Jen Atkin is sadly saying goodbye to California after the devastating fires.
Earlier this month, the 44-year-old celeb hairstylist, who has worked with the Kardashian-Jenners, Hailey Bieber, and Chrissy Teigen, revealed that she and husband Mike Rosenthal‘s home was destroyed by the Pacific Palisades fires.
In an update shared on her Instagram Story on Wednesday (January 22), Jen announced that she and Mike, 48, have decided to move out of California to Seattle, Washington with their two young kids, son River, 3, and daughter Sloane, 2, and their three kids.
Keep reading to find out more…“How we’re doing…2 weeks in – I’ve been going btwn ‘loss’ and ‘lucky’ all day every day. The adrenaline + my sisters help got our family to a hotel, clean air + finally safety in Seattle,” Jen started. “I just needed to get the kids and dogs to safety, and act quickly. It then became overwhelming survivors guilt leaving our city we love and not being on the group to help, questioning if we were making the right decision.”
“Then came intense fatigue where ordering dinner, supplies, or clothes felt impossible. In that moment food, clothes, toys, and my mom showed up at our door,” she continued. “Within hours we were bombarded with insurance questions, we needed to hurry and get a lease, we needed to find an architect for plans to submit quickly if we want to rebuild. It’s all so manic and you can’t think straight. As this was happening the stories of families displaced flooded our screens and hearts.”
The OUAI founder went on, “Navigating this thru tears with friends, neighbors, and Mike’s 86yr old father who all had homes destroyed has been emotionally draining. We all are still in such disbelief. So many displaced – so much unknown – their dreams and plans just gone. Then the anger creeped in. How the f*ck did our city burn to the ground? How did so many lose so much so quickly? How were so many friends panicked and evacuated all over LA? How were we not prepared? How do we heal so many broken hearts? How we all ever feel safe again?”
“I needed to find my courage and resilience. I’m not a panicker. I deep down always trust my instinct and have a plan – but I felt lost. How do I mom, show up for my husband and his pain? It all felt impossible,” Jen wrote. “Then I slowly read all of the love pouring in from texts and DMs and learned to accept help so I could show up for others. I was navigating for the first time without my dad – my ultimate protector. Dad would have reminded me how blessed our family was and encouraged me to get to work trying to help in anyway I could. This is one of the few things I loved about growing up Mormon – help thy neighbor.”
She continued, “I’m so proud of the helpers that showed up and will continue to show up for LA. I’m moved by the teams at Highlights, OUAI, and Mane that mobilized swiftly and got supplies to those who needed it.”
“So we’ve decided Seattle is home. We’re going to slowly find drs, schools, and build community here,” Jen shared. “We’ve been coming for 3yrs and have so many special spots we love and are finding gratitude in this unplanned pivot.”
“I’m excited for my LA commute to the offices and will continue to use my platform to help rebuild and heal the great city of Los Angeles,” Jen wrote. “It’s made so many of mine and Mike’s dreams come true and we will forever be in her debt.”
She added, “As one of many many fire victims I personally am happy to see everyone moving forward and finding joy and laughter and making things feel normal again. Thank you to friends, clients, and brands who have offered housing and supplies. We felt so loved and we are OK. I’ve lost faith in our leadership but gained so much love for community. As time goes on and the news moves on lets keep the areas in need in our arms as people look to rebuild from scratch.”
“We truly only have each other in disasters. Thank you again for the love and concern and one last thing,” Jen concluded. “We are in our extreme weather area. These aren’t natural disasters – let’s call them what they are. They’re climate led disasters. Big love to @watchdutyapp. Stay prepared for anything guys. Get your @readysetjudy kits. Don’t rely on fireproof boxes as our fired thru glass and metal. These big decisions being made for profit effect us all eventually. Stay ready. And to those who have been thru fire disaster that reached out – thank you for your insight and perspective. It helped so much. I love you Malibu.”
Jen Atkin sadly isn’t the only star to lose their home in the fires still blazing across Southern California.