It’s always about the people you meet along the way!
Meet Designer Lyla Moll, Owner + Chief Curator of Jo & Rose whose amazing eye for objects of style + vibe elevates any home. You may remember her original downtown Huntington Beach. shop, Milk Money, which carried the same essence…emanating from a place of creativity.
We are honored to share a glimpse below-the-surface with this Proust inspired questionnaire:
★★★
Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
I was born in Queens, NYC, and later moved around various parts of L.A. County. I also spent some of my childhood summers in Costa Rica, which holds a special place in my heart. Eventually, we settled in Huntington Beach during my high school years. As a young girl, I always dreamed of living by the ocean—I’m grateful that dream came true.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I loved spending time cooking and cleaning with my mom. Homemaking brought me so much joy even as a child—it felt creative, grounding, and full of love.
Was there a moment or person in your youth who inspired your path into design?
Definitely my beautiful mom. At the time, I didn’t realize I was falling in love with design. She constantly reimagined our home—moving furniture from one room to another, bringing outdoor elements inside, all on a tight budget. Somehow, she always made our house feel fresh and warm. I learned early on how to be creative and resourceful.
Any funny or memorable early-day stories from your design journey?
Oh, yes! In the early days, I loaded a dresser into my truck for an install, thinking I had packed it up perfectly. When I arrived at the job site, I realized all the drawers were missing. I hadn’t secured them properly—and later found them scattered along the street, right near where I started. Lesson learned!
Have you always dreamed of having your own shop?
Yes—and I have my husband to thank for believing in me from the start. He’s my number one fan and biggest supporter. Years ago, I worked as a merchandiser at Anthropologie in my late 20s. That role opened a whole new world for me—I fell in love with storytelling through visual design, pairing vintage with modern, high with low. Two years ago, the opportunity finally came up to open a shop, and we took the leap.
Why the name Jo & Rose?
I wanted the name to carry a piece of my heart. Jo & Rose is named after my daughters’ middle names Nina Jo and Georgina Rose. They are everything to me—my heart, my muses, and my greatest joy.
What unique perspectives have you gained through curating your shop?
I’ve learned that beauty lies in intentionality. The most meaningful spaces aren’t filled with things—they’re filled with soul. Curating has taught me to look for pieces that tell a story, evoke emotion, and spark connection.
What’s the most important thing to remember when collecting for your home?
Stay true to yourself. Trends come and go, and it’s easy to get swept up in them. When I bring something home—whether it’s from a trip or a day out with my girls—I ask: Do I love this? Will it last? Is it functional? I’m not a fan of clutter or novelty items. Thoughtfulness matters.
What are your most marked design characteristics?
I love mixing high and low—an antique next to a flea market find, or a luxe textile paired with a handmade piece. I don’t believe you have to spend a fortune to create something beautiful. A home should feel like you—approachable, warm, and soulful.
What is your most treasured possession?
My photo albums. I have boxes of them in the attic and love flipping through them. I stopped printing photos once the iPhone came along, and honestly, I miss it. I’d love to get back to printing and preserving those memories in a tangible way.
Are you the chef at home? If so, what’s your secret ingredient?
Yes, I love to cook—especially with my mom. We add cilantro to just about everything. We rarely follow recipes to the letter—we always add our own spin and cook from the heart.
What’s your favorite part of a dinner party?
It’s pure joy for me. I love setting the table—choosing flowers, candles, linens. I want every guest who walks in to feel loved, welcomed, and inspired.
If you could dine with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Frida Kahlo. She’s endlessly fascinating and deeply inspiring—raw, creative, bold, and unafraid to be herself.
What is your idea of happiness?
When I’m with my daughters and my husband—traveling, cooking, laughing. They are my inspiration and my center.
If you could try another profession, what would it be?
A singer! Unfortunately, I have the worst singing voice. In high school, my choir teacher actually asked me to lip-sync. (I won’t name names!)
Who are your real-life heroes?
My mom. She’s an eternal optimist who always finds the good in everything. She truly makes lemonade out of lemons—always.
Have you read or watched anything inspiring lately?
Notes to John and anything by Joan Didion. Her writing is thoughtful, raw, and timeless.
★★★
We are honored to collaborate with Designer + Shopkeeper Lyla Moll on our super fun (& delicious) lark communal dinner party—Saturday 7/26/25—at the cool + moody Jo & Rose in Huntington Beach w/the humble Chef Matthew Roberts.
We kicked off the evening with you-shisho-cutecumber cocktails… mingled amongst the curated objects , connected with friends old + new (oooh my family knows your family!), delighted in the carefully assembled farm to table culinary offerings, and—best of if all—partook in the (lost) art of conversation.Â
We are grateful to the curious + adventurous who made their way to our communal table — taking the opportunity to connect / restore / replenish — to make this an evening to remember. We can’t wait to do it again!Â
Modern. Organic. Inspirational. Social Dining.
Thank you for coming on a lark with us!
★★★