Our Story

Our Story: Inspired by Love, Rooted in Family

I’m Jen, the mom behind Loyal & Elvie. Inspired by my grandparents’ legacy and my experiences traveling solo with my children, I set out to create a brand that helps families connect and thrive while simplifying the chaos of travel. As someone who’s navigated airports, extended road trips, weekend getaways, and several weeks in a guest room, I know firsthand the challenges of keeping kids engaged, entertained, and screen-free on the go. Loyal & Elvie combines thoughtful design and a heartfelt mission to make family adventures more joyful - for kids, parents, and everyone along for the ride.

Loyal & Elvie isn’t just a name—it’s a love story that grew a family. My grandparents, Loyal and Elvie, raised four boys on a Nebraska farm in the ‘60s and ‘70s, long before “screen time limits” were even a thing. Their home, though small, was always full. full of people, laughter, and enough cousins to start a football team.

Loyal was the steady, strong, silent type, while Elvie was small but mighty, the kind of nurturing presence who would drive me and my friends all over town without complaint. Their kitchen table was where the magic happened: meals, Wheel of Fortune, and my favorite, game after game of pitch. Let me tell you, if you play pitch with my family, you’d better bring your A-game. It’s a love language, but it’s also war. Shoot for the Moon. IYKYK. 😉

Their farm was where work ethic met imagination, a place where their boys learned to care for animals, explore the land, and turn simple toys into grand adventures. They didn’t travel much as a family, but they poured their creativity into raising self-sufficient, resourceful kids. Those values are alive and well today, trickling down to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Honestly, when I look at our big, loud family now, I think, “Wow. All of this started with the love of two people.” 

Fast forward to me: a mom trying to wrangle my kids through airports and road trips, usually solo, and praying they don’t turn into those kids. You know the ones—the mid-flight meltdown kid, their parents furiously shushing, and rocking, conjoling and consoling while their fellow travelers sneak glances and share tight lipped smiles.  I wanted to keep my kids entertained, off screens, and engaged with the world around them. While also preventing myself from becoming "that mom" That’s where Loyal & Elvie was born.

Our Kids Travel Bag is designed with all the things I wish I’d had during those “oh no, we're already out of cheerio's" moments. Durable vinyl, removable inserts for easy cleaning, a water bottle holder, and my personal favorite, sides that unzip to create a full 180-degree play space. It’s perfect for little hands to dig in and create their own adventure, while letting me take a deep breath knowing they’re occupied and (fingers crossed) not disturbing anyone else on the plane. Or if we're talking road trips, their sibling in the seat next to them.

At its heart, Loyal & Elvie is more than a brand. It’s about connection, creativity, and celebrating the moments we share as a family—no matter how big or small. I think my grandparents would be proud to see their values alive in this venture, though they’d probably side-eye the whole “risky business” thing. They were from the Depression era, after all.