To celebrate the debut of The Everything Else Tote, created with Dusen Dusen, we’re launching Parenting &—a Q&A series spotlighting the incredible person behind the parent, in all their multitudes. Because adding ‘parent’ to the bio doesn’t shrink who you are—it multiplies it.
And the “&”? That’s where it gets good.
Meet Alyssa Rara-Luna: first-time mom &… seasoned brand leader, influencer strategist, cultural storyteller, postpartum mental health advocate—among other things.
What’s something people assumed you gave up when you had kids—but you didn’t?
I’ve heard a lot of “Oh just wait until they’re this age or that age, you won’t be doing that, or going there.” But my husband and I both agreed that (as much as possible), we want Belly to join our lives. We still go out to eat, we go to happy hour, we all just came back from France! We’re still us, but with a +1. 😉
What’s a moment from your week that no one saw—but meant everything?
My husband and I were grouchy to each other yesterday morning (broken sleep, sheer exhaustion?!) and we both came home with apology gifts. I got him pizza, he got me hydrangeas. It meant a lot to me because it felt like there was a mutual understanding that even on the hard days, we’re still choosing each other.
What do you hope your child will say about you one day—when you’re not in the room?
I hope she says her mom was strong and caring, who built a fun life full of love for her.
Keep up with Alyssa @badgalrara + grab this summer’s IT bag—The Everything Else Tote—available 6/24 on the Little Spoon Merch Store.
