At noon, Gabrielle Ybarzabal is usually in motion. She’s a creative who recently stepped out of the 9 to 5 marketing world and into the rhythm of freelance life. These days she splits her time between client shoots, social media management, and planning the next place she wants to land. Her work centers on telling stories for Austin-based and nonlocal brands, but her daydreams stretch far beyond the city.
Gabrielle is the kind of person who collects matchbooks, books flights on instinct, and follows sidequests just to see where they lead. Group travel has shaped her in ways she keeps coming back to. Seven international group trips later, she’s still chasing the magic of connection and newness. She believes a good life should feel big and fun, and she’s building one that matches that vision. Next summer she’s even leading a girls group trip to Portugal.
What we found her doing at noon
If you walked into her world at noon today, you’d probably find her seated by a window in a downtown coffee shop. She’d be editing client content, iced coffee close by, with Pinterest open whenever she needs a spark. It’s the hour where her creative instincts settle into focus.
Her midday reset
A long walk. Fresh air. A podcast or audiobook that lets her mind soften a little. That small break resets her attention and brings her back to the work with more clarity.
What she’s romanticizing right now
Change. The pivot itself. She’s leaning into the unknown with curiosity rather than fear. There is something exciting about not having everything figured out yet, and she’s letting that excitement lead her.
If her camera roll had a “Noon” folder
It would be packed with client videos, iced coffee photos, and plane window shots. She insists there is no such thing as too many of those. Each one is a reminder of why she chose this path.
What she keeps close around noon
A digital camera and sometimes a film camera. Spearmint gum. Lip liner and gloss. Her notes app is full of journal pages, half-formed captions, content ideas, and goals for the life she is building. It’s a mix of the practical and the aspirational.
The mindset carrying her through the day
Everything is always working out. Confidence first, even when she has to give herself a nudge. Trusting the process has been the anchor that keeps her moving.
Her afternoon mood
Balanced. Creative. A little dreamy. Open to inspiration.
Where she feels most like herself
Out in the world. Meeting people. Exploring new cities. She gains energy from connecting with others, and every new place gives her a clearer sense of what excites her.
What her noon self would tell her 9AM self
