A Mother’s Day Story You Made Possible

To celebrate this Mother’s Day, we’re sharing some exciting news: We’re expanding our shop as a mother-daughter duo!

Here’s a message from our founder Mayan’s daughter, Nikita:

This company has been a grassroots small business from the very beginning. After my stepdad passed, my mom was driven to start this business to put food on our table. Despite being an immigrant with degrees in civil engineering and interior design, the recession left her with few work opportunities. So, she turned to her love for travel and design—and that’s how the first rendition of our patented convertible bag was born.

Inspired by the functionality of a tiny home, my mom created a bag designed to distribute weight efficiently throughout the body. A smart, compact solution for everyday life and on-the-go adventures.

I still remember the day we sat down together to brainstorm the name Ukoala Bags—I was in middle school. Inspired by the organic shape and posture of koala bears, my mom wanted to create travel bags that hugged you like a koala hugs a tree. I drew our first logo—a little koala—and wrote “Ukoala” next to it on a whiteboard.

Soon after, I watched my mom travel across the country to vend at trade shows, meeting customers face-to-face. Over the years, the designs have evolved, but the mission remains the same: to build portable tiny homes you can wear—functional, beautiful bags that make life easier.

Maybe that’s where you met my mom—at a trade show, where she’s still out there doing what she does best. Maybe you were inspired, like so many others, by the sparkle in her eye when she talks about her designs. Now that I’m older, I understand how much she’s accomplished and sacrificed to bring this dream to life.

I’ve seen people fall in love with these bags. I’ve watched them gasp at how weightless the bag feels when it’s strapped in. And I’ve witnessed how this brand has grown beyond a product—it’s become a symbol of our American dream.

Over the past 13 years, my mom and this company have weathered many ups and downs. From dishonest business partners to unreliable marketing agencies, we’ve had to learn to do almost everything ourselves. When we had to start over in 2020 and became UUB LLC, my mom was scared—unsure if she could keep going.

But that’s when you stepped in.

Your support helped keep our dream alive. It put me through college. It gave us strength. And it taught me the skills I needed to return to the brand that raised me.

Now, as a mother-daughter team, we’re stepping into the next chapter of Urban Utility Bags. We’re bringing fresh creativity, lived experience, and a whole lot of heart. We’re proud to remain a small, family-owned business making high-quality, handmade travel bags designed to go everywhere with you—just like a koala’s hug.

Each of our convertible bags is made with care and intention. Whether you’re looking for a waist bag for travel, a hands-free utility bag for everyday adventures, or a secure and stylish pack for hiking, festivals, or even self-defense, we design gear that moves with you.

In an age of fast fashion and mass production, we believe in slow, thoughtful design. We prioritize sustainability, durability, and comfort. Our customers aren’t just shoppers—they’re fellow explorers, creatives, and storytellers. You’re the heart of this brand.

As we grow, we’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes stories, new product drops, and limited-edition collections inspired by our journey as women, creators, and business partners.

Thank you for supporting our woman-owned business, for cheering us on, and for carrying a little piece of our story wherever you go. We can’t wait to keep building this dream with you.

With love,
Mayan & Nikita
UUB LLC 🐨✨