Divs Ray grew up in India, surrounded by the experimental creations of her Mum — a tenacious home cook with a deep love for French desserts and Chinese breads. Her mother’s mantra, “no fixed rules in my kitchen,” remains one of her greatest inspirations.
In 2015, she moved to Chicago to pursue a graduate degree in Public Policy at the University of Chicago. Between stints in finance day jobs, she gradually uncovered what truly brought her joy: cooking and baking.
Breadmaking is Divs’ ideal form of meditation, and a touch of cardamom finds its way into almost all her sweet treats. She’s hopelessly obsessed with the bold flavor combo of tahini, dark soy, and maple syrup. Dumplings, noodles, bubble tea, and cheese of all kinds? Always a yes.
Divs is also a huge fan of all things Korean — from K-pop and K-dramas to K-beauty and K-snacks. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s soaking up cuddles with her fur baby, Mochiko.
Her inspirations include her Mum’s fearless cooking, her husband’s love for every vegetable, her longtime affection for New York City, and the colorful, vegetable-forward world of her favorite chef, Yotam Ottolenghi.
Read more about the Umami from Scratch identity below.
Divs Ray grew up in India, surrounded by the experimental creations of her Mum — a tenacious home cook with a deep love for French desserts and Chinese breads. Her mother’s mantra, “no fixed rules in my kitchen,” remains one of her greatest inspirations.
In 2015, she moved to Chicago to pursue a graduate degree in Public Policy at the University of Chicago. Between stints in finance day jobs, she gradually uncovered what truly brought her joy: cooking and baking.
Breadmaking is Divs’ ideal form of meditation, and a touch of cardamom finds its way into almost all her sweet treats. She’s hopelessly obsessed with the bold flavor combo of tahini, dark soy, and maple syrup. Dumplings, noodles, bubble tea, and cheese of all kinds? Always a yes.
Divs is also a huge fan of all things Korean — from K-pop and K-dramas to K-beauty and K-snacks. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s soaking up cuddles with her fur baby, Mochiko.
Her inspirations include her Mum’s fearless cooking, her husband’s love for every vegetable, her longtime affection for New York City, and the colorful, vegetable-forward world of her favorite chef, Yotam Ottolenghi.
Read more about the Umami from Scratch identity below.
The Symbol
SUBTLE NOD TO A LOTUS FLOWERLEAVES OF A CARDAMOM PLANTWHOLE CLOVE SPICEOur hand-drawn symbol is a core element of the Umami From Scratch visual identity. It draws inspiration from whole spices, the anatomy of a flowering cardamom plant, and the symmetrical motifs found in Indian textiles and Scandinavian design.
Together, these elements form a culturally rooted emblem that reflects Divs’ identity as a woman of color entrepreneur, while honoring the brand’s culinary spirit—centered around the flavors of the spice routes.
The Symbol
Our hand-drawn symbol is a core element of the Umami From Scratch visual identity. It draws inspiration from whole spices, the anatomy of a flowering cardamom plant, and the symmetrical motifs found in Indian textiles and Scandinavian design.
Together, these elements form a culturally rooted emblem that reflects Divs’ identity as a woman of color entrepreneur, while honoring the brand’s culinary spirit—centered around the flavors of the spice routes.
whole clove spicesubtle nod to
a lotus flowerleaves of a
cardamom plantBrand CommitmentUmami From Scratch isn’t just Eastern inspired food. It’s taking flavors from the spice routes to create a masterpiece that’s a mouthful of elements inspired from food all around the world.
We want people to feel intrigued, and for everyone to feel welcome.
Brand CommitmentUmami From Scratch isn’t just Eastern inspired food. It’s taking flavors from the spice routes to create a masterpiece that’s a mouthful of elements inspired from food all around the world.
We want people to feel intrigued, and for everyone to feel welcome.
Color Palette
Our color palette is reflective of our story, whether it’s a spice that’s seen often
in a recipe, or a symbolization of a personal element of Divs’ journey.
Ginger
Gochugaru
Cardamom
Sumac
Saffron
Lavender
Color Palette
Our color palette is reflective of our story, whether it’s a spice that’s seen often in a recipe, or a symbolization of a personal element of Divs’ journey.