I started UGC after the world was introduced to COVID-19.  I wish there was a more glamorous story behind it, but this is it. After many months of experiencing heightened anxiety and bouts of depression, I knew I needed to focus my energy somewhere and on something. I've always been the woman who shops the aisles of Home Goods and Target for candles. It's like being a kid in the toy aisle, except for me it's candles.  Finding a scent, vessel, sale or all of the above was a good day.  

I decided that after living groundhogs day(s), from my other businesses being shut down and doing all of the puzzles in my house that I would make a candle.  From there it escalated quickly. I became obsessed with learning what goes into a candle, how to make them burn better, longer, stronger and cleaner. I started to pay attention to the candles that I was buying and what ingredients are in them.  Turns out making candles is pretty tough and quite expensive, but I enjoy it. If there is such a thing as a candle sommelier, I'm it. But until a better name comes along, I'm a chandler!

Upside is a collaboration between the great pivot needed for me in 2020 and an overall sense of creating our space to be cozy all while focusing on a cause, giving back. It's at the center of all that I do and UGC is no different. Light a candle in the darkness while we shine that light on Mental Health Awareness + Wellness initiatives.

Hi fellow candle lovers! My name is Erin Cappleman and I am the Studio Manager of Upside Goods Co. I heard about Upside originally because I was gifted a Palo Santo + Sage (still my absolute fave!) candle from a friend. When I heard about the amazing backstory of the company and our founder, Ashley, I knew I had to be a supporter. I love that Upside gives back to mental health awareness foundations and that we refill the signature vessels in an effort to be more sustainable. When you’re in the shop, you can tell that Ashley really cares and makes an impact in any way she can. I love that I can light one of our candles and my home is going to be filled with a wonderful, unique scent and I will hear the soft crackle from the wooden wick. It’s a whole vibe. My son and daughter love when I bring home a new candle and even my husband has started to request certain scents (Tobacco + Saffron). I love that I have turned the whole family into a candle family!

I graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2018, where I got a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Through college, I was working at Floriography as the Social Media Manager, where I metAshleythrough her Marketing business. I went on to teach Kindergarten for five years after graduating, moved to Arizona for three years and found myself back in Albuquerque to be close to family and to start my own. I have knownAshleyfrom her Yoga days at the Banque Lofts, to her helping me with Marketing. I was scrolling through Instagram one night, and saw she was hiring for Upside. I was deep into pregnancy at the time, and not sure if I wanted to teach after my baby was born, so I decided to apply! I am loving my time at Upside, working Markets, pouring candles, and helping where I can.