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# I got laid off... and it changed everything
- URL: https://www.gabriellas-edit.com/i-got-laid-off-and-it-changed-everything/
- Published: 2026-04-20T19:58:11.000Z
- Updated: 2026-04-20T19:58:11.000Z
- Description: Life lately: a reset, a haircut, and everything falling into place
- Author: Gabriella Quansah
- Tags: #newsletter, Issues, #Import 2026-08-28 20:13

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/4005762f-90ff-4c7f-8200-1835e2493169/Amazon_Signature_Template_1.png?t=1776659065)

## What’s got me thinking this week:

*The “detour” might actually be the main road.*

## THIS WEEK’S EDIT:

## I got laid off… and it changed everything

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/a2db0a8b-934e-4b16-a6e6-18d8c09c5428/Tezza-7765.JPG?t=1776705874)

I don’t think I’ve ever fully shared this story, but it’s one of those moments that completely changed the trajectory of my life.

After working at an agency, my goal was always to go in-house. I finally landed a role at LendingTree and was *so* excited — new job, solid salary, back in the Bay, everything felt like it was falling into place.

But if I’m being honest… it felt off from the start. I wasn’t getting much work, I felt underutilized, and I couldn’t really figure out where I fit.

Then about two months in, we got a new CMO… and shortly after that, I got *the* calendar invite. You know the one.

CMO + HR = never good.

I remember being so nervous, sitting there with my boyfriend (now husband🥲) visiting from SoCal, just thinking… please don’t let this be what I think it is.

And then it happened. I got laid off.

I was honestly crushed. It felt like I had *finally* made it out of agency life, and just like that… gone. And to make it worse — it was October. Aka the worst possible time to be job hunting.

But something in me just flipped.

I got LinkedIn Premium by the end of the day LOL and treated finding a job like it *was* my job. Every day applying, networking, interviewing.

I interviewed at Adobe in two rounds… and didn’t hear back. I had also made it to the final round at Smartly…and got denied. And I had really thought I’d nailed that one.

At that point I was like, okay cool… love this for me🙃

And then, right before Thanksgiving, I randomly got a call. Adobe. One-year contract role.

Not what I expected… but I took the leap. Well it wasn’t really a leap but you just never know with contract jobs.

And it changed everything.

That one contract turned into a full-time role, a team I love, a career I’m genuinely proud of…and honestly, the life I have now.

I remember thinking “why me?” when I got laid off. But looking back, it redirected me exactly where I was supposed to go.

It’s cheesy, but it’s true — everything really does happen for a reason.

**Quick takeaways if you’re in it right now:**

- Feeling underutilized is a red flag, trust it
- Treat job hunting like a full-time job (it works)
- Rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough, it just means not *that* path
- The “detour” might actually be the main road

[![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/2e97677e-addf-4ae1-a6f6-28b955384707/Tezza-0499.JPG?t=1776705896)](https://www.labicycletterestaurant.com/?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

## WHAT I WORE

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/50429313-583c-48ee-a820-a481b15ca2fc/IG_MIXED_WeddingGetReady_Apr19_1.png?t=1776661249)

[*Link to my outfit*](https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4901053?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

**This week was very “cool girl neutrals meets effortless everyday.” Think browns, soft layers, and pieces you can throw on but still look put together.**

### **Bonus Favorite Pieces**

Shiny Vinyl Jackets

I got so many compliments on these the last few weeks! LOL - they look like I might stick to someone but linking them here!🙂

- [Sage Green Vinyl Jacket](https://go.shopmy.us/p-53727178?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Burgundy Vinyl Jacket](https://go.shopmy.us/p-53727099?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

### **All Khaki In NYC**

It’s that perfect mix of structured and relaxed — tailored enough to feel elevated, but still super wearable for everyday.

*Everything linked here:*  
👉*[ShopMy](https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4807113?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)*

### **Favorite Amazon Sneakers**

I’m big on building outfits around a great pair of sneakers right now, especially when I want something that can go from running around during the day to grabbing a casual dinner.

*Everything linked here:*  
👉[*Amazon Storefront*](https://www.amazon.com/shop/gabriiellas15/list/S6PGFGOCGOID?ref%5F=aipsflist&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/887db7a6-3398-4e71-a1dd-bf5b9516425e/IG_MIXED_NYCKhakiFit_Apr13_3.png?t=1776702837)

LMK what outfits you want to see next!

## MY FIRST HAIRCUT IN 10 YEARS

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/46011604-813f-4076-a816-f911bfcd2fbc/IG_MIXED_FirstHaircut10Yrs_Apr_17_1.png?t=1776661441)

### ✂️ My first haircut in 10 years

I wish I was kidding… I’ve literally been cutting my own hair this entire time😭

Finally went to Kitty and I’m never going back. We did long layers and it feels SO much lighter, healthier, and just… put together.

Also using the Oribe strengthening + detangling line right now and it’s actually insane.

And I went back to model for extensions sooo stay tuned for those fire pics next week👀

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/f4a0348e-7e66-4bf7-be9e-2d7853fc09ed/IG_MIXED_FirstHaircut10Yrs_Apr_17_12.png?t=1776661494)

Show off the hair!

### **Favorite Products**

- Oribe Detangling Line - basically anything in the blue bottles! (So good for smooth, healthy, shiny hair) →*[Link here](https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4785268?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)*
- Mane Heated Round Brush (Makes styling so easy, a DIY blowout that can be done with dry hair! And is dummy proof for girlies like ME!) →[](https://www.sephora.com/product/mane-it-s-giving-body-medium-hot-round-brush-P510707?om%5Fmmc=aff-linkshare-redirect-8yaPBDQV8ls&c3ch=Linkshare&c3nid=8yaPBDQV8ls&affid=8yaPBDQV8ls-jwZe5mvERL%5FIhWcn4DuvWg&ranEAID=8yaPBDQV8ls&ranMID=2417&ranSiteID=8yaPBDQV8ls-jwZe5mvERL%5FIhWcn4DuvWg&ranLinkID=10-1&browserdefault=true&skuId=2768182&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)[*Link here*](https://www.sephora.com/product/mane-it-s-giving-body-medium-hot-round-brush-P510707?om%5Fmmc=aff-linkshare-redirect-8yaPBDQV8ls&c3ch=Linkshare&c3nid=8yaPBDQV8ls&affid=8yaPBDQV8ls-jwZe5mvERL%5FIhWcn4DuvWg&ranEAID=8yaPBDQV8ls&ranMID=2417&ranSiteID=8yaPBDQV8ls-jwZe5mvERL%5FIhWcn4DuvWg&ranLinkID=10-1&browserdefault=true&skuId=2768182&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

### **The vibe**

Light, easy, breezy everything. Less heavy styling, more natural movement — hair that feels soft, touchable, and just falls right.

Healthy, glossy, a little undone in the best way.

Also obsessed with the [texturizing spray](https://go.shopmy.us/p-53756833?ref=gabriellas-edit.com) and [hair spray](https://go.shopmy.us/p-53756770?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)(the black bottles🙂!)

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/4d7263cc-e1cb-4388-93fb-7252293d497d/IG_MIXED_FirstHaircut10Yrs_Apr_17_10.png?t=1776702980)

Show off the hair!

## **WHERE I WENT**

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/3bac710c-cc13-4d84-8fc9-6b1a67fb525b/Tezza-0673.JPG?t=1776704548)

The Madrona

### Very light restaurant week for me… but one that *did* hit:

### The Madrona - Restaurant (again… and worth it)

I mentioned [this last week](https://www.gabriellas-edit.com/weekend-escapes-you-ll-actually-want-to-book) as a getaway spot, but we actually went for dinner and it was SO good. One of those places that feels like an experience, not just a meal.

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/d6f32f4c-6068-4b09-b641-53dcea2e5351/Tezza-2644.JPG?t=1776704585)

The Madrona

### **A Few More Spots To Add To Your List**

### **SF / Bay Area**

**Jou Jou’s**  
This new cozy, intimate spot feels like a hidden gem. Perfect for a slower dinner where you actually want to sit, chat, and enjoy the food.

**Tsunami Panhandle**  
Casual but consistently good. One of those easy go-to spots when you want something reliable but still hits every time. Feels like you’re back in Japan at a local spot.

**Goldenette**  
Super cute, aesthetic, and feels very “day date turned into dinner.” All the funky pink is perfect for a girls brunch! But the boys can enjoy too!

*👉*[*Live list here*](https://maps.app.goo.gl/pzwMsgD4xdoZEBBJ6?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

****NYC**

**The Commerce Inn**  
Classic, cozy, and feels like stepping into something timeless. Perfect for a slower, more intimate dinner but what I really go here for are the PANCAKES!

**Bar Pisellino**  
One of my favorite NYC stops. Espresso martinis, aperitivo energy, and just the best people-watching.

**Schmuck.**  
A little edgier, very downtown energy. Feels cool without trying too hard — ideal for drinks that turn into a whole night.

*👉*[*Live list here*](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BNMgyH6sdwYuNXKf9?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

****LA**

**Seco**  
Clean, modern, and very LA in the best way. Feels like a spot you go to feel put together and have a really good meal.

**Force of Nature**  
More low-key but cool and has the best views in the summer. Great for when you want something quality-driven without the full scene.

**Berenjak**  
Always a hit. Warm, lively, and perfect for sharing a bunch of plates with friends — one of those meals that turns into a whole night. And the candlelit vibes are very me coded lol.

*👉*[*Live list here*](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7xo6b13fJZhLtVR8A?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

## HIS EDIT

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/8a39f140-7917-4993-8a23-b89397d23974/IMG_8039.jpeg?t=1776708717)

[👉](https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4909883?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)[*Shop his picks*](https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4909883?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

## **PAAK’S PICKS**

OFF-DUTY BUT PUT TOGETHER

Mexico City sightseeing and it ended up being the perfect look for the day — relaxed, comfortable, but still looked really put together.

### What he wore

- [Cream LA Dodgers Hat](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2WD8MYM?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgabr0c64-20&creativeASIN=B0D2WD8MYM&asc%5Fitem-id=amzn1.ideas.S6PGFGOCGOID&ref%5F=aip%5Fsf%5Flist%5Fspv%5Fons%5Fmixed%5Fd%5Fasin&th=1&psc=1&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Cream Tee (Abercrombie)](https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/us/p/vintage-inspired-cropped-tee-59708335?ofp=true&%24deeplink%5Fpath=product%2Fcollection%2F646532%2Fkic%2FKIC%5F124-5632-00644-175&%24og%5Fimage%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.abercrombie.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fanf%2FKIC%5F124-5632-00644-175%5Fmodel1%3Fpolicy%3Dproduct-small&%24og%5Ftitle=Classic+Polished+Cropped+Tee&%5Fbranch%5Fmatch%5Fid=1574839518381749540&%5Fbranch%5Freferrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA3WQwW6DMAyGn4beApQA3SqhaWKqNO2yw+4oBAMWgVhJGNplzz7T9bBDJ0X278TOZ3sMgfw5SVQLTjs7twixIooNLlPyFGV5B0B70JAKY0XOdqsOUXbR1hjQAe3CQZmXhcxYTKjZvr3WzTHLRVHKTKRpmefieCoO19%2F8FCw1qzPVuKMj+cwFfLZti%2F82oe3Mt360xG71bHbxiUtQAwhcPKGDTnA6EfsAIIrHU%2FogZRHJi+0pki%2FBrbBT7dDgzGV3sDgPd7Dor09cwl4t%2Fb8zNbPtwByZSNag%2FmLobUXCz8qYGz1gMFDVRnm%2FLyh952Q%2FQsey%2Fh2A1QfA4dtBD87hMjSts5sHV9UjtwY%2FNTAgc6gBAAA%3D&irclickid=UXTRryzbKxyZUEw0-8Q7LTzoUku3eQ0JQUnDUU0&ircid=11415&irmpgroupname=%22Creator+Networks%22&irgwc=1&afsrc=1&cmp=AFF%3A2340682%3Ashopmyshelf%3AONLINE%5FTRACKING%5FLINK%3AOnline+Tracking+Link&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Cropped Zip Hoodie (Abercrombie)](https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/us/p/essential-cropped-full-zip-hoodie-57732341?ofp=true&%24deeplink%5Fpath=product%2Fcollection%2F592029%2Fkic%2FKIC%5F122-5726-00067-122&%24og%5Fimage%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.abercrombie.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fanf%2FKIC%5F122-5726-00067-122%5Fprod1%3Fpolicy%3Dproduct-small&%24og%5Ftitle=Essential+Cropped+Full-Zip+Hoodie&%5Fbranch%5Fmatch%5Fid=1574839518381749540&%5Fbranch%5Freferrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA3WQ22rDMAyGnya9c5s6PdBBKKNb2dgb7Ca4jpKIOJGwHcJ2sWef3HWwiw6MDrbkT7+6GDk8rFbmAt56Gi4IS8O8dDj2q2OmNzUAp6RiE7uSPdWTjZk+W3IObEQaJdkedK4PEvRoxb69nqq11mq71zuV5%2FluryRdXH8LfSSuJu%2FKLqGz4lEa5MzzvPw7hKVBbkNHLG4KYlIAIcAY0TgldcxQq2ZyTn0iq46oRhDmvtDFZp0VZ2o4K56inyChqa1wMC3cYePQ3mFjuD5Ji3gzNv8Kq9JWEpDJof0Q5m1NKgzGuRs8YnRQPv8KyHR++pEg0TmJeEdRmL9cZSy+PDTgPY5tdfE0B%2FDlqZPx4BtKVmL7sQEAAA%3D%3D&irclickid=UXTRryzbKxyZUEw0-8Q7LTzoUku3eQxNQUnDUU0&ircid=11415&irmpgroupname=%22Creator+Networks%22&irgwc=1&afsrc=1&cmp=AFF%3A2340682%3Ashopmyshelf%3AONLINE%5FTRACKING%5FLINK%3AOnline+Tracking+Link&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Light Wash Baggy Jeans (Abercrombie)](https://go.shopmy.us/p-53753359?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)
- [Union LA Jordan 2s](https://www.flightclub.com/union-la-x-air-jordan-2-retro-sp-rattan-dn3802-200?size=10.5&gad%5Fsource=1&gad%5Fcampaignid=22748694704&gbraid=0AAAAADnrz%5F7qxzVlDuVJH5A2GsughSSlI&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

### The vibe

It’s that ideal mix of streetwear and elevated basics, with a few affordable pieces that make the whole outfit feel effortless.

The cropped hoodie + baggy denim combo keeps it casual, but the neutral tones pull everything together.

Proof that you don’t need to overthink it — just good staples styled well.

## *What I’m Loving*

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/86692c9a-e1b5-4671-9823-1d469b772053/617MBH2BJRL._AC_SL1500_.jpg?t=1776705964)

**These car freshners**  
[shop now](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D463CFT6?th=1&ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/3b11ead9-ee6e-4c42-87ed-17e0ecb096f4/71CZKHYl22L._SL1500_.jpg?t=1776706040)

**This heated round brush**  
[shop now](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKD3GX41?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/a8f0a60d-567b-455d-9d1c-65b5cdfe5237/61TVnHLQc8L._AC_SY879_.jpg?t=1776706097)

**This bathing suit**

[shop now](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GCBX72LX?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

![](https://media.beehiiv.com/uploads/asset/file/951e522c-44c4-4b07-8cd5-9c5964f573ae/Screenshot_2026-04-20_at_10.20.17_AM.png?t=1776706134)

**This magnetic gym bag**

[shop now](https://www.magneticbagcompany.com/gabriiellas?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)

## CLOSING VIBES

**A few things I’ve been into lately…**

**🍿Summer House Drama Continues…**

I didn’t think I’d still be this invested but here we are.

Ciara is [having a moment](https://www.glamour.com/story/ciara-miller-will-let-the-universe-handle-it?ref=gabriellas-edit.com) and I’m fully here for it - her publisist is clearly working overtime.

Meanwhile, Amanda and West are [trying and failing to normalize their relationship](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXR2K8aEeH6/?ref=gabriellas-edit.com).

### 👩🏽‍🍳 Next Level Chef

I’m a Gordon Ramsay girl through and through. All his shows just hit.

*[Here’s where to watch](https://www.hulu.com/series/83bba4b7-9576-4a5a-90d2-4614c62a62b7?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)* *.*🙂

### 🍦Yasso Bars

Specifically [mango](https://go.shopmy.us/p-53725034?ref=gabriellas-edit.com), [strawberry](https://go.shopmy.us/p-53725310?ref=gabriellas-edit.com), and [pistachio](https://go.shopmy.us/p-53725421?ref=gabriellas-edit.com).

They’re greek yogurt bars but taste like actual dessert and I’ve been having one every night.

*[Here’s where to buy!](https://go.shopmy.us/p-53725034?ref=gabriellas-edit.com)*🍦