Uma’s Sweets: A Family Legacy Baked Into Every Milk Cake
The story of Uma’s Sweets, one of Ottawa’s beloved destinations for artisanal milk cakes, didn’t begin with a grand business strategy. Instead, it started in a warm family kitchen filled with curiosity, tradition, and the simple joy of sharing desserts.
Long before their signature cakes graced cafés, markets, and private events across the city, the founders were simply baking for the people they loved. They had always enjoyed traditional milk cakes, and one day, their mother, Mariam Mukhtar, began experimenting with her own version.
“We never imagined our little kitchen creations would turn into a business,” the family recalls. “We were just making something we loved and sharing it with people we cared about.”
Batch by batch, Mariam refined her recipe until it became something truly unique, a milk cake with its own identity, flavour profile, and story. As they shared it with friends and relatives, demand grew quickly. People kept coming back, praising not just the taste but the quality and originality.
That’s when the family realized they had created something special, something worth sharing with the community. The decision was made: Uma’s Sweets was born.
Today, they fulfill online orders, cater private events, supply restaurants and cafés, and appear at local markets throughout Ottawa.
A Business Built From Somali Roots and a Grandmother’s Legacy
At the core of Uma’s Sweets is a profound inspiration rooted in heritage and love.
The founders grew up watching their grandmother, Uma Asiyo, spread joy through sweets. Originally from Somalia, Uma believed that desserts tasted better when shared, and she frequently passed them around to friends and family.
“We named the business after our grandmother because she is the soul of our story,” they say. “Her love for sweets reflected her love for people.”
By choosing her name, they honour a woman whose generosity shaped their upbringing and now defines their business.
What Entrepreneurship Means to the Women Behind Uma’s Sweets
For the founders, entrepreneurship is far more than selling a dessert—it’s a way of expressing creativity, autonomy, and identity while building a sustainable business rooted in culture and community.
When offering advice to women starting their own entrepreneurial journey, they emphasize mindset above all:
“Let go of the reasons you think it’ll be too difficult. Once we released our limiting beliefs, everything opened up for us.”
They started without expertise in building business plans, scaling production, or articulating their brand story. These skills were acquired progressively.
“Entrepreneurship gave us the freedom to dream bigger,” they share. “You don’t need to know everything at the beginning. You will figure out each step when the time comes.”
Celebrating Three Sweet Years in Ottawa
This December will mark three years since Uma’s Sweets introduced their milk cakes to Ottawa, a milestone filled with gratitude and growth.
Their motivation comes from a deeply emotional place.
Their grandmother, Uma, was a nurse, a single mother, and an entrepreneur who pursued many business ventures with resilience and heart. Her work ethic remains a guiding light.
“Whenever things get tough, we think of her strength,” they say. “Her spirit carries us.”
Their best-selling flavour, the caramel Biscoff milk cake, continues to attract both loyal and first-time customers. But what draws people in most is the story.
“The authenticity of our story makes people curious,” they explain. “And once they taste the cake, the story becomes something they can feel.”
Money Wisdom for Women Entrepreneurs
When asked, "What important money advice would you give to other women?"
“Define your milestones and success- they will carry you through when there are setbacks and business is slow. Success for us looks like being able to share and support other businesses and community events. It looks like being in a position to truly make an impact in the community around us in any way.”Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Where to Find Uma’s Sweets in Ottawa
You can enjoy their artisanal milk cakes through the following options:
Online orders via Instagram
The Hub Market Café in the ByWard Market
Safia Restaurant
Hadramawt Restaurant
Written by Mushama Pierre, a Communications Specialist and storyteller passionate about empowering communities through authentic narratives. When she’s not working or creating content, you can find her experimenting in the kitchen or capturing life through her camera lens. Connect with her on LinkedIn.