We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Baerg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Bella used to be an all black dog, she’s pretty white especially in the face now that she’s 14, and I felt like she needed some really fun, bright, happy accessories that showed off her personality. I went to the big chain pet stores and didn’t find anything I liked. All the accessories were drab in color and only came in a couple designs. I decided being a crafty and artistic person that I would figure out how to make her accessories. I started making Bella’s accessories and was extremely surprised when friends and strangers were asking where I got them and said that they wanted some too! After that I started making them for friends dogs and decided from there to start doing pop up events and see what happened and it kind of took off from there.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets Bella B’s BARK-ery apart from other businesses is that I make all the accessories I sell myself! I do occasionally have help with cutting materials during busy seasons but everything is made by me. I also do all the shipping, emailing, shopping, photographing, social media, etc. I am also very proud that most all of my materials come from other small businesses and manufacturers here in the United States.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to take friends to my favorite open space which is Franklin Canyon. It has lots of different options from just taking a stroll around the lake to hikes all over the mountain. I also love to laugh so I would definitely take them to see some comedians at The Comedy Store, I used to be a regular there when I did stand up comedy years ago. I would also like to take them to see random landmarks like the witch house in Beverly Hills and the building where they filmed The Office (if they were fans of course!)

Some of my favorite places to eat are Garden Cafe in Sherman Oaks for breakfast. They have a beautiful dog friendly patio and lot’s of good stuff to choose from. Lunch would definitely be to pick up from NOHO Cafe, this place hands down has the best Mediterranean food in the valley!! Seriously you need to go here. It’s not much from the outside but everything is delicious and try the lentil soup it is fantastic!!! Dinner and drinks would be at The Fat Dog in No Ho. The have a really fun eclectic menu with lots of unique dishes and specialty drinks and it’s dog friendly on the patio! If my friends were beer fans I would take the to Hand Brewed Beer in Chatsworth. They have a amazing selection of beers and yes you can bring your dog! Do you see a themes here? haha

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom! My mom is by far my biggest cheerleader. She is always encouraging me and she’s a big promoter of my business. My mom also comes and helps me at most events I am at. I am so thankful for her!

Website: www.bellabbarkery.com

Instagram: @bellabbarkery

Twitter: twitter.com/bellabbarkey

Facebook: facebook.com/bellabbarkery

Image Credits
1st photo of Bella and I by Lasaundra D Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.