Meet Gabby, our Brand Assistant at Otto + Ivy

Our lovely Gabby is celebrating her first anniversary of working at Otto + Ivy, so let's grab her for a cuppa and find out what her year has been like.

What's the most surprising this you've learnt about Otto + Ivy since working here?

How much work actually goes into creating a shoe. It’s definitely not just a case of sketching a design and sending it off to be made. There’s an incredible amount of detail, testing and refinement involved in getting it 100% right, which I wasn’t aware of until I started working behind the scenes.

What's the most important thing you've learnt about large size feet?

Fit and proportion matter just as much as size. You can’t simply scale up a standard shoe and expect it to work. Everything, from the toe shape to heel placement, has to be designed carefully for larger feet. The whole process is way more complex than I ever imagined. It’s not quick or easy, but when it’s done right, it’s incredibly rewarding.

What's been your favourite moment?

Well of course it has to be the customer photoshoot. That moment at the end, seeing months of hard work come together and it turn out better than I ever imagined is a feeling I will never forget. Roll on the next one!Photo Shoot with Otto + Ivy customers, women with large size feet.

Do you have a favourite shoe?

Easy one for me, Sophia Berry. Burgundy and Bows = Chefs kiss!

What has changed for you in the last year? 

My confidence. I remember my first week, Laura took me to a networking event, and when I heard the words “team building exercises,” come out of the speakers mouth I just wanted the ground to swallow me up whole! My absolute worst nightmare. I got through it, but afterwards I did run outside and have a little cry. Fast forward a year, and I actually want to go back and do it all over again, because I know I have nothing to be afraid of, and who knows... I might even enjoy it! 

What's the best thing about working for Otto + Ivy? 

Well, aside from my 2-minute commute and getting to gossip and chat nonsense with my boss/friend every day, it’s just so exciting! No two days are ever the same. Living where we do (West Cornwall), opportunities are pretty limited unless you’re in farming, fishing, hospitality, or know a trade...and I’ve never been one for manual labour to be honest! Laura’s always concocting the next crazy plan for us, which keeps me on my toes…but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What has it taught you about the shoe industry? 

Aside from the amount of work that goes into every pair, the possibilities are just endless. I never really considered myself much of a shoe person before. I usually had just one or two pairs I lived in and thought nothing of it. Now, I’m a bit obsessed! Even though I can’t wear Otto + Ivy (it’s no secret I’m a mere 5ft with size 3 feet), I’m always on the prowl for other options. Everywhere I go, I find myself checking out other people’s shoes, and the shoe sections in shops are always the first places I head to.

What are your hopes for Otto + Ivy?

While I love our little two-person team, it would be amazing one day to welcome someone else into our weird and wonderful world of shoes… maybe even a new office! But in all seriousness, I care deeply about Otto + Ivy, and in just one year, which has absolutely flown by (time really does fly when you’re having fun, as cliche as that sounds), I’ve already seen how much impact we can have. I’d love for it to become the go-to brand globally for large-size footwear.
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