About us

At Urban Utility Bags, our mission is simple. With function and quality as our brand anchors, we promise to remain driven to produce unique, useful, fashionable utility products that make your life easier and more enjoyable.

The vision and creativity of founder and CEO Yan Ma (or Mayan, as we call her) got the company to where it is today. She made the very first Ukoala bag as a hobby, combining aesthetics and functionality, and soon discovered an untapped market demand for her unique, hands-free design. Using her civil engineering degree and designer background, she partnered with a small manufacturing company in 2013 and started her own company. As her designer line of bags grew to include vegan products, cosplay bags, and fanny packs, she saw the need for a broader company and formed UUB, LLC.

Behind our sales and marketing efforts is the experience of Dennis, whose resume includes senior sales positions in companies such as Columbia Sportswear, Timberland, and Levi Strauss. He is also the co-founder of a boutique marine footwear company. Dennis helps expand the UUB footprint by building and managing our wholesale distribution pipeline, providing business guidance, and assisting at trade show events. 

 Kim, our warehouse and customer service manager, has been assisting Yan Ma since 2013, and is an integral part of the company’s success. Some of the many tasks that Kim shoulders are inventory management, order fulfilment, repair and return facilitation, responding to customer phone calls and inquiries, and maintaining a portfolio of wholesale clients.

Our volunteer Cindy manages the financial aspect of the business. Retired in 2016 after 47 years in credit and collection, she keeps a watchful eye on all financial transactions. Cindy’s contributions to UUB include budget development, cash flow analysis, corporate policy development, and ensuring operational efficiencies.

Thank you for your support!

UUB TEAM