Live More Dog

Chommies

The story of Chommies began with a move and a puppy. Founder and Creative Director Nathalie Klijn, born in Stuttgart, Germany, left Europe in 2012 for Cape Town in pursuit of a slower and more fulfilling way of life. Not long after arriving, she adopted a Boerboel-Ridgeback-Bullmastiff rescue named Ringo. What started as a side project making collars for Ringo and a few canine friends has since grown into a brand beloved by dogs and their humans across South Africa.

Rooted in the rich colour palettes of Cape Town’s coastlines and mountains, Chommies creates beautifully crafted collars, leashes, harnesses and accessories that combine practical functionality with joyful design. Life & Style spoke to Natasha Kurten, Retail Manager at Chommies, about the story behind the brand, the philosophy of “Live More Dog”, and how a small side project grew into one of South Africa’s most loved dog lifestyle brands.

How did Chommies begin?

Chommies was founded after Nathalie relocated from Germany to Cape Town in 2012. Not long after arriving, she adopted her rescue dog, Ringo, and began searching for products that felt both beautiful and functional.

At the time, there was very little available that reflected the quality, craftsmanship and aesthetic she was looking for. What started as making a collar for one dog quickly evolved into something bigger. Chommies was born from a simple idea: the products we share with our dogs should be made with the same care and consideration as the things we choose for ourselves. From the beginning, dogs have been at the centre of everything we do. They remind us to slow down, be present and find joy in everyday moments, a philosophy that continues to shape the brand today.

What was the inspiration behind the look and feel of the House of Chommies concept store, and why was it important for Chommies to create a physical retail space?

While online shopping offers convenience, we have always believed there is something irreplaceable about experiencing products in person. We wanted to create a space where people could engage with the craftsmanship behind our products, feel the materials, experience the colours and connect with the stories behind each piece.

The House of Chommies was never intended to be a traditional retail store. It was designed as a welcoming space inspired by Cape Town’s relaxed way of life, where people and their dogs could spend time together, discover beautiful things and feel part of a community.

More than a store, it is an expression of the Chommies world: thoughtful, colourful, dog-friendly and rooted in a holiday state of mind.

What goes into the process of designing each new Chommies collection, and where do you find inspiration?

Every Chommies collection takes time. Products move through multiple rounds of design, refinement and testing before they reach our shelves. We believe quality is worth waiting for and that craftsmanship should never be rushed. Our inspiration comes largely from the world around us. Cape Town’s unique light, Africa’s landscapes, natural textures, colour combinations found in nature and the feeling of being outdoors with your dog all influence our creative process. Rather than following trends, we focus on creating products that feel timeless, functional and joyful. We want every piece to add beauty to everyday life while standing the test of time.

What do you think has been the key to Chommies’ growth and success?

There was never a single defining moment or piece of advice. Growth happened gradually through the response of our customers and community. From the beginning, people connected with the idea that dog products could be beautifully made, thoughtfully designed and crafted to last. That encouragement gave us confidence to keep building. What continues to guide us today is a commitment to making products we genuinely believe in. By focusing on quality, craftsmanship and authenticity rather than chasing growth for its own sake, Chommies has grown organically into the brand it is today.

Chommies works closely with artisans and knitters. How has that community shaped the brand?

The artisan community behind Chommies has evolved naturally over time through relationships, collaboration and a shared commitment to craftsmanship. The Mohair collection emerged during lockdown when many family members of our artisans began knitting from home. What started as a practical solution became something much larger and has since grown into one of the most loved parts of the Chommies offering. Working closely with skilled makers continues to shape everything we do. Their knowledge, creativity and attention to detail constantly inspire us and remind us that exceptional products are always the result of many hands working together.

A phrase often associated with Chommies is: “Craft isn’t a trend, it’s our operating system.” What does that philosophy mean to the brand?

At Chommies, craft is not something that gets added at the end of a process. It is where everything begins. It influences what we make, how we make it, who we work with and the standards we hold ourselves to. We believe that true craftsmanship creates products with integrity, products that are functional, beautiful and built to last. In a world that often prioritises speed and convenience, we choose to value quality, skill and thoughtful production. Craft is not a trend for us. It is the foundation on which the business has been built.

The Chommies philosophy is “Live More Dog”. What does that mean?

Ringo remains an important part of the Chommies origin story, but the philosophy of “Live More Dog” extends far beyond one dog. At its heart, it is about embracing some of the qualities we admire most in dogs: presence, curiosity, loyalty, playfulness and an ability to find joy in ordinary moments. Dogs have a remarkable way of reminding us what matters. They encourage us to get outside, connect with others, slow down and fully engage with the world around us. “Live More Dog” is our invitation to bring more of that spirit into everyday life.

What’s your favourite thing about making a living out of creating beautiful things for animals?

What we find most rewarding is creating products that strengthen the relationship between people and their dogs. Dogs bring so much joy, companionship and connection into our lives. Being able to celebrate that relationship through thoughtfully designed products is a privilege.

Beyond the products themselves, Chommies is about creating meaningful work, supporting craftsmanship and building a community of people who share a love for dogs, beautiful design and a life well lived. That combination is what continues to inspire us every day.

Chommies

chommies.com

@chommiescom