The simple, stylish entrance to Modern Companion sets the tone for what customers will find inside.

When designing her brick-and-mortar store, St. Gelais knew the aesthetic needed to have the same “warm and fuzzy feeling” customers got when interacting with Modern Companion online.

She describes the aesthetic: “Our brand consists of a modern color tone of blues, purples and greens. Along with a few signature elements that match our dogs, you will see these colors in every corner of our store.”

Wallpaper in dog print and in Dalmatian spots are just a few of the whimsical touches found throughout.

St. Gelais curates a lineup of food, chews, treats, and health and wellness products for dogs and cats, as well as fun items for pet-loving people, such as T-shirts and home goods.

Cats and the humans who serve them have their own section.

Customers can pick up Modern Companion brand products in person.

The store carries lines from new and small pet businesses, among them Good Sniffs and Company, Contigo Dogs and Cola Stacks.

Dog visitors get a complimentary pup cup with whipped cream, a treat and sprinkles in a specially designed Modern Companion cup perfect for Instagram pics.

St. Gelais was working as a web designer when she launched Modern Companion. Her talent touches every element of the brand, from freezer wraps to…

… the wrapped trailer team members take to local events.

Each Saturday, Modern Companion pops up at a farmers market that hosts over 100 unique vendors from all over South Carolina.

St. Gelais started her business with Domino, pictured here, but has since added to the pup manager staff fellow Dalmatian Blaze and German-Shorthaired Pointer CiCi.

Modern Companion teams up with other local pet businesses and rescues to host multiple events throughout the year. These include a “Barking Lot Pawty,” “Fall Fido Fest” and “New Year’s Eve Pawty.”

At the 2021-2022 New Year’s Eve Pawty, the backdrop for social media pics gave partygoers a fun souvenir while helping to market the store. Read more about Modern Companion in the America’s Coolest feature in our July-August issue.