Life-style model Refinery29 closes UK workplace and lays off journalists

US-based digital media firm Refinery29 has closed its UK operations and made an unknown variety of company-wide cuts.

The web site’s output contains content material on life-style, trend, wellness, relationships and cash. Its sub-brand Unbothered, which produces life-style content material geared toward black ladies has additionally closed its UK operation.

Refinery29 has on-line editions nonetheless operating within the US, Germany, and France. The Australian edition closed in 2024, however the web site nonetheless places out syndicated content material.

Former artwork director at Refinery29 UK Kristine Romano said on Linkedin: “After 5.5 years, my time at Refinery29 has come to an end! Alongside many of my brilliant colleagues, I’ve been made redundant – marking the closure of Refinery29 UK after ten incredible years.”

Freelance author Toluwalogo Niji-Olawepo posted: “It’s actually really painful to see Refinery29 UK and Unbothered UK come to a close. I can’t pretend this doesn’t hurt… having a story of mine published in its Unbothered section was such a full-circle moment. The platform has played a significant role—both directly and indirectly—in my growth as a writer.”

Niji-Olawepo additionally recommended editor of Unbothered L’Oréal Blackett for “amplifying the stories and voices of black women through Unbothered”.

Chanté Joseph, a contract author for Refinery29, acknowledged the closure on-line, including the “state of the media is so deeply disheartening”.

“I won’t lie, I’m worried about my future, where I go next, and what my career looks like,” she mentioned. “So many incredible publications that value the stories I have to share are shutting down. I’ve loved being in this space, but now I find myself feeling lost – as if I built my foundations on sand.”

Lauren Gordon, one other freelance for Refinery29, mentioned: “I’m honestly gutted to hear that Refinery29 UK and Unbothered are closing.

“Refinery29 was the first space in this industry where I felt safe enough to tell my own hair story…I’ll always be grateful to editors like Jacqueline Kilikita and L’Oréal Blackett, who helped bring so many ideas to life. Being even a small part of R29’s history is something I’ll always be proud of.”

She added the “loss” of Unbothered “hits hardest”, “one of the only places in UK journalism that unapologetically centred Black women and women of colour”.

“Unbothered gave visibility, community, and validation where mainstream media so often falls short,” she mentioned. “Losing it leaves a huge gap that urgently needs to be filled.”

[Read more: Managing director of lifestyle publisher Refinery29 joins Standard as CEO]

A spokesperson for Refinery29 proprietor Sundial Media & Technology Group mentioned: “This is a pivotal second for Sundial Media & Technology Group as we step ahead into our extra fulsome potential as a human connections firm.

“Changes are troublesome, and we stay assured in what we’re constructing collectively.

“SMTG is main a metamorphosis in media, one the place know-how amplifies, not replaces, human creativity.

“We’re coming into a brand new period as Refinery29 turns 20 years outdated. We’ll proceed to serve her communities throughout Somos, Unbothered, and Beautycon.

“Our mission has always been to deepen connection, and together we are adapting to change and defining it with innovation, integrity, and purpose.”

Refinery29 was purchased by Vice Media Group in 2020, but it surely was offered to SMTG in 2024.

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