
“The unknown can bring so many amazing opportunities. I have loved teaching and baking with you over the years from the very beginning phase. I have loved watching you grow.
love you,” another shared.
As is typically the case when food businesses in the state decide to close, customers do lament loss of favorite products.
The Craft Artisanal Bakery, 10 East St. in East Granby, has closed, its owner said. Courtesy The Craft
“Aw bummer! Everything was always delicious! Best of luck!,” one wrote.
“So glad i went last week! Didn’t realize it would be the end but had some great stuff! Good luck in whatever you do next,” said another.
“Going to miss this place!!,” another wrote.
Many fans lamented loss of products, but also their hope for a positive future for Craft.
“So sad! This was my favorite place and had the best coffee. Best of luck to you on your next adventure,” a customer wrote.
“So much time for yoga now!! Good luck with whatever you do next!,” said another.
“We LOVE The Craft! We will miss your wonderful treats!!! Best of luck in the future!!,” a customer shared.
Craft said in her post that she had not yet made future plans but will see “where I am called next.”
“Just know that I am going to be OK.” she said, noting “we can choose” to have an experience and make it a good one.
“The future is bright,” she told customers.
Craft grew up in San Juan, Trinidad. At age 12 her grandmother gave her a hand mixer. She loved it.
“I would make cakes and package them and sell them at my mother’s office by the slice,” Craft has said.
Bakery owner Naima Craft gravitated toward baking because of its precision. She started baking out of her Bloomfield home but moved into a 2,480-square-foot location in East Granby. Winter Caplanson / Courtesy The Craft
She came to the United States to attend University of Hartford. She earned a bachelor’s and then returned to get a doctorate in physical therapy. She graduated in 2010.
Craft also previously was a physical therapist with Hartford HealthCare.