In Her Shoes: The Woman Who Gives More Than She Gets Featuring Lauren Giordanella

Where did 2025 go? I swear I blinked and the year flew by. As I reflect on the past twelve months, one of my favorite parts of being an entrepreneur is the incredible women I’ve met along the way. Through events and community connections, I’ve crossed paths with so many inspiring women—but one who has had a lasting impact on my small business journey is Lauren Giordanella.

I first met Lauren in 2022 when I was just getting my footwear business off the ground. I was working on a business plan for a New York Public Library Business Plan Competition and needed guidance to make sure I was on the right track. Through a simple phone call, we connected—and that conversation turned into years of support, mentorship, and friendship. Lauren has helped connect me with business lenders such as Kiva and BOC, supported my first boutique pop-up, and has always been a trusted source of advice when I needed it most.

This December, I’m proud to spotlight Lauren Giordanella for this month’s In Her Shoes feature. While I may have launched my shoe brand, it’s the support of women like Lauren that truly makes the journey possible. I’m excited to share her story—from the shoes that walk alongside her through life, to the values she stands by, as well as her passion for what she does, and her generosity in lifting others as she goes.

Tell us about your all-time favorite pair of shoes.

I am a big comfort person and I wear a lot of sneakers and flats.A few years ago, I bought my first pair of Kizik sneakers. They are regular looking sneakers but you can just slip your foot in and go. Not only are they the most comfortable sneakers I have ever owned, but they also make the shape of my foot look nice, along with my ankles. I’ve always had bigger ankles and have a challenge finding sneakers that look good because of the way the collar and tongue sit around my ankle.

2. What’s your most cherished memory in a pair of shoes?

As I mentioned, I’m all about comfort. On my wedding day I did not want to wear a heel, but I still wanted something that was elegant and beautiful. When I went to shopping, I ended up getting a pair of Badgley Mischka’s. They were and are the most beautiful, delicate pair of shoes I have ever seen. They had a pointed toe, which I love, and were studded with hundreds of sparkling crystals over the leather and mesh material. I made sure that my seamstress brought my dress up enough that the shoes were visible when I walked because I wanted to make sure everyone saw them. I also had my photographer shoot a photo just of them. They truly made me feel so glamorous.

3. Do you have a “power shoe”?

A lot of times I wear all black. I’m not very bold with my color choices for my clothing, however, when it comes to my shoes, I feel the sky is the limit. I have a lot of shoes that are animal prints or bright colors and when I was younger, I had a beautiful pair of purple, faux crocodile skin pointed kitten heels. These were one of the first pairs of shoes I bought myself, and I got them on a great sale in Nordstrom! I absolutely loved how these shoes felt on my feet and I also loved how they elevated my outfit and the way the points looked with my black pants draped over them. These were definitely my go to pair of shoes for work and to go out with. They made me feel confident and in charge.

4. Describe your shoe style in 3 words.

Fashionable, bold, and comfortable.

5. What’s the best piece of life advice you’d give to other women walking their own paths?

Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. This is a life motto of mine. As we walk our life’s path, our goal should be growth, continuous improvement, and the desire to consistently better ourselves. No one ever grew by doing the same things. We need to do what scares us and face it head on. Once we do, we learn that the fear was just built up in our minds. This is how we live lives that are fulfilling. We choose to feel our fear instead of fearing it. And then we live to find out what’s on the other side.

6. What words of wisdom would you tell your younger self—one that you now carry in your shoes today?

I would tell myself to stop comparing myself to others. I lived a lot of my younger life worrying about what my future would look like instead of living in the present. I would see what friends of mine were doing, and how their life was progressing along, and sometimes get discouraged that my life wasn’t moving as fast. But in the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I have learned that life happens at a different pace for everyone and you just have to stay focused, listen more than you speak, and don’t be afraid to say yes and take chances.

7. How do you express gratitude or give back to others during the holiday season?

I am very involved in my community and I donate to a lot of nonprofits that help provide toys, clothing, and or food to children and families who have fallen on hard times. I use this opportunity to reflect and feel gratitude for the areas of my life that I sometimes take for granted because when you help others, you realize how blessed you truly are.

8. What is the one word that sums up your year - and how would you like to carry it into the next year?

This year was truly a whirlwind. After 14 years with the same company, I finally decided to take a chance on something completely new. Even though I was scared to make the jump, I took my own advice and went for it. I am so glad that I did. This new opportunity has been challenging, but it has also brought many rewards. I am learning an entirely new professional field, and I have been fortunate to meet wonderful colleagues who have made the transition positive and easy. They have supported me every step of the way.

As I head into the new year, I want to stay committed to my path of self-growth and continue working toward becoming a master in my craft. I also want to focus on building a stronger following on my social media platforms. I truly enjoy doing food reviews and sharing pieces of my life, and I am excited to grow that part of my journey even more.

Learn more about Lauren and her journey by connecting with her on LinkedIn.