Today we’d like to introduce you to Talia Cohanim.
Hi Talia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We started Carlyle Avenue in 2013, born from a shared passion for home design and thoughtful living. As sisters—Roxane and Talia Cohanim—we grew up around our family’s B2B home décor business, where we learned the ins and outs of the industry from a young age. That early exposure to design sparked our curiosity and showed us the power of thoughtful details—how small touches could completely transform a room. Guided by the values we were raised with—family, creativity, and care—we felt inspired to bring that experience directly to consumers and share what we’d learned with a new audience through a more personal, curated lens.
Our family immigrated to the U.S. after fleeing Iran, and building this business has been a true first-generation journey—fueled by hard work, resilience, and the dream of creating something lasting. We launched Carlyle Avenue online with just a handful of products and a desire to build something of our own. Over time, we expanded our catalog, curated vendors from around the world, and shaped a distinct point of view rooted in quality and care. In 2018, we opened our first in-person retail experience—a 300-square-foot pop-up at Westfield Century City.
What started as a small shop has since grown into a full brick-and-mortar destination, where guests can explore our collection in person—from glassware and gifts to candles, barware, and seasonal décor.
Today, Roxane has gone on to pursue her work as a therapist, though she still advises the brand. I have been here since the beginning, continuing to lead Carlyle Avenue as it grows and evolves. Our younger sister, Sami, has since joined as Director of Experience, bringing a fresh perspective and helping us shape both the in-store and online experience with intention and care.
Through every chapter, our mission has stayed the same: to make everyday spaces feel a little more beautiful—and to help people celebrate the art of giving.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not—but it’s been a journey we’re really proud of. Since launching Carlyle Avenue, we’ve had to adapt and evolve constantly. We’ve been in three different locations within Westfield Century City, and while each move brought new opportunities, it also came with its own set of challenges.
From building foot traffic from scratch to helping customers find us (again and again), it’s taken creativity, persistence, and a lot of signage. But each space has taught us something—about our brand, our community, and how to keep showing up with intention and care.
Online hasn’t been easy either. As a small, independent brand, competing with large retailers and navigating the ever-changing world of digital marketing has been tough. From SEO headaches and platform changes to the daily realities of shipping logistics and customer expectations—it’s been a steep learning curve.
Still, each challenge has made us stronger and more grounded in our purpose: to create a warm, curated experience that brings beauty and joy to the everyday.
As you know, we’re big fans of Carlyle Avenue. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Carlyle Avenue is a women-owned, family-run home décor and gift business based in Los Angeles, with both an online store and a physical location at Westfield Century City. We specialize in curated home accents and thoughtful gifts—ranging from hand-blown glassware and serveware to picture frames, barware, and our own signature line of fragrances.
We’re especially known for our luxury candles, unique porcelain flower diffusers, and cluster bowl trays—pieces that feel special, beautifully made, and that you can’t really find anywhere else. They’re perfect for gifting or for adding an elevated touch to everyday spaces.
What sets us apart is our focus on intentional curation and design-forward living. We spend time carefully curating our collection, with a strong eye for unique pieces we know our customers will love—items that feel lasting and personal, rather than mass-produced or trend-driven. In addition to in-store fragrance testing and complimentary gift wrapping, we work one-on-one with customers to offer personalized design recommendations. With our designer trade program and gift registry, we’ve created an experience that blends convenience with warmth, expertise, and care.
We’re most proud of the community we’ve built—loyal customers who come back not just for the products, but for how the space and service make them feel. We’d love for your readers to visit us online or in person and discover what makes Carlyle Avenue truly one of a kind.
How do you think about happiness?
I find happiness in discovering and creating beauty—in all its forms. It could be an old building in LA that still carries the soul of its era, a perfectly designed poster, or a quiet moment in nature. I’m always drawn to things that feel intentional, lasting, and a little bit magical.
That naturally spills into being a shop owner. I love sourcing pieces that speak to people—items they’ll bring home, live with, and feel joy from every time they see them. Even something as simple as arranging flowers for the store becomes a way to connect with our customers through beauty. There’s something deeply fulfilling about helping others create a space that reflects who they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carlyleavenue.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlyleavenuehome/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlyleAvenue/
Image Credits
Claire Leahy
