Today we’d like to introduce you to Hana Crosby.
Hi Hana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started baking for the local farm and craft market over 10 years ago. I truly did not consider myself a baker, I had a few good recipes and used the food to draw people to my booth! It started with lemon bars, those sold out, so I added more and more items each week. After many years of selling at local craft events, I started baking professionally out of the community kitchen for local businesses. That quickly grew and in 2019 I quit my “other” job, moved into my current location and officially became Crosby Bakery: a self-employed full-time baker.
At first, the bakery was mostly wholesale, I sold cakes, cookies, bars, scones, muffins and many other items to local businesses such as the Cook County Co-op, coffee shops and restaurants. As times changed and COVID hit I offered pre-order items for customers to purchase directly from me. Wedding cakes and custom cakes have also been a large portion of the bakery business. This summer I am planning on once again selling at local markets and events. I want to get back in touch with my customers and spread the word on our building project!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
COVID was my biggest struggle! I had one summer season under my belt as a full-time baker. I was pregnant with my first child and COVID hit. The business was slow for a while until I started offering pre-order menus for customers. A few local businesses pooled together, we offered pre-order menus each week with a pick-up location. This kept me busier than I had ever been before! I live in an amazingly supportive community.
We’ve been impressed with Crosby Bakery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Crosby Bakery is a wholesale bakery. We sell desserts and treats to local businesses. We also offer pre-order items for customers to purchase directly such as batches of scones, cookies, custom cakes for birthdays, events and weddings. We truly are a whole in the back wall of an old church. Crosby Bakery is known for its bread, from scratch croissants and pastries, and custom cakes. You won’t find any pre-made doughs, frostings or fillings in our bakery! We start with basic ingredients and are proud to produce artisan pastries and cakes.
Beyond our pastries and treats that can be found at local businesses, we create beautiful realistic or rustic birch tree wedding cakes. Getting married on the north shore, with a tiered cake that looks like a birch tree from Crosby Bakery is becoming a classic combination!
Visitors to Grand Marais can pre-order items. You can find Crosby Bakery on Facebook and Instagram. In the summer months, I am often booked out 1-2 months. If you are in the Grand Marais area look for Crosby Bakery items in local businesses. In the next few years, watch out for a new building in Grand Marais. Our new location will be right on Wisconsin Street in downtown Grand Marais. We are so excited for this big jump from wholesale to a walk-in retail bakery.
How do you think about happiness?
Outside of running my business, which I love, downhill skiing is my happy place. I love skiing locally at Lutsen, trekking in my backyard trying to find a place between the brush to do a few turns and heading out west or north for a mountain ski trip. My growing family is of course my favorite thing in this world! I have an amazing supportive husband who loves working hard and skiing and as much as I do. We have a toddler and a baby, another baby on the way!
Contact Info:
- Email: crosbyharvest@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.fb.com/crosbybakerygm
