I am Mayan — creator of the Original Ukoala Bag (pronounced YOU-Koala) and founder of this company. My journey began in pain, grew in resilience, and stands today in triumph.Â
In 2007, I became a full-time caretaker for my husband as he battled cancer. When he passed in 2011, I faced a harsh truth: even with two Civil Engineering degrees earned in China and an Interior Design degree earned in America, doors closed simply because the house and job market were down.Â
So in 2012, I stitched hope into leather and canvas. I designed the first Ukoala Bag — a companion that went everywhere with me. For years, it was my silent confidant through storms. As a civil engineer, I don’t design bags — I architect wearable sanctuaries. The Ukoala Bag is engineered like a Tiny house on your hip: with 4 to 5Load-Balanced Layers that organize chaos, Hidden Curves in the base to distribute weight evenly. Military-Grade Framing where it matters, because your EDC shouldn’t sag like a cheap deck This isn’t fashion math — it’s physics.Â
The path was brutal for 7 years... But I am not beaten! Â
In 2020, I had to found my current company UUB, LLC (Urban Utility Bags) and reclaimed what was mine: the Ukoala Bag. Today, it’s not just a product — it’s my flagship, my warrior, joined by our new Panda and UUB collections.Â
Every stitch, every clasp, every fabric I choose sings to my soul. These bags are my heart’s music. The years of fire forged me — and this brand — into something unbreakable. I am blessed by my team, my friends, and warriors like you who carry our creations into the world.Â
To those who tried to break me: Your shadows only made my light brighter.Â
My English? Not perfect. My vision? Unshakeable. — Mayan (Like the eternal culture)Â
At Urban Utility Bags, our mission to provide true functional and quality products. 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 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(formerly The Ukoala Bag),UUB/The Original Ukoala separates itself from the others in very unique ways. Every aspect of the bags is designed with functionality, fit & comfort in mind and are all hand-produced. From the material of the bags to the solid hardware and hand stitching, the quality of the bag is second to none.
Each bag can transition easily from cross-body, to a backpack or as a hip bag. When worn as a hip bag, which is the most popular way, the engineering aspects of the bag allow the weight to be evenly distributed around the hips/waist area. This provides for a hands-free, weightless feel. Whether traveling, horseback or motorcycle riding, or attending Con shows, the Ukoala /UUB bag is revered by all of its loyal customers.
Ukoala. It’s an experience!
Our sales and marketing efforts are shared by Yan Ma, Kim, and rotating volunteers. These ladies help expand the UUB footprint by building and managing our wholesale distribution pipeline and representing the brand at trade show events.Â
Kim, our 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 volunteers manage the financial aspect of the business, including budget development, cash flow analysis, corporate policy development, assisting with the wholesale pipeline management, and ensuring operational efficiencies.
Thank you for your support!
UUB TEAMÂ