We had the good fortune of connecting with Irene Montantes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irene, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There was a need in a community, I could not turn away because I knew I had the resources and capacity to help. Also, what really pushed me to pursue LA Baby Cooperative was that the need was and still is for mothers and infants, specifically for migrant and Indigenous families who often get overlooked.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets Los Angeles Baby Cooperative apart from others is that we are not just an organization that provides infant necessities. We are a cooperative of mothers who once struggled, for some cooperative organizers they are still struggling. We understand what it’s like to be in need of help. This makes us work harder and treat the community that comes to our distribution with dignity and respect. Through the co-op we have learned what it truly means to be in community and how to uplift your neighbors, through strategizing to figure out how to overcome our hardships and how to find resources to help our circumstances.

Los Angeles Baby Cooperative has maintained relationships in the community we serve, coming together in times of need and building relationships to act as a family unit. These were traditions that existed with many Indigenous Peoples before colonization. We are bringing back old traditions. We believe the way we run our program not just helps our community, it brings healing to the community and a sense of belonging.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my mother Christine Harris! My little brother and I grew up in a low-income home, however, we got to see a mom who through it all managed to help others through small acts. I had the opportunity, through her, to see what it was like to have a heart for others. I matured into a woman who grew compassion and love for community. Now I get to show my children what it means to help at a larger capacity.

Website: lababycooperative.org

Instagram: Cooperativa para Bebés de LA – @lababycooperative

Facebook: Facebook.com/LABabyCooperative/

Image Credits
Pictures taken by Los Angeles Baby Cooperative Organizers

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.