It's Been One of the Worst Weeks of My Life

I don't know what's next.

A personal note below. We will be back to our regularly scheduled programming on Thursday with a post about ART that is GREAT for your home.

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I just got laid off. For the second time in two years. (It’s now the 5th layoff in my career.)

At least my hair looks good?

In December ‘23, I was laid off as Editor-in-Chief & VP of Content at a Home publication. I had the privilege of a generous severance to float us for several months. And back then, I started this little Substack as a half-hearted Plan B.

Thing is, Schmatta actually did turn into a Plan B! The CEO of a luxury cabinetry company read Schmatta, got in touch about consulting, and a few months later, she hired me as the company’s VP of Content & Creative. It was an awesome job. I loved/love this company. But the moment, 8 months in, that I got a NYT notification about Trump’s tariffs, I knew I was standing on shaky ground. Economic trouble=creatives on staff are first to go. I get it. No hard feelings.

Last week, I was let go with a small severance.

We are now weeks away from having to sell and/or rent our house and move in with family. (It’s been a privilege to be able to stay in our house and life for this long; we’re very thankful.)

Sorry to be that person right now. I know it’s boring and off-putting.

But, it would be beyond helpful if you would consider becoming a paid Schmatta subscriber. You’ll get access to Good Schmutz (my most popular monthly roundup on under-the-radar shopping and design). You’ll also be automatically entered to win a gift each month.

You just talking about Schmatta — via word of mouth or on the internet — helps me. (Maybe we can make this go viral and then I can turn into a Business Insider headline?: “She Asked Substack for Help. Now She’s Running a Viable Newsletter Business.” HAHAH as if “viable newsletter business” were three words that would ever be grouped together.)

• Interior designers (thank you for subscribing!): If you need someone to help grow your IG audience or finesse your websites/do newslettering/figure out your SEO, I’m here for you.

• Brands: If you’ve been curious about a Schmatta partnership, respond to this email and I’ll send you my media kit. Of course, if you need a brand/editorial consultant, I am available.

• Other Substackers: First of all, Design Substack: You are all so incredible and you’ve made my life so much better. Maybe consider a shoutout or something? Sorry, I really, really hate asking for that.

• Or anyone else…here’s my LinkedIn and here’s my website/portfolio. Here’s a post about all the ways you can employ my services.

In the meantime, I’ll be playing the lottery to see if we can magically pay off our mortgage! JK/notJK.

Truly, thank you for being a part of the Schmatta world.

xo,

Leo