The MNY Spotlight
Meet Ashley Carlson, Founder of Up Down Sport
First things first—introduce yourself! Tell us a little about your background and what led you to create Up Down Sport
Hi all! My name is Ashley Carlson, creator of Up Down Sport. I started Up Down a little shy of a year ago. I was playing tennis with my regular group and looked over and none of us had a tennis bag. It baffled me and I went home and started exploring what was out there. There wasn’t much and I felt like there was a hole in the market! I launched Up Down about 5 months later. My family has been so supportive of me every step of the way- helping me name my company and later, I named the bags after them. I still have two children I haven’t named bags after so stay tuned!!!
Ashley wears the Mikele Top + Raiya Skirt
When did you first decide to take the leap and launch the brand?
Gosh, I made my first sample and was toying around with actually putting in a physical order. When I carried it to a member/guest everyone asked me where it had come from and I thought I had an idea worth exploring!
You juggle a lot— as an entrepreneur, mother, and 8-time marathon runner, what’s one daily ritual that keeps you grounded?
Consistency! I love having a plan and think my kids thrive best with order. I try to walk my youngest to school each day and then sweat it out with a run or tennis! Now I’m working during the day but lunchtime is my favorite time to collect with my girlfriends too.
Your designs feel both classic and modern at the same time. What’s your creative process when designing a new piece?
I try to think about what my customer needs- whether it’s a pocket for water or a zipper for keys. And every liner is nylon and can be wiped down! Believe me, I’ve spilled inside my “Freddy” bag more than once! I also want to feel good about carrying it, so it has to be pretty!
As someone constantly on the move—from the tennis court to school pick-up—how do you curate a personal style that’s both functional and effortlessly chic?
In the morning, I’m always in tennis gear or workout clothes. Right after, I always change for the day—looking put together changes my mood for the better! And with everything going on, there’s always some unknown variable in my day.
Which Mestiza piece would you pair with an Up Down Sport bag for a look that seamlessly transitions from the court to city?
Gosh, now that I have four bags you could pair them with any! I think I could see a Mestiza girl packing her “Freddy” for a weekend and slipping on her Taylor Cropped Pants and Charlize Scallop Top!
Follow along on Instagram @updown_sport
How are you styling the Mikele Top + Raiya Skirt, and where are you wearing it?
So far I’ve worn it to two dinners! I’ve styled it with my Andrea Gomez colorful sandals and big hoop earrings. It an effortless two piece that can go from day to night!
How does wearing your Mestiza piece make you feel?
Mestiza to me is so elegant and feminine. Its a versatile outfit that I’ll definitely be wearing throughout the spring and summer.
What do you love most about the Mestiza brand?
Honestly the people working there! I had the honor of having them do a shoot at my home. Each person was (as I say) nice as the days long. I’ve said it to my dearest, Louisa, more than once but they’ve chosen their Mestiza staff well and everyone wants to be there! And your clothes are pretty!
Posted on April 01 2025
