Business Spotlight - Milk Jam Donuts

Handcrafted. Small-batch. Actually worth the hype.

Located right on Commercial Street, Milk Jam Donuts is a must-stop on any downtown Nanaimo wander. Their 24-hour-raised brioche dough is stuffed to the brim with house-made fillings. Think fresh raspberry jam, tart lemon curd, and rich crème pâtissière.

Fluffy, indulgent, and absolutely worth it.

As part of our Nanaimo Business Feature Series, we’re chatting with local businesses to hear their stories, what keeps them here, and how you can support them. 

What inspired you to start your business in Nanaimo?

We kind of came into our business backwards. I was pouring myself into creating something I loved, and it slowly transformed, or grew into something that began to make sense as a business. We were settled in Nanaimo throughout that process, and it only made sense to have it belong here. 

Why did you decide to open your store downtown Nanaimo?

When the idea for turning my practice into a business started to take shape, downtown was the only option. We love the character, the energy, the people, and the wonderfully supportive business community.

Are there any positive specific customer stories or interactions that stand out to you that have taken place over the years?

Almost every day there is at least one interaction that stands out. There is something incredibly special and intimate about making food for people, and observing their enjoyment stirs up emotions that I have never felt by other means. 

What’s one thing in your store that’s a great gift?

A gift card goes a long way! Load up any value to later be used for anything in store—from our delectable donuts and cronuts, to our in-house flavoured milks, and any of our retail items. We carry delicious single-origin coffees from both Drumroaster (based in Cobble Hill) and Fernwood (based in Victoria), which would serve as that special ingredient to any coffee-lover’s ritual. We’ll also have merch items arriving in time for the holidays!

What’s your favourite business downtown?

It’s impossible to pick just one, as downtown is full of such a wonderful and growing collection of small businesses. We do feel a special camaraderie with our building mates—Paisano’s Slice Shop, Rumours Vintage Collective, and Noise Agony Mayhem’s Record & Culture Shop!

What would you say to someone considering starting their own business in Nanaimo?

There are so many hurdles and hoops to jump through: take it one step at a time. Ask for help. The business community is incredibly warm, welcoming, and supportive. As someone who has been through it, I would be more than willing to lend a hand to anyone attempting to do the same, and I’m sure the rest of the business community feels the same way. 

How do you see your business contributing to the community in Nanaimo?

We love to give as many people as possible another reason to visit downtown. Unfortunately, downtown has incurred a bit of a reputation that is, frankly, largely unfounded, and perpetuated by strangers to the area. Downtown is constantly changing and growing, and we want people to come down to experience and enjoy all that downtown has to offer!

What do you love most about being a part of the downtown Nanaimo business community?

Everyone is looking out for one another; everyone is supportive. It feels great to be a part of something like that. I consider many of the business owners in this community my friends.

Sure, it’s about the donuts, but it’s also about the feeling.

The kind that comes from finding your new favourite spot, chatting with the person behind the counter, and realizing downtown Nanaimo is very much alive and well.

So go ahead. Grab the donut. Stay for the community.