Modern Homemakers

Raymond and Mia Lauchengco: Making Room For Change

by Thea Arvisu
February 16, 2022

In that time of uncertainty and unexpected shifts, Mia and Raymond Lauchengco makes room in their home for change.

At the onset of the pandemic, plans were derailed. Parents everywhere scratched their heads at the endless list of new arrangements that had to be made. But Mia and Raymond Lauchengco took it all in stride, focusing on their wellbeing, family, and well-informed choices that would alter the course of their careers.

Lifestyle changes incoming

“We decided to homeschool the kids, so we had to convert my office into a classroom,” Mia begins. She continues, “It’s a new environment for everyone, so we give a lot of leeway for adjustments— both for the kids and for ourselves as homeschooling parents.” The mother of two also shares that while the kids do bicker from time to time, being together around the clock has only made them closer.

“Because children weren’t allowed out, we would take long drives with them, buy takeout, and picnic in an empty parking lot— such a simple thing, but so much fun for all of us,” Mia shares. It’s a hat trick many parents since 2020 have pulled to help address bouts of cabin fever.

Work life changes

As for work, the So True Naturals founder describes how the pandemic forced their hand at making game-changing pivot. The brand’s in-person workshops were redesigned by Mia and her team as digital events. They were well-received by clients. They’ve also expanded to workshops beyond soap-making.

Raymond, who is director and live performer, had pending work disappear in just a matter of days. After much deliberation, he then turned to another form of art, which proved restorative and healing. Mia explains, “He made use of his hands, working on wood, resins, and mending ceramics. I have not seen him more relaxed and calm than in the last one-and-a-half years.”

Works by Raymond went on exhibit online under a show entitled, Unbroken. Shortly after, Mia asked him to design an online Kintsugi workshop. Mia adds, ‘Now, he’s got a great online community of like-minded people who enjoy mindful mending and creating art.”

Raymond and Mia’s Home Transformation

Home is witness to how the family as a unit has managed to acclimatize, adapt and adjust to the times. Like its dwellers, it too, has undergone its own transformation to make room for shifts fueled by creativity. Mia declares, “I think we are the outliers in this pandemic. We love spending time at home, with each other, and with the kids. So in that sense, the lockdown has been a blessing. I feel like we’ve thrived as individuals and as a family.“