Barks N Bubbles is celebrating 20 years in business, marking two decades of steady growth, loyal customers, and a deep connection to the local community.
The grooming business began with humble roots. After having gained experience working at a pet store around 1999, Misty Ledford opened a small 200-square-foot shop in Bremen in 2006. At the time it was a one-person operation driven by the simple goal of building something of her own. As demand grew, the family stepped in to help, and the business quickly outgrew its original space.
Expansion followed with a move to a larger Bremen location before opening a second shop, this one in Carrollton in 2012. Managing both locations proved challenging, leading to the decision to focus fully on Carrollton, where customer demand continued to rise. Within a few years, the business relocated again to a larger space on Highway 27, where it remained for a decade before settling into its current location on Old Bremen Road, just off Highway 27.
Today, Barks N Bubbles offers both grooming and boarding services, with a focus on personalized care. Each dog is assessed individually to ensure a comfortable experience, whether it is a first visit for a nervous puppy or a routine appointment for a longtime client. Turnaround times vary depending on size and temperament, but the goal remains consistent service tailored to each pet.
Over the past 20 years, the industry has changed in noticeable ways. Ledford has seen trends shift from mostly small breeds to the rise of doodles, while also witnessing a broader cultural change in how people view their pets. What were once considered outdoor animals are now widely treated as full members of the family, a shift reflected in the level of care and attention clients expect.
The business has also built lasting relationships with customers, often caring for multiple generations of pets within the same family. Some clients have been visiting since the early Bremen days, including a 17-year-old miniature poodle that still comes in for grooming.
A strong team has played a key role in the company’s longevity. Longtime staff members, including a manager of more than a decade, help maintain daily operations and allow Ledford to step away when needed. Family involvement continues as well, with both of her children now part of the business.
Barks N Bubbles also holds a special place in the history of The City Menus, having been its first advertising partner in 2012. The partnership began with a visit to the original Bremen location, a moment that still stands out years later. The City Menus owner recalls that first meeting and credits Ledford’s continued support as meaningful to the platform’s growth. The appreciation remains mutual, with gratitude for her long standing support and the working relationship built over the years.
As Barks N Bubbles reaches its 20 year milestone, Ledford credits the success to dedicated employees, supportive clients, and the trust placed in the business to care for pets. Looking ahead, the focus remains on maintaining that trust and continuing to serve the community that helped the business grow from a small shop into a long–standing local presence. To join Barks N Bubbles on Facebook click here. Barks N Bubbles is located at 375 Old Bremen Rd in Carrollton, GA.
