Whether it’s a spontaneous day trip to Isla Vista or the quiet ritual of an early morning rise, find energy and clarity in the small details that define my lifestyle and creative vision. These moments help me reconnect with my roots and fuel the storytelling behind my work.
This magazine is a reflection of those inspirations—a curated space where creativity meets lived experience. I hope it resonates with you and encourages you to find your own spark of inspiration, wherever that may be.
inception of mu.so
why mu.so was created and for whom let’s take a deep-dive into the inception of muso coffee, why it was created, and for whom, unraveling the purpose behind the shop and how it is shaping coffee culture.
design of mu.so
interior + exterior design matters pulled back, minimalist design with an accent of orange, it is undeniable that muso’s interior and exterior design is a reflection of the feeling they are trying to exude in their customers; that is, a sense of calm, creativity, and clairty.
you, me, coffee
the comfort of coffee at mu.so whether you are sitting outside with your friend, partner, or loved one, or on a solo date enjoying the noise of the milk steamer and the “I have a latte on the bar for __!” every now and again, mu.so allows comfort and a sense of belonging.
the mu.so crowd not the average joe who is the mu.so crowd? what are they wearing, what are they saying, and, most importantly, what are they drinking?
speciality coffee and why it’s important what the hell is speciality coffee and how does it differ from “regular” coffee? how does mu.so’s coffee stand out and keep people coming back for more? let’s chat.
how coffee shapes culture a malleable, ever-evolving journey it is no surprise the ability coffee has on shaping culture, friendships, and everything in between. why is this important, and what does the future of cafe culture look like?
inception of mu.so
WHY MU.SO WAS CREATED AND FOR WHOM mu.so coffee, which stands for “music and society,” was established in 2025. their mission is to inspire change and positive thinking through music and society, a hallmark of what makes mu.so immediately stand out from the crowd. mu.so hopes to redefine social interactions and explore new creative possibilities. it is made for coffee vets and novices alike, allowing the two to meet over a cup, engage in conversation, and listening to some really good music. by stating this mission, customers walk into mu.so feeling safe, comforted, and ready to meet new people or see old friends. it is taking this extra mile, such as mu.so has done, to make their customers feel at home.
design of mu.so
WHY THE DESIGN OF COFFEE SHOPS MATTER
the establishment’s design is characterized by its minimalist aesthetic, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious patio, and a serene ambiance that invites patrons to relax and connect. the interior layout is thoughtfully curated to create a harmonious environment that complements the café’s mission of blending music and specialty coffee to foster meaningful connections.
while the exact design inspiration and the individuals behind the interior and architectural design remain unspecified, muso coffee’s ambiance reflects a commitment to creating a space that resonates with the community and enhances the overall coffee experience.
from the moment you approach muso coffee, it’s clear that a minimalist, intentional design philosophy guides the space. the exterior offers a subtle yet inviting presence, with clean lines and a restrained aesthetic that draws you in without overwhelming the senses. inside, the minimalism continues—spacious and uncluttered, with just a few well-placed tables and chairs that emphasize simplicity and calm.
outside, wooden tables sit atop raw concrete slabs, creating a compelling contrast between organic warmth and industrial coolness. this juxtaposition highlights muso’s ability to balance nature and structure, offering a space that feels both grounded and thoughtfully curated.
for me, the design of a coffee shop—both interior and exterior—is essential to the overall experience. how does the space make you feel as you step inside? what colors greet you? what textures do you notice? what objects define the atmosphere? these elements all contribute to the emotional tone of the visit, influencing how you engage with the coffee and the space.
good design and great coffee share a deep connection. both demand intentionality, patience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. at muso, that philosophy is tangible in every detail—from the acoustics of the music to the smooth finish of your drink. design is not just an aesthetic choice here; it’s part of the story.
you, me, coffee
i recently visited muso with a close friend I hadn’t seen in over a year. we were both buzzing with excitement to reconnect and catch up. as we considered where to meet, muso came up—a spot neither of us had tried before. on a whim, we chose it. and honestly, it was the best decision we could have made.
i ordered a cold brew, and i don’t say this lightly—it was easily one of the best I’ve had. smooth, bold, and exceptionally drinkable, it struck that perfect balance of rich chocolatey notes and a clean finish. every sip lit up my senses and pulled a genuine smile to my face. my friend opted for a latte and a croissant, both of which she raved about with the kind of conviction only great coffee and pastry can inspire.
what struck me just as much as the drinks was the environment. muso’s exterior seating offers a thoughtful sense of privacy—enough space to feel tucked away in conversation, but never
the mu.so crowd
NOT THE AVERAGE JOE
isolated. It allows for ease and connection, the kind where you don’t worry about speaking too loudly or being overheard. it’s this careful balance—between openness and intimacy—that speaks to the café’s design sensibility.
as i mentioned before, the design of a coffee shop plays a crucial role in shaping
the customer experience. at muso, the comfort of the space enhances the quality of the coffee and the moments shared over it. thoughtful design fosters ease. and comfort, i believe, is essential—not just for enjoying a drink, but for truly savoring the time spent with someone across the table.
the crowd at muso is anything but ordinary. there’s an effortless cool to the people who gather here—an unspoken style that feels distinctly southern californian. it’s laid-back but intentional, casual yet expressive. as someone who notices these things, i couldn’t help but take in the details—not just of the space, but of the people who chose to be in it. in my view, the crowd at a coffee shop says as much about its identity as the beans they brew.
on the day my friend and i visited, the vibe was subtly electric. the outdoor seating area buzzed with quiet conversations, people perched at tables with books, laptops, and little dogs curled at their feet. it was a blend of every walk of life—families out for a slow morning, friends deep in conversation, solo regulars with their headphones in, and creatives sketching or typing away. there was no singular demographic, no one aesthetic being pushed. and
yet, there was a cohesion— an underlying sense that everyone there was drawn by something thoughtful, intentional, and quietly special.
fashion, in this setting, wasn’t loud—but it was expressive. the people at muso don’t dress to show off; they dress to show up—as themselves. there’s an ease to their style, but also a sharpness. you’ll see perfectly broken-in denim, oversized button-ups, vintage sunglasses, artfully messy hair, sneakers with character, and bags that have clearly traveled. their outfits don’t scream; they speak—subtly, clearly, and confidently.
i wore brown pants with raspberry-colored alohas and a thrifted orange shirt— a favorite from a local vintage spot. my friend had on a soft yellow cardigan and well-worn jeans. simple, understated, and authentic. drawn back, clean, yet undeniably effective. we didn’t plan our outfits for the setting, but somehow, they fit right in.
that’s what makes the crowd at muso so compelling: it’s not about impressing—it’s about expressing. and while nobody’s explicitly giving fashion advice, they kind of are. there’s inspiration in every glance. a nonverbal exchange of taste, influence, and personal style. the people here remind you that clothing is just another form of communication—and that being comfortable and stylish aren’t mutually exclusive. more than anything, this sense of individuality creates an energy. it contributes to the overall identity of the space. the people, like the design, like the coffee, bring something intentional and human to the table. you get the sense that muso doesn’t attract crowds—it attracts a community. and whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, there’s something inspiring about being in a space that reflects the creativity and ease of the city itself.
speciality coffee
WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT SPECIAL?
specialty coffee represents the highest tier of quality in the coffee world. but it’s more than just how the coffee is grown or brewed—it’s a holistic standard that encompasses the entire journey from farm to cup. it is rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and transparency, and it demands intention at every step. to truly understand specialty coffee is to appreciate the process behind it—the people, the practices, and the purpose that elevate it beyond the everyday.
it all begins with the quality of the bean. specialty coffee uses exclusively arabica beans, prized for their nuanced and complex flavor profiles. these beans are grown at high elevations, often in specific microclimates that contribute unique taste characteristics—floral, citrusy, chocolatey, or fruit-forward notes that reflect their terroir. these growing conditions, paired with careful cultivation, allow the beans to develop the kind of clarity and balance that make them stand out.
the second cornerstone of specialty coffee is ethical and transparent sourcing. these beans aren’t just chosen for their quality—they’re chosen because of how they’re grown and who grows them. specialty coffee relies on direct trade or fair trade models that ensure farmers are paid premium prices for their work. these partnerships prioritize sustainable farming practices and foster long-term relationships that benefit both producers and roasters. farmers are not anonymous suppliers; they are integral collaborators in the coffee’s story and success.
once harvested, the beans undergo thoughtful and precise processing, which is the third key step. whether washed, honey-processed, or naturally dried, the method of processing profoundly influences the bean’s final flavor. specialty coffee producers take great care to choose and execute the right method, minimizing defects and maximizing expression. this is where the bean’s journey toward excellence is either preserved or compromised.
the fourth step is expert roasting. here, the goal is not to impose flavor, but to draw out what’s already inherent in the bean. great roasters understand how to tailor the roast profile to the bean’s origin and character. a light roast may preserve floral or fruity brightness, while a medium roast might enhance caramelized sweetness or nutty warmth. each roast is an act of interpretation—subtle, skilled, and deeply intentional. next comes precision brewing, the fifth element that defines specialty coffee. at cafés like muso, coffee is rarely made in large automated batches. instead, it is prepared through methods like pour-over, Chemex, V60, AeroPress, or carefully calibrated espresso. baristas are trained to control every variable—water temperature, brew time, grind size, and coffee-to-water ratio—ensuring each cup meets the standard the bean deserves. brewing becomes a ritual, not a routine.
how coffee shapes culture
A MALLEABLE, EVERY-EVOLVING JOURNEY
coffee is a conduit. more than just a drink, it is a vessel for conversation, connection, and ritual. across time zones and cultures, continents and communities, coffee serves as both a personal anchor and a shared experience. it punctuates our mornings, fills the quiet of our afternoons, and offers a comforting pause in the chaos of daily life. but beyond its warmth and caffeine, coffee shapes something more profound—it shapes culture. more specifically, it shapes your culture.
the ritual begins long before the first sip. whether it’s the slow rhythm of a home pour-over or the familiar hum of your neighborhood café, the act of making or seeking coffee becomes a kind of ceremony. for many, it’s the first thing we reach for in the morning—the grounding force that sets the tone for the day. and often, it’s the last thing on our mind before sleep: a moment of quiet anticipation for the comfort that awaits tomorrow.
you don’t just drink your morning cup—you savor it. intentionally. slowly. you stretch out the moment, letting the aroma and warmth settle into your senses. it’s more than a caffeine fix. it’s clarity. it’s comfort. it’s a moment of presence in a world that rarely pauses.
coffee also transcends its role as a personal ritual. it is a catalyst for connection. a shared cup can mend broken relationships, spark new ones, or provide the perfect backdrop for vulnerability, laughter, brainstorming, or silence. it acts as a social equalizer—welcoming strangers and close friends alike to sit down, slow down, and speak, or simply be.
coffee shops, in this sense, are far more than just retail spaces—they are cultural sanctuaries. they are portals to experience—old and new. they invite both the seasoned coffee connoisseur and the curious first-timer to explore, together, the nuance, depth, and diversity of coffee. these spaces are thoughtfully designed to encourage curiosity and community. here, you’re not just a customer; you’re part of a shared story.
