From Coping Mechanism to Passion
Starting a business is never easy—especially for newcomers adjusting to life in a new country. For Omar Gaber, the 21-year-old founder of Chewy Puff Cookies, this journey began in the kitchen, armed with a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a dream.
Omar’s story starts in Yemen, with his upbringing in Saudi Arabia. He arrived in Canada in 2022, eager to build a future but unsure of the path to take. Like many newcomers, Omar initially followed a traditional academic route, enrolling in a Bachelor of Technology program. However, he quickly realized that this was not the right fit. Struggling with the pressure and feeling mentally drained, he turned to baking as a coping mechanism. What began as a way to find personal comfort soon transformed into a passion, and ultimately, a full-fledged business.
“I was enjoying baking and I said, why don’t I do something that I like and share it with people?” Omar recalls.
Launching Chewy Puff Cookies
In March 2025, Omar officially launched Chewy Puff Cookies in Ottawa.
His specialty?
New York–style cookies: thick, chewy, and crispy on the edges, with indulgent fillings like Nutella, cheesecake, and seasonal flavors. This variety keeps his customers excited and creates anticipation for each new creation.
Beyond baking, Omar is committed to creating social impact. Two percent of every sale goes to mental health organizations in Ottawa, reflecting his desire to give back to the community that welcomed him.
“It is about giving back,” he explains, emphasizing that business can and should make a meaningful difference.
Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
Running a business as a refugee comes with unique challenges. Omar admits that the journey has been tough but incredibly rewarding.
“I never thought I would start my own business. It is a new experience and also challenging. But the most important thing I have gained is meeting people—I have met more people in six months of running my business than in the last two years.”
This connection to the community has become one of the most rewarding aspects of entrepreneurship for Omar, highlighting the human side of business that goes beyond profit.
Innovation and Creativity
Omar’s story is also a testament to resilience and adaptability. Dropping out of university and shifting his focus to baking required courage, self-reflection, and the willingness to take risks. His determination and creativity have turned obstacles into opportunities, creating a business that is not only profitable but also deeply personal and socially conscious.
Chewy Puff Cookies now ships Canada-wide, making Omar’s unique flavors accessible to a wide audience. His monthly rotating flavors and creative fillings reflect both his culinary skill and entrepreneurial spirit. Each cookie represents experimentation, trial and error, and a commitment to quality—qualities that define Omar as both a baker and a business owner.
Key Takeaways from Omar’s Journey
- Passion Can Lead to Opportunity: Omar turned a personal coping mechanism into a thriving business. Pursuing what you love can open doors you never imagined.
- Community Impact Matters: By donating part of his sales to mental health organizations, Omar demonstrates that business can be a force for good.
- Resilience is Key: Entrepreneurship requires courage, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Omar’s journey shows that setbacks can lead to growth.
- Innovation Keeps Customers Engaged: Monthly rotating flavors and creative fillings keep Chewy Puff Cookies fresh, exciting, and in demand.
- Support Refugee Entrepreneurs: Every purchase from a refugee-owned business is an investment in talent, creativity, and community development.
The Refugee Marketplace Connection
At Jumpstart Refugee Talent, Omar’s story embodies the mission of the Refugee Marketplace: highlighting refugee entrepreneurs who are building businesses while enriching their communities. Omar’s cookies are more than desserts—they are symbols of determination, creativity, and the power of following one’s passion.
Supporting refugee-owned businesses like Chewy Puff Cookies is not just about purchasing a product; it is about investing in dreams, talent, and social impact.
Enjoying More Than Just Cookies
Omar’s journey reflects the essence of the Refugee Marketplace – empowering refugees to turn challenges into opportunities, and dreams into reality. Next time you crave a sweet treat, consider indulging in a Chewy Puff Cookies. Not only will you enjoy a handcrafted dessert, but you will also be supporting a young entrepreneur whose story is as rich and layered as the cookies he bakes.