Kimberly Roy Opens the Cromwell Country Store

by Sarah Barr

Staff Writer

Kimberly Roy has faith in her abilities, her business and her beliefs.

Just a few months ago, the owner of the Cromwell Country Store held a re-grand opening of her second business located at 322 Main St., an extension of her first venture, the Walk by Faith Doggie Bakery.

Delicious eats tempt your palate at the Cromwell Country Store.

She had moved around the corner for more visibility. Her trust in her gut and the process is paying off.

“We’re a Christian company. We stand by faith. We even have positive pocket stones to give out for free at the register – words like hope, love, forgive, empathy – all those positive words. Known to do that since we opened,” Roy said.

The genesis of her business comes from her dog named Faith. The yellow Labrador re-triever wasn’t doing too well.

“I started this [business] when my son was in high school. This was his dog. Went fishing, did everything together,” Roy recalled.

“We were looking for natural ways to heal her so we started something purposeful. Tur-meric benefits dogs with arthritis. I now make two treats that contain that. Cinnamon and ginger are in other treats,” she said of those heartfelt and humble beginnings.

They lost their dog in 2015 but not their faith. Enclosed with every package is word from scripture, specifically Corinthians 2:57 – “Walk by faith and not by sight.” It sells in 14 gro-cery stores in addition to her place.

Kimberly Roy by her cupboard chock full of treats.

With embracing faith comes embracing the community, the inspiration of her country store, as once again she believes in unseen realities.

“To help people with more than dog treats. For them to shop and have gifts. It always works out great. Every time someone comes in, they get a candle, a card and something for the dog. People need gifts for pet parents,” she said.

Now they can get gifts for human friends and family as well thanks to featured items such as everything from jams to sauces, beer bread mix to honey maple syrup, cards to hand-made jewelry, and mugs to soap.

Most of it is locally made. Some of the best sellers show off hometown pride. The Crom-well theme is a big attraction.

“Dish towels, ornaments, tote bags, candles featuring Cromwell, Connecticut’,” she said. “We’re a small town and people want to get a specific gift. Maybe a family moved away and now here’s something they can remember it by.

“It’s a sense of pride,” Roy added. “A sense of belonging.”

It’s a sense of home from the moment customers walk in. They are greeted by the aro-ma of freshly baked dog treats made on the premises.

“You get the smell of a bakery for the whole family, including pets. We’re more inclusive than just a gift shop,” she said.

Another difference is the personal touch.

“We wait on people. It’s a different atmosphere,” Roy said. “At other shops, people don’t look up [from their phones]. We learn people’s names.”

In her eyes, it is a way to minister to others or to just be a good person to those who walk in faith or simply wander in.

Cromwell-themed items provide a sense of home.

“There’s something about how wonderful every customer is. They’re so unique and so special,” she said of those with both two and four legs.

Roy not only shares conversations with others but donates to the community as well, in-cluding animal control and the food bank.

“Because they don’t get pet stuff,” she said.

The bottom line is this blessed owner of a one-woman bakery – that’s in her email signa-ture line – truly believes that her store is an answer to her prayers. It’s that sense of be-longing.

“It gives me purpose. It’s gives me community and fellowship. And I can give of who I am and I feel like part of the town.” CL

For more information call 860-834-0261 or visit walkbyfaithdoggiebakery.com.