GASPEREAU VALLEY - Lisa Boehme’s lifelong love of donuts started with weekly trips to the laundromat in 1966.
Only a child at the time, Boehme fondly remembers riding her bike to the laundromat with her mother and little brother every Saturday. As luck would have it, the laundromat happened to be located next to the local donut shop. Boehme’s affinity for chocolate rainbow sprinkle party donuts has been unwavering ever since.
Fast forward to 2015, and Binky’s Donuts is born.
“My grandmother named me that when I was a little girl,” explains Boehme, noting that the aptly named Binky donut is drizzled in chocolate glaze and covered with party sprinkles.
“I’ve always loved making donuts. I’ve always loved donuts.”
Boehme balances running Binky’s Donuts with her job as a wedding and event co-ordinator at Tangled Garden.
“I just love making donuts and I really like that it makes people happy,” she said.
“It always makes people smile.”
Binky’s is known for offering a wide variety of handmade donuts crafted using natural ingredients that are purchased locally.
The donuts are named after friends, relatives and beloved pets. The Audrey, featuring Annapolis Valley Cider glaze, is among the popular picks, along with the Binky and chai vanilla combo named after one of her first customers – Terry.
“I have a really solid clientele,” she said, noting that she was making up to 700 donuts per weekend for the Seaport Market in Halifax last year.
“People know about Binky’s.”
There are several traditional options to choose from and some creations designed with adventurous types in mind, including the Santiago with chocolate chili pepper glaze cumin and sea salt and Marlene cake donuts with liver mousse pate and caramelized onions.
“I call myself a donutologist,” she said with a laugh.
“I do make some pretty wild donuts.”
Binky’s Donuts is not Boehme’s first attempt at running a business. She’s spent most of her working life as an entrepreneur.
“It’s not unusual for me to start a business, it’s just that this particular one I really like,” she said, stressing that this opportunity arose from her pursuing a lifelong passion.
“I really encourage people to… go for it.”
Binky’s Donuts are regularly sold at Stirling’s Farm Market, with delivering taking place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
To learn more about customer orders, events and other market locations, e-mail [email protected], phone 902-599-1108 or visit the Binky’s Donuts Facebook page.
