Our story
This is us
Over the past three decades, we’ve collectively traveled to more than 40 countries, gathering inspiration from the people, cultures, and places we encounter. We believe in the art of slow travel—taking the time to look more closely, immerse ourselves in local culture, and connect with the spirit of each place we visit.
As an artist, Laurie has long explored the connection between art and place, drawing inspiration from her travels, particularly in Mexico, which has profoundly influenced her creative practice. Through her work with cyanotype and natural materials, she captures the colors, textures, and spirit of the places she encounters. This perspective shapes the creative experiences at Raahi Atelier, inviting women to engage with each destination more deeply and discover new ways of seeing the world around them.
Having lived around the world, Sonia brings a deep curiosity about places and the people who make them special. She loves looking beyond the obvious to discover hidden gems, local favorites, and meaningful experiences that offer a deeper understanding of a destination. With a gift for planning and an eye for detail, she brings each journey together with care, creating thoughtfully curated experiences that feel both seamless and unexpected.
LAURIE
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF ARTS
lauriebuman.com
SONIA
CO-FOUNDER & CURATOR OF EXPERIENCESHow Raahi Atelier came to life
Raahi Atelier was born from friendship, shared experience, and a deep understanding of what it means to rebuild yourself.
We met as mothers on a school playground—two women balancing full lives, careers, and the quiet, constant demands of caring for others. What began as casual conversations quickly became something more. We found ourselves navigating similar chapters of life, including the unexpected and painful unraveling of our marriages. In that season, we leaned on each other.
Through honest conversations, vulnerable moments, and unwavering support, we began to heal—not just as individuals, but alongside other women in our lives who were also searching for steadiness, space, and a return to self.
We came to understand something deeply: women are often the ones who hold everything together. We give our time, our energy, our care to our children, our work, our relationships. But in the process, we can lose connection with our own inner wisdom. Raahi was created from that knowing.
We believe that even a short time away—a pause, a shift in environment—can be enough to revive and nurture the woman within. Not as an escape, but as a return. A way to reconnect with yourself so you can move through life more fully, more grounded, and more present.
Because when a woman feels connected to herself, everything around her changes. She shows up differently—as a mother, a partner, a friend—but most importantly, as herself.
What started as two women supporting each other, over a decade ago, has grown into something larger: an intention to create a space where women can gather, create, and find a way back to who they are.
Raahi Atelier is that space.