The nutritionist, mother and entrepreneur from Burradoo, "fell in love" with her beloved dog Ernie, and found he gave her a boost during lockdown.

When she was training Ernie to stay in his crate, she was in search of a cover that was practical and stylish.

Not being satisfied with what was on the market, Saint Ernie was born.

"I had no intention of going into the dog world," she said.

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Creating a business was familiar territory for Pip, who had a nappy bag business when her children were little, but she said it has been a relearning process.

Saint Ernie started with crate covers, decorated in patterns such as stripes, houndstooth, and a pattern known as "Highlands Plaid".

"I wanted them to look like the furniture and a piece of décor," she said.

Dog lovers can find "pupholstery", including blankets, beds, bumpers to cushion crates, and personalised leads and collars.

It then inspired Pip to create jumpers and shirts, which have turned heads when she has walked Ernie around the Highlands.

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"We thought the Southern Highlands has that element of sophistication that I felt was missing in the dog world," the business owner said.

Jewellery made in Melbourne will also be added to the site.

Along with aesthetics, sustainability and ethics were at the forefront of Pip's mind - blankets are made with organic cotton and wool in Australia and other products are made by artisans in Columbia.

The dog lover's passion for making dogs and their companions stylish has taken her to the United States, where the brand has already been launched.

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"I love the design process, seeing your vision come to life is amazing," she said.

A launch in the Highlands will be announced soon.

Learn more about Saint Ernie at sainternie.com/en-au.

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