Our Journey: Passion for Pet Grooming
After years of working in the veterinary industry, our founder, Marylynn Newby, saw how difficult it was for elderly and disabled clients, as well as older dogs, to make it to grooming salons. Motivated to bring all Suffolk, VA pets the individualized care they deserve, Marylynn created a solution in Bubbles’ Grooming Parlor, a mobile dog grooming service where dogs could find the same professional one-on-one treatment they’d find in a high-end dog spa.
As Bubbles’ mobile services continued, we found incredible support from the Suffolk community — and pretty soon, our mobile routes regularly became fully booked every day! That prompted Marylynn to expand our presence with a locally owned brick-and-mortar dog grooming parlor where we can provide our same signature care in a more traditional setting.
With our unique hybrid model, Bubbles’ is here to help your pup look and feel their best with patient one-on-one care that makes them feel like the star they are. Whether your dog is most comfortable at home or prefers taking the drive out to visit us, our goal is to give them a calm, relaxing experience with a loving and highly experienced team both you and your fur baby can trust.
Our Team
Meet the passionate professionals behind our grooming services.
Marylynn Newby
Senior Professional Pet Stylist and Owner
Marylynn Newby is a highly experienced and dedicated senior professional pet stylist, as well as the proud owner of Bubbles’ Grooming Parlor. With over 20 years of grooming expertise, Marylynn has established herself as a leading figure in the pet grooming industry. Her journey began at the young age of 16, when she started her career at a corporate grooming salon in Westfield, Indiana.
After graduating from high school, Marylynn sought out new horizons in sunny San Diego, California. It was there that she encountered the esteemed Kathleen Sepulveda, under whom she began an apprenticeship. This invaluable experience allowed Marylynn to master the fine art and intricate grooming techniques that are essential for success in the grooming profession. Her talent and dedication quickly propelled her career forward, leading her to assist Kathleen in the establishment of a secondary salon, where she took on the roles of salon manager and creative groomer.
Marylynn’s skills did not go unnoticed; she was one of only three groomers featured on Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 episodes focused on Extreme Grooming and Japanese Chins during the series’ fourth season. Additionally, she co-hosted a creative grooming class at the Pasadena Convention Center during the prestigious Pasadena Groom Expo, showcasing her commitment to education and collaboration within the grooming community.
After relocating to Suffolk, Virginia, Marylynn expanded her knowledge by working as a veterinary assistant while continuing to groom under her own business, Pet Grooming by Mary. This experience allowed her to deepen her understanding of the medical aspects of pet care, further enhancing her grooming practices. Marylynn is also a certified professional groomer with International Professional Groomers, Inc. (IPG), where her skills, knowledge, and adherence to safety standards have been rigorously tested and certified. Recognizing a growing need for personalized pet grooming services, Marylynn founded Bubbles’ Grooming Parlor. Her vision was to create a one-on-one experience that prioritizes the comfort and well-being of both pets and their owners. At Bubbles’, Marylynn emphasizes that the safety of pets and herself is of utmost importance. Through her years of experience, she has learned that the environment in which pets are groomed plays a critical role in their overall happiness and stress levels. She creates a serene, calm, and familiar atmosphere that allows pets to feel at ease during their grooming sessions.
Marylynn Newby stands out not only for her technical skills and creativity but also for her compassionate approach to grooming. She is passionate about ensuring that each pet receives the individualized care they deserve, and her commitment to their safety and comfort is reflected in every aspect of her business. With a rich background in grooming, veterinary assistance, and creative styling, Marylynn continues to make a positive impact in the lives of pets and their owners alike.
Kaity Morris
Junior Professional Pet Stylist
Kaity Morris is a dedicated Junior Professional Pet Stylist whose passion for animals and artistry seamlessly converges in her work. Growing up in Newport News, Virginia, Kaity developed a deep affection for animals at an early age, volunteering for two years at a local dog boarding facility during her middle school years. This formative experience ignited her commitment to animal care and grooming, laying a solid foundation for her future career. With a professional journey that spans over five years, Kaity honed her skills at a corporate grooming company for 2.5 years, where she refined her techniques and gained valuable industry knowledge. In pursuit of excellence, she undertook an apprenticeship under the esteemed owner of Bubbles’ Grooming Parlor, Marylynn Newby, further enhancing her grooming proficiency and artistic flair. Kaity’s artistic inclinations have always played a significant role in her life. She participated in a five-year consecutive summer art program, the Summer Institute for the Arts at Woodside High School, where she nurtured her creative talents. This background not only complements her grooming work but also fuels her ability to craft individualized haircuts that reflect the unique personalities of the pets she grooms.
Throughout her life, Kaity has been accompanied by her beloved dogs, which reinforced her understanding of the grooming experience from a pet owner’s perspective. This lifelong bond with animals, combined with her artistic pursuits, led her to the realization that grooming was the perfect career path — allowing her to express her creativity while fostering her love for animals. After relocating to Connecticut for seven months and then to New Hampshire for three years, Kaity undertook an apprenticeship in tattoo artistry for 2.5 years. This experience further developed her artistic skills and attention to detail, which she now brings to her grooming work. Eventually, Kaity returned to Virginia, where she embarked on her grooming journey in earnest.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kaity is happily married to her high school sweetheart, enjoying a life filled with love and companionship. She finds joy not only in her career but also in the multifaceted world of creativity and animals. Grooming provides her with the unique opportunity to sculpt individualized looks for each pet, combining her passions into one fulfilling profession.
As she continues to grow in her career, Kaity remains committed to providing exceptional grooming services and nurturing her creative spirit. She ensures that every pet she encounters receives the very best care and attention.
Talia Vertuccio
Professional Pet Stylist
Hi! I’m Talia Vertuccio, a professional dog groomer with a lifelong passion for animals and a creative heart. Originally from Long Island, NY, I now call Suffolk, VA, home, where I live with my fiancé, Griffin, and our energetic Australian Shepherd, Sarge.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with dogs — I just wasn’t sure how. That all changed after high school when I began working at a doggy daycare. It was there that I fell in love with the world of dog grooming. I had always enjoyed bathing and trimming my own dogs as a kid, but discovering the professional side of grooming truly sparked something special in me.
With a background in art and a strong creative streak, grooming became the perfect way to blend my love for animals with my artistic side. I began working in grooming salons as a bather, eventually leading me to meet my mentor, Shelby, in 2021. Over the four years we worked together, she generously shared her knowledge and experience, helping me grow not only as a groomer but as a compassionate caregiver and customer-focused professional.
Along the way, I found my niche in creative grooming — adding fun pops of color, unique designs, and artistic flair to a dog’s haircut. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a happy pup strut their stuff and watching their owner light up with joy.
Most importantly, my goal is to create a calm, safe, and positive grooming experience for every dog in my care. Whether your pet has grooming anxiety or has had a difficult experience in the past, I take pride in building trust and making sure each visit is stress-free and comfortable.
Your pet’s well-being is my top priority — and when they’re in my care, they’re treated like family.
Kelly Bullock
Operations & Customer Service Manager
Bio coming soon!
FAQs
When should my puppy come in for their first groom?
It’s essential to have your puppy groomed as soon as possible so they can get used to and learn to love the grooming experience. We recommend they come in two weeks after their last set of vaccinations. We will not clip your puppy on their first visit, as the evolution from a puppy to an adult coat is dependent on breed, and a grooming regimen will be suggested to suit your puppy. During their first visit, your puppy will be introduced in a relaxed and fun way to the sights, sounds, and smells of the grooming salon, ensuring that future visits are stress-free.
How long does it take to groom my pet?
The time taken will depend on the condition and length of your pooch’s hair. Upon drop-off, we can let you know how long you can expect to have your pet with us. We will contact you 30 minutes prior to the end of the treatment to advise what time you should pick up your pooch.
How much does it cost for my pet to be groomed?
Pricing is based on breed, hair length, the condition of your pooch's skin, temperament, age, and grooming history. Prior to booking an appointment with us, please complete our intake form so we can contact you with our pricing based on your pup's needs.
Will my dog be put in a crate?
No, they won’t, as our salon does not use crates. Instead, each canine client is assigned an individual waiting suite where they can relax and become familiar with our salon. Our services are one-on-one and assigned to one of our amazing Pet Stylists.
Do you use drying cages?
We have a strict no drying cages policy. All pooches are finished by our experienced stylists by hand. We choose this for the safety and well-being of our canine clients, and while this increases the treatment time, we refuse to compromise by operating equipment and practices used by other groomers.
What if I cannot pick my dog up after its grooming treatment?
You would need to make arrangements for pickup as soon as your pet is ready. We only offer one-on-one grooming and pets left longer than their service time can impact the focus and attention our stylists are able to give to their next appointment after yours. Should something come up that will cause you to be late picking up, please contact us as soon as possible. Fees do apply in such cases.
Can I stay and watch while you groom my pet?
As your pooch loves you very much, they will wiggle and move around trying to get close to you, which is not safe while we are grooming. It is best to drop off your pooch at their scheduled appointment time and return when the treatment is finished. We also have a waiting area if you prefer. We are very happy to show our customers around so they can see where their pooch will have their treatment. Also, please feel free to text us anytime during the treatment to find out how your pooch is doing.
Do I need to bring anything with my pooch for their treatment?
Before your pet comes, we strongly recommend that they have a chance to relieve themselves. They may want to have a meal beforehand, but keep in mind that if your pet is nervous, they might do better with an empty stomach. Customers new to us need to complete a New Client Registration form, which enables us to provide an individualised treatment and care program for your pooch when they visit us. Feel free to bring along any special blankets, toys, or treats that you know your pooch loves. Also, if you have a preference, please feel free to bring a photo of the type of haircut you would like.
How often should my pet be groomed?
The length and type of your pet’s coat will determine how often your pet needs to be groomed, and this will be discussed with you by one of our stylists upon completion of your pet's spa day.
How often does my dog need a nail trimming and do I need an appointment?
Your pooch’s nails should be trimmed monthly. We are appointment-only. Please call us to schedule a nail trimming service so we can have one of our stylists ready and dedicated to providing all of the attention your pet deserves.
My dog is old, can it be groomed?
All dogs, regardless of age, benefit from being groomed. However, aged, disabled, and ill pets required specialist treatment during the grooming process. We have a special place in our hearts for our aged canine companions, and our staff have been trained on the individual considerations for special handling of these pooches. We are experienced in working with deaf, blind, arthritic dogs, and those with diabetes. If you have any questions, please consult your vet, who will help you decide whether there would be any adverse risk in grooming your older dog.
My dog can be aggressive when being groomed, can I bring it to the Spa?
Keeping a dog calm during the grooming process is just one of the requirements of a groomer. We understand that some dogs may have had a bad experience of grooming and now do not want or enjoy being groomed. For those who are particularly traumatized, we recommend a grooming program consisting of a series of shorter treatments where bathing and drying are undertaken at one session, nail clipping and ear cleaning at another, hair clipping at another, and so on. These should be spaced at regular intervals of 1 week to aid the training process. One of our stylists would be happy to discuss a treatment plan with you if your pet requires this service. For pooches who do not have to get over a previous bad experience but generally do not like being groomed, we will book these in under a standard treatment to determine their requirements. It is very rare to find an ungroomable dog, but if we come across any serious problems during a treatment, we will discuss them with you so we can agree on a solution together.
What if I am not happy with the service my dog receives?
If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with the treatment received, please advise within two business days so we can do our best to rectify it. Pet parents' satisfaction is important to us. We take great pride in our service and want pooch’s parents to as well.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit and debit cards, checks, CashApp, and Venmo.