When Monroe Alvarez walks into a space, you feel her energy before she even speaks—warm, open, full of life. She's a photographer by trade, but that barely scratches the surface. Monroe is the founder of Koko Momo Kids, co-founder of GRLSWRL, and author of The Kids Table cookbook. She’s also a mother, a partner, and someone who turns everyday moments into something beautiful.
We had the joy of spending a slow morning in her Los Angeles home, where we talked about creativity, chaos, and what home really means.
You wear so many hats—how do you balance it all?
"It’s chaos! I don’t even know how I do it all," Monroe laughs. "If I have even one minute of stillness, that’s when I go crazy. I don’t know how to sit still—which is probably why I’m always starting new businesses."
One of those businesses was GRLSWRL, a women-led skate collective that Monroe co-founded on her 30th birthday. "At some point, I had my kid and my own brands to focus on, so I stepped away from the day-to-day, but I’m still proud to be a co-founder."
More recently, Monroe published The Kids Table, a project she holds close. "I didn’t create any of the recipes—I interviewed 22 families and photographed them in their homes. Honestly, I’ve never been more proud of any body of work in my life."
Favorite Slowtide product at the moment?
"Always the bath towels. We love them. My favorite is the Mate towel—it makes the bathroom feel so nice."
What does 'home' mean to you?
"Being with my husband and my kid. I grew up in so many different houses that I’m not super attached to the physical space. It’s more about who’s in it, and what we create together."
What do you want your child to remember about growing up here?
"Our house is always full of people. I think our kid is going to remember being surrounded by loved ones. It’s kind of an open door policy — people are always coming in, staying over, having dinners. This space isn’t forever, but the memories we make here are what matter."
At your core, how would you describe what you do?
"At the end of the day, I’m a photographer. That’s my passion, that’s what I love. It allows me to explore all these other avenues. I shoot everything for my brands, and it’s how I tell stories. It’s my superpower."
Follow Monroe on Instagram here, and explore more of her world through Kokomomo Kids, The Kids Table, and GRLSWRL.
