Sophisticated Pup’s mission is to create truly unique, handcrafted pet apparel, furniture and accessories of the highest quality for today’s modern dog. The products are not mass-produced, and due to the exquisite artistry and craftsmanship that goes into every piece of clothing, furniture or accessory, only limited amounts are created. Sophisticated Pup uses only the highest quality materials in their designs. Sophisticated Pup was created to fulfill the growing desire for pet owners to pamper their pooch and treat them like the beloved member of the family that they are. Sophisticated Pup is the creation of Michelle Cleek, who was inspired by her beloved dog Penny, a truly sophisticated pup.

Michelle Cleek, President/ Lead Apparel and Accessory Designer

Michelle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Arts Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN; Master’s Degree in Visual Arts Management, Columbia College Chicago; other graduate work completed at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Art History. Michelle started work on Sophisticated Pup in January 2006 after working in art education and art museums for 5 years. She has worked at places such as the Chicago Children's Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. She also has worked as an art teacher at Noblesville Middle School in Noblesville, IN. Michelle has acquired invaluable experience with managing arts organizations that help to make Sophisticated Pup the organization that it is. Although Michelle has had no formal training in fashion design, she has had a strong desire for it since childhood, and for her it is a natural ability. However, Michelle has had extensive fine art training, including jewelry design. She has combined her love for fashion and her love for her beloved dog Penny into a wonderful company, Sophisticated Pup.

Lynn Cleek, Lead Furniture Designer

Lynn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts Education, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN; Master’s Degree in Industrial Arts Education, Indiana State University. Lynn has served as Regional Sales Manager for Partner Industrial Products for the last 20 years. Before that, Lynn worked as a high school industrial arts teacher. Lynn has built furniture all of his life and has decided to dedicate his expertise in the furniture industry to the construction of heirloom-quality pet furniture for Sophisticated Pup. He is also the father of Michelle and grandfather to the most perfect pug in the world, Penny!

Penny, Lead Model, Product Tester

Penny is a wonderful miniature pug, she loves to get dressed up and loves getting to model all of Michelle's latest creations. All products get Penny's pawprint of approval, you can tell this because they are sewn into each and every product.