Ladies to the front, please!
While a love for dogs was the inspiration behind our own journey into the small pet business world, the pride and passion we feel for the pet business community itself, is owed to the incredibly talented, hardworking and trail-blazing dog mums that represent it.
So to celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the inspiring women behind some of our favourite Australian pet businesses.
From dog cakes to designer dog apparel, eco-friendly homewares to pet accessories that support indigenous artists, we are so proud to share their businesses and empowering stories with you here.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Georgia Havekotte: Nice Digs
Georgia is the founder and designer of pet bedding and accessories brand, Nice Digs. And let’s just say, we’ve been huge fan girls for years.
A fashion and textile designer by trade, Georgia’s desire to create uniquely stylish accessories for her rescue dog Checkers was where the Nice Digs story began. Now an iconic brand within the Melbourne pet community and beyond, Nice Digs is instantly recognisable for their bright, chic and uber hip designs.
Based in the Dandenong Ranges, all pieces are locally handmade in the Nice Digs studio by their close-knit, all-female team.
Sam & Dani: Dog & Human
When two passionate, hardworking women team up together, amazing things happen. Dog & Human was founded in 2018 by Sam and Dani, both avid travellers and busy mums (when combined, their families include a total of five children, three dogs and a horse!)
What began as an idea to produce one of the most luxurious leather dog poop bag holders in the market, Dog & Human has since evolved into a gorgeous collection of luxe handmade dog leads, vegetable tanned leather collars and chic printed scarves.
With a heartfelt goal to support dog charities, Sam and Dani are committed to developing future projects that help dogs in need. And we’ll be following their journey all the way!
Jessica Knight: Outback Tails
Jess is the founder of Outback Tails, a sustainable, uniquely-Australian pet accessories brand inspired by a love of indigenous art, and a desire to support Australian wildlife in need.
Featuring luxe leather collars, dog beds and eco-friendly dog toys, the Outback Tails range is a celebration of indigenous art, and native flora and fauna. Jess works closely with the Warlukurlangu Artists of Yuendumu to design the products, with artists receiving 10% of all sales featuring their work. A percentage of sales are also donated to Australian native wildlife charities, including the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.
A mum of three children, Jess is also the owner of outdoor pet accessories brand, DOOG (Dog Owners Outdoor Gear). We have no idea how she does it all, but we’re just so glad she does!
Rachael Tricarico: Houndztooth
Rachael is one goal-kicking female business owner we’re seriously in awe of. Since launching Houndztooth in 2018, a luxury product range focused on pet wellbeing, Rachael has also produced the ‘Love The One You Leash’ podcast, and welcomed one of Australia’s most loved media veterinarians, Dr Katrina Warren, to the Houndztooth ambassador team.
Drawing on her years of experience as a successful equestrian rider and a love for animals, Rachael believes in a holistic approach for dog’s health and wellbeing. Guided by her heartfelt philosophy of ‘our pets are our family’ – every collar, leash, shampoo and dog bowl in the Houndztooth collection is named after her furry family past and present.
Linn & Helene: OHMINME
Living on opposite sides of the world to your mum can be a challenge at the best of times (something we here at Pretty Fluffy know all too well!) But mother and daughter duo, Linn and Helene, found a way to stay more connected than ever – by teaming up to create beautiful, thoughtful and functional pet accessories with their brand, OHMINME.
Together, Linn, based on the NSW Central Coast, and mum Helene, based in Kalmar, Sweden, hand-make sustainable, earth-friendly dog harnesses, collars, leashes, and bandanas. And what is most impressive about this inspiring mum and daughter team, is that with every order placed, a tree is planted to help restore native forests, and support precious wildlife.
Emma Wilson: Herzog
Emma is the illustrator and designer behind Melbourne-based outdoor pet accessories label, Herzog. Emma’s business side-kick also happens to be her Michigan-based ‘kick-ass’ mum, Maureen. Yet another inspiring mother-daughter team proving distance is no barrier to living your business dream, or sharing your creative passion with the one who loves and knows you best!
When Emma and her Aussie husband adopted a wolfhound mix, Werner Herzdog, Emma was inspired to design a range of modern, durable and eco-friendly collars that compliment both home and hound. Herzog’s signature silicone lead is now popping up everywhere we look, and it’s easy to see why.
Emma is currently working on a new product range for Herzog, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Suz Delev: Sebastian Says
Suz is the founder and designer of bohemian luxe pet label, Sebastian Says. The original macrame makers for dog accessories, Suz’s passion for interior design and indoor plants is where Sebastian Says all began.
Using the same knotting techniques as the plant hangers in her home, Suz designed a dog lead for her adorable pup Sebastian (whose modelling skills and fabulous flicked-over fringe you MUST see). When the lead gained plenty of attention on the street, a dog fashion empire was born.
The Sebastian Says collection now features walk wear, clothing wear, homeware and lifestyle goods. Our personal favourite is the iconic Liberty dog shirt range (as featured in Vogue!)
Andrea Lincke: Willows Pantry
When it’s time to pawty and only the most beautiful of dog cakes will do, we know a gal!
Andrea is the creative cake-baking whizz and owner of Melbourne-based Willows Pantry. While Andrea celebrates her passion for healthy, nutritious pet food with her signature (and seriously impressive!) bespoke dog cakes, the Willow’s Pantry range also includes dog cookies in 16 different flavours, dehydrated treats, birthday hampers, pupcakes and much more.
Last month, Willows Pantry achieved a major milestone with the opening of their Elwood ‘Pawtisserie’ shop front, where all cakes and cookies are handmade and taste-tested by her sweet side-kick and ‘Executive Dog Cookie Tester’ Willow.
Angela Infantino: Molly Barker
If you’re a house proud dog mum like us, you’ll know how tricky it can be to find pet accessories that actually suit your interior. Enter Molly Barker – a luxury pet lifestyle brand inspired by contemporary designs that cater to your dog’s needs, all while complimenting your decor.
When founder and director, Angela, noticed a gap in the Australian market for beautiful, minimalist dog accessories, she made it her mission to produce them herself. Proudly Australian made and committed to supporting local artisans, the Molly Barker collection features innovative toys, luxurious beds, and elegant designer accessories.
A dedicated dog mum, Angela loves designing new products that solve a problem or fix a design flaw, all while keeping to her signature modern luxe aesthetic.
Xandra Yuwono: Pemberley Pets
The talented graphic designer and founder of Pemberley Pets, Xandra, describes herself as someone who “can’t stop thinking about cute dogs.” Ummm, RELATE.
While Xandra’s muse is her adorable long-haired dachshund, Darcy, a combined love of pets, functional design and contemporary art serves as the main inspiration behind the Pemberley Pets collection. Offering both a signature and custom range of minimalist line art prints that celebrate the unique characteristics of dogs and cats, at Pemberley Pets you’ll also find luxe shopper tote bags and a curated line of handcrafted polepole animals.
Keep an eye out for a new homewares collection coming soon – we can’t wait!
Mel Deveraux: Laila and Me
Mel is the founder and CEO of trail-blazing Australian dog treats brand, Laila and Me.
Mel’s story with Laila and Me began when her frenchie, Laila, developed allergies. When Mel realised the treats available at pet stores contained fillers that weren’t suitable for Laila’s diet, she made it her mission to produce a healthier alternative. Fast forward five years, and Laila and Me is now recognised as a much-loved and trusted brand, with a loyal and dedicated following.
Proudly Australian made and owned with a commitment to creating jobs and supporting local farmers, Laila and Me’s motto is “Not your average treat company.” And we wholeheartedly agree.
Sue West: Pooky & Boo
A long-time lover of dogs and interiors, Sue’s dedication to supporting local Australian businesses is something we truly admire.
Sue’s lightbulb moment for Pooky & Boo came to her when driving her pooch, Farris, to the groomer. Her idea was to create a design-savvy collection that reflected a love of pets, and a love for the planet, too.
Pooky & Boo now stocks luxury pet accessories that embody a modern eclectic style, all produced with a low carbon paw print. The collection includes patterned dog beds lovingly handmade in Western Australia from 75% recycled polyester, and adorable hand-knitted cable jumpers made from 100% Australian Alpaca yarn. As an eco-conscious brand, all orders are sustainably packaged too.
We hope this list inspires you to shop small and support these incredible women-owned Australian pet businesses.
And if you’re a dog mum considering a business of your own, we hope you feel empowered to get out there and get started! x
– Katy & Shell, Editors.
The post International Women’s Day: 12 Women-Owned Australian Pet Businesses We Love appeared first on Pretty Fluffy.
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Michelle Campbell, Khareem Sudlow
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