We’re thrilled to spotlight a woman redefining everyday style with purpose and practicality. In this edition of In Her Shoes, we sit down with the inspiring founder of ShortyLOVE, a brand known for its beautifully designed, thoughtfully crafted bags that truly keep up with real life. From her approach to functional fashion to the philosophy behind her designs, she shares how she built a brand women trust and how she steps confidently through both business and life.

ALLY Shoes: Tell us about yourself

Sloane: Hi! My name is Sloane Gibney Grossberg and I love bags. In fact, I love bags so much, I founded my own handbag company called shortyLOVE.  Designing bags has been my life for more than two decades, starting with Marc Jacobs where I was design director for handbags and accessories. I moved on to independent design projects for big brands and it finally dawned on me that I could be designing bags for myself!

ALLY Shoes: What inspired you to start shortyLOVE?

Sloane: I became increasingly aware that something was missing from the handbag choices available to us. There were flashy bags — not very practical. And there were practical bags — generally pretty plain. Why couldn’t we have a better bag, one that looks stylish but also offers practical features that make your day easier? I set out to make that happen.

ALLY Shoes: What makes a shortyLOVE bag different from other handbags on the market?

Sloane: Three things:

1.) Softer. I sourced the most gorgeous, premium water-resistant nylon I could find to design plush bags that are sleek, incredibly lightweight, stand up to everyday use and feel so good on.

2.) Smarter. I wanted to problem-solve our days through design… sturdy, high-quality zippers, bags that open wide so you can see your stuff — with a light blush lining to help, reinforced stress points so your bag lasts, etc.

3.) More organized. I want us to be able to put our hands on what we need in a heartbeat. No more anxiously digging through our bags at the coffee shop counter, grocery store checkout or airport security line. Pockets and compartments are life-changing!

ALLY Shoes: What's one mistake you made early on that became a valuable lesson?

Sloane: Trying to do too much and then getting frustrated that I’m not superhuman. So many of us do this, right? I’ve had to learn to let go and delegate so the burden isn’t all on me — especially important when your business is growing like gangbusters. The bonus is that this allows me to do what I really love: design bags.

ALLY Shoes: Who is your ally?

Sloane: My family, for sure! I run shortyLOVE with the help of my husband, Rob, who’s a whiz at juggling the business end of things. Frequently pulled in for testing, inspiration and modeling are my sisters Blake and Quinn, who both live nearby. We bring in select, outside help only when we need it.