About Us
Grown Here in the Upper Peninsula
My family moved from Los Angeles, California to Gladstone, Michigan when I was two years old. I went to school, played sports, spent time outdoors, and got just about as full of a Yooper experience as you can get. From all of my years up north, I’ve taken with me the kindness, integrity, and authenticity that really makes a Yooper a Yooper. I credit the success I’ve had to those Yooper values, and celebrate the pleasant people and peninsula we have up here.
U.P. Authentic is a product of that celebration.
Great Lakes, Great Neighbors
What is the spirit of the U.P.? From my experience, it’s great, friendly, hard-working neighbors. What may seem so common to us Yoopers is less common than it should be. It’s our duty to spread that spirit to the world.
Every product you see on U.P. Authentic is for Yoopers, by Yoopers. Everything from the chocolate, puzzles, knives, apparel, and everything in between is homegrown and crafted with care. We are proud of our artisans and the quality that goes into their work.
Giving Back
When you support U.P. Authentic, you aren’t just supporting Upper Peninsula artisans. Fifty percent of every purchase’s profit stays right here in the Upper Peninsula. Our curated products from U.P. artisans and businesses pour 50% of their profits back into the U.P. via U.P. charities. Thanks to our partnership with the Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula, U.P. Authentic is going to be providing charity and scholarships for Upper Peninsula residents across the U.P. – from Ironwood to Sault St. Marie.
Wherever you go, take the U.P. with you. We hope that you’ll consider supporting local artisans, charities, and get some great products too.
If you or someone you know would be interested in collaborating as an artisan or charity with U.P. Authentic, please introduce yourself at info@upauthentic.com.