About Us
Modern Companion aims to bring the community of pet lovers together one stylish pet product at a time. We were created by owner Maddie Shutts, a crazy pet mom with a design background inspired to give pet accessories a whole new light. She was tired of pet accessories focusing on being too masculine or feminine. With two spotted dogs finding products that brought out their natural beauty and elegance was hard to come by.
In 2019, Modern Companion was born. Maddie started to create modern products that had various natural tones that could work on every pet. She did this while working full-time as a UX designer and working on her MBA at the age of 23.
In 2020, she started working with and commissioned small business illustrators to create one-of-a-kind patterns while hiring a small local team of seamstresses to continue to handcraft each accessory and started to offer their products in retail stores.
In March 2021, she opened their first brick-and-mortar retail store at 508B Lexington Ave in Chapin, SC. Opening the retail store gave them a home to showcase their line of products to their local community. It also has allowed them to work with other fantastic pet entrepreneurs and small businesses. Every single product sold in our store is carefully curated, tested, and selected by Maddie and the Modern Companion team.
In, July 2022, Modern Companion, was chosen as one of "America's Coolest" by PETS+, The Better Business Magazine for American Pet Pros, in its sixth annual contest this year. In total, 16 businesses (out of 80+ entries) earned America's Coolest title. The contest highlights top independent pet stores and service providers in the U.S. Entries were judged based on their history, exterior and interior appearance, marketing, online presence, and individuality.
Today, they continue to handcraft their own products in-house with their small team of local seamstresses. Modern Companion also carries over 150+ brands and has had people travel from all over to visit their retail store. They have been in over 90+ independent boutiques, and have had partnerships with Nordstrom and Altar’d State.
Maddie and Modern Companion, believe they are not just your pet. They're a lifelong companion.
