Claire Khodara has always understood the power of the right note at the right moment—and the way music can turn a gathering into a memory. A classically trained singer and former American Idol contestant, the Philadelphia native began her career performing as a soprano soloist at the Vatican. Today, she channels that same instinct through Starrock, the talent company she founded to create world-class entertainment experiences for private events, brands and cultural institutions. “I still get such a thrill when the right music transforms a room,” she says. That desire to create meaningful connections also animates The List, Khodara’s podcast and multimedia platform about manifesting your soulmate. Inspired by the list of qualities she wrote before meeting her husband, Greg, the show explores love, self-worth, intuition and the patterns that shape relationships—ultimately helping listeners become ready for the love they hope to find. A mother of four and autism advocate, Khodara lives with her family in Mandeville Canyon, where the rhythms of work and family life naturally intertwine. She loves that Brentwood feels both connected and cocooned from the rest of Los Angeles. “It truly feels like a little village within a huge city,” she says. “We can walk to the farmers market, run into friends at the Country Mart and then retreat into the canyon and feel a world away.” Here, Khodara shares her favorite local spots. starrockproductions.com
“We are an Alpha School family, and I’m so excited about its completely fresh approach to education. I love the idea of meeting children where they are and giving them the space to truly thrive. As a mom, finding the right educational environment for each of my children is everything.” 1909 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica; alpha.school
“I’m constantly moving between school drop-offs, meetings, events and home, so I live for clothes that are chic but effortless. Vince is basically my uniform! It always makes me feel pulled together without having to think too hard about what I’m wearing.” 240 26th St., Suite 1; 424-423-6150; vince.com
“Elyse Walker has an incredible eye and such a great edit. It’s one of my favorite places when I need something fabulous for an event—or when I absolutely do not need anything and somehow leave with something anyway.” 1000 N. Swarthmore Ave., Pacific Palisades; 310-230-8882; elysewalker.com
“As a mom of a child on the autism spectrum, Therapy Place 4 Kids is especially close to my heart. I have such a deep appreciation for places that understand, celebrate and support neurodivergent children and their families. Having thoughtful, high-quality resources for our kids right here in our community is something I never take for granted.” 1932 14th St., Santa Monica; 310-344-2276; tp4k.com
“My kids have been going to Tae Ryong Taekwondo for more than five years, so it has truly become part of our family. I love what martial arts teaches children beyond the physical—confidence, discipline, focus, respect and perseverance. We have so many wonderful memories there.” 11812 San Vicente Blvd.; 310-826-5425; trtkd.com
“Amici is a true neighborhood favorite. They always greet my husband and me in Italian, which instantly makes it feel like home. It’s warm, delicious and effortless: the kind of place where you can have a spontaneous family dinner or meet friends and know you’re always going to have a great night.” 2538 San Vicente Blvd.; 310-260-4900; amicibrentwood.com
“Poppy Store has the absolute best curated selection for kids. Everything feels thoughtful, chic and special. With four children, I’m always looking for a birthday present or something for one of my own, and Poppy is one of those places where I know I’ll find something great.” 225 26th St.; 310-260-4777; poppystores.com