Today we’d like to introduce you to Iyanna Chalk.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Baking has always been a part of my family — it started with my great-grandmother, whose recipes and love for sweets were passed down through generations. When I was diagnosed with MRKH at 16, baking became more than just a family tradition — it became my way of expressing myself. It gave me comfort, creativity, and confidence at a time when I felt lost. Every treat I make now carries that same love and resilience. Through Umie Sweets, I pour my heart into every cookie, cupcake, and slice of cake — sharing a piece of my story and reminding others that sweetness can come from even the hardest moments.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it. I’ve been blessed with a lot of love and support from the people around me who truly believed in my dream — and that encouragement kept me going. The passion was always there, but medical challenges and limited funding made the journey a bit tougher at times. Still, every obstacle pushed me to grow stronger and more creative. Those moments taught me resilience, patience, and just how far determination — and a good batch of sweets — can take you.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the owner and baker behind Umie Sweets, a small business that grew from my love for baking and the joy it brings to others. I specialize in custom cookies, cupcakes, and cakes — each one made with love, care, and a personal touch. Baking isn’t just something I do; it’s a piece of who I am.
What makes Umie Sweets special is the heart behind every treat. I pour my emotions, creativity, and gratitude into everything I bake. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come — from baking in my home kitchen to creating sweets that make people smile and feel loved. What sets me apart is that every dessert I make carries meaning — it’s more than sugar and flour; it’s my story, my healing, and my way of spreading warmth to others.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality that’s been most important to my success is heart — the love, patience, and care I put into everything I do. Baking isn’t just about making something look or taste good; it’s about creating moments that make people feel special. My passion and resilience have carried me through challenges, but it’s my heart that keeps me connected to why I started — to spread love, comfort, and sweetness through my work.
