Local Spotlight: Guilt-Free Sweets from ATA Bakery in Hattiesburg

In the heart of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, one local entrepreneur is transforming the dessert game with a mission that’s both personal and powerful. Meet Myla Robinson, founder of ATA Bakery—a home-based bakery offering gluten-free and diabetic-friendly treats that don’t compromise on taste.

 

The Story Behind the Name

ATA Bakery is more than a business—it’s a family legacy. The name is a blend of Myla’s two children, whose middle names both start with “A,” and her mother, whose initial is “T.” Myla credits her mother as the person who inspired her love for baking, so it only made sense to include her in the name.

 

More Than Just Desserts

Myla specializes in crafting baked goods for people who are often left out of the dessert world—those with dietary restrictions. Her product line includes diabetic-friendly and gluten-free cakes, cookies, muffins, and breads, all made with alternative ingredients like Truvia and Swerve.

These are not your average “sugar-free” substitutes. As Myla puts it, “I’ve tried those desserts—and they’re usually awful.” But feedback on her own treats tells a different story: people love them. Even those without dietary restrictions have been impressed by the taste and texture.

 

Passion with a Purpose

The idea for ATA Bakery came from a deeply personal place. Myla was diagnosed as pre-diabetic a few years ago, and when she started seeking out desserts that fit her new dietary needs, she found them lacking in flavor and quality. Rather than give up sweets entirely, she took matters into her own hands. Using recipes she already loved, she modified them to meet her new dietary needs—without sacrificing taste.

“I literally took the recipes that I already had and just switched them over,” she says. “It took some trial and error, but I got it.”

 

What Sets ATA Bakery Apart

ATA Bakery stands out for two reasons: variety and accessibility. While some bakeries might offer one or two gluten-free or sugar-free options, Myla has built her entire menu around them. Offerings include sock it to me cake with lemon glaze, blueberry muffins, banana bread, pound cake, oatmeal cookies, red velvet cake (cream cheese-free to meet cottage law standards), and much more.

She also focuses on affordability. Myla offers smaller portion sizes, making it easier for customers to enjoy treats without breaking the bank. “Ingredients like gluten-free flour are expensive,” she explains. “So I found a way to break things down into smaller portions that are still satisfying but more affordable.”

 

Community Roots

Born and raised in Hattiesburg, Myla knows the community inside and out. From delivering samples to local police departments and office supply stores, to connecting with people at the farmer’s market and on delivery apps, she’s been on a grassroots mission to get her brand into as many hands—and mouths—as possible.

She also leverages social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to keep in touch with her growing customer base. Though she doesn’t yet have a storefront or a full website, customers are already finding her through online searches and word of mouth.

 

A Glimpse into the Future

Looking ahead, Myla has big dreams for ATA Bakery. In five years, she hopes to have multiple locations across Mississippi, starting with a second location in Jackson. She also wants to expand to shipping baked goods across state lines, a plan she’s already started testing by sending a sample box to her son in Pennsylvania which included sock it to me cake, red velvet cheesecake, and chocolate chip cookies.

She envisions a bakery that bakes fresh at least twice a week to ensure optimal quality and minimal shelf time. And as the business grows, she plans to implement loyalty cards and offer discounts for groups like first responders and veterans.

 

Final Thoughts

For Myla Robinson, ATA Bakery isn’t just a business—it’s a labor of love driven by personal health, family inspiration, and community connection. From her kitchen to your table, she’s proving that desserts can be both guilt-free and delicious.

Email: mylar@atabakery.com

Phone: +1 601-565-2547

Facebook: ATA Bakery LLC