Hi Neighbors! My name is Anna Vitale Makharadze, and I’m so excited to introduce our family! My husband Dave, our two daughters Elle and Emory, and I have been enjoying the neighborhood since moving in July. We’ve found a true sense of community here, and we’re happy to share a little about our lives with you.

My husband Dave is 49 and has an infectious love for life, family, and friends. His journey to build the American Dream began when he immigrated to the U.S. with his family as a child, and his positive energy continues to shine through everything he does. Raised in New York City, Dave has called California home since he moved here after college to start a business. He is an entrepreneur with a big heart and loves spending time outdoors.

As for me, I’m 39 and was born and raised in the Midwest, where most of my eight siblings still live. I have a background in magazine writing and concert violin performance, but these days I’m putting my MBA to work advising business owners on growth strategies. I also love being outside, whether it's taking long walks with friends or jumping into the pool with Elle and Emory. And, of course, I’m always laughing at Dave’s jokes!

Our daughter Elle, who’s 9 and in 3rd grade, keeps us entertained with her quick wit and deep thoughts. She’s our family’s jokester, always making us laugh while also being wise beyond her years. Emory, our 7-year-old in 2nd grade, is a thoughtful, smart, and peaceful soul. She has a calm presence and constantly surprises us with her maturity and kindness.

Emory and Elle bring so much joy to our lives. They’re at that sweet stage where they still love hanging out with us but are growing into their independence. They both play soccer and basketball, and love participating in Family Theatre — Frozen is on the agenda this season! Additionally, Elle enjoys gymnastics, and Emory is developing her dance skills. This community offers so many enriching opportunities for kids, from art classes to sports, and we love being able to watch our daughters grow and learn here.

After living in Hermosa Beach for many years, we searched for the perfect home in the South Bay for five years before we found 606 N. Ardmore. It was love at first sight! Closing on our home in June 2020 was a dream come true. We knew this was the place for us — a beautiful home with a yard and pool, originally designed by an architect with ties to my home state of Missouri, located right across from the wood chip trail and just walking distance from Downtown Manhattan Beach. After four years of planning and renovations, we couldn’t be happier to be here.

Dave attended Cornell and earned a degree in Hotel Administration, while I went to the University of Missouri-Columbia, where I studied Journalism and Music. I later earned an MBA with a finance emphasis from Saint Louis University. We both share a passion for entrepreneurship. Dave is an advisor and investor in several companies and real estate projects, including Energy Service Partners, a large residential solar installation company in California. I work as an advisor and investment banker for Growthink, Inc., helping business owners plan for strategic growth and future success.

Faith is an important part of our family life. We’re raising Elle and Emory in the Jewish faith while honoring both our Jewish and Catholic faith traditions. We love gathering with friends for Rosh Hashanah and lighting the menorah together during Hanukkah. We also cherish the time we spend with my large and boisterous Catholic family in St. Louis during Christmas; and every Passover, we travel to New York to be with Dave’s family for a big celebration. These traditions keep us grounded and connected to our loved ones.

As for our family’s unique talents, Dave is fantastic at quoting random movie jokes (which I, having missed most pop culture references, find hilarious!). He’s also an amazing dancer, and I’m proud to say that I can hold my own on the dance floor too! The girls love when I break out my violin and play some of their favorite pop hits for them, classical style. Elle is a natural comedian and a wise old soul in a young body. Emory, on the other hand, has been at peace with the world since Day 1, radiating kindness and Zen wherever she goes. Both love art and acting, and we can’t wait to see them continue to thrive here.

One of our favorite memories since moving here is walking to Robinson School down the wood chip trail every day. It’s our chance to connect as a family after the rush of the morning, and we love talking with the girls about their day or whatever is on their minds. Plus, I enjoy catching up with other moms at drop-off, and sometimes Dave and I even sneak off for a coffee date afterward.

There are so many great places here in Manhattan Beach that we love visiting. Good Boy Bob’s and HiFi are our go-to coffee spots, and on Sunday mornings, Dave and I have a standing brunch date at Un Caffe Altamura while the girls are at Hebrew school. We also love dining at Petros for family dinners, and the pretzel bread pudding at Fishing with Dynamite is our ultimate dessert treat! When friends and family come to visit, we enjoy walking along the Strand and popping into our favorite spots.

We’ve been blessed to meet so many amazing families through Robinson School and other local activities. We’re constantly inspired by how dedicated and supportive everyone is when it comes to volunteering and giving back. Our family loves contributing to that sense of community, supporting organizations like the Jewish Community Center, MBEF, and Golden Heart Ranch, which fosters inclusive development for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We feel so lucky to call this neighborhood home. We look forward to many more adventures and memories to come. If you see us around, be sure to say hi!