We had the good fortune of connecting with Anastasiya Makhonka and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Anastasiya, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
As a videographer who has been doing what I love for over 4 years, I can say that the most important factor behind a brand’s success is a mix of a few key things. It starts with creating stories and visuals that really connect with people. Keeping up high-quality work and always meeting or beating expectations is crucial. You also need to know what your audience likes and what catches their interest. Staying current with trends and tech, and being open to trying new things, helps a lot. It’s also important to share your work across different platforms to reach more people. And, of course, having a true passion for videography and working hard are musts for long-term success.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a videographer, I bring people ideas to life, capturing the essence of your unique story through the lens. We live in a world where video is becoming a dominant form of storytelling, allowing us to preserve not just moments, but entire experiences. I create films from the beautiful, everyday moments of life, believing that every person’s journey is unique and deserves to be remembered. I’m passionate about my work because it gives me the opportunity to leave lasting memories for future generations, helping them connect with their roots and loved ones.
My path to where I am today hasn’t been easy, and at times, I still feel like I’m navigating through challenges to reach my goals. Working in a country where English isn’t my first language has added an extra layer of difficulty, but it’s also been an incredible learning experience. I’ve faced my fears head-on and embraced every opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally. Over the past four years, I’ve learned that staying true to myself and trusting my instincts is key to success.
What sets me apart is my deep commitment to helping people see their world in a special way, capturing the moments that make life extraordinary. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t just document life, but who helped people appreciate the beauty in their own stories.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve been living in Los Angeles for 6.5 years. I’ve visited many places in this city, many places in this state, and across the country as a whole. But there’s one place I love returning to every time: Pacific Palisades Park in Santa Monica.
For me, it’s the perfect place that encapsulates this city. The tall, beautiful palm trees, the well-kept lawns, the ocean breeze, the view of the mountains and the ocean.
This park represents the people who come here to do what they love. Some are reading a book, some are having lunch with friends, some are celebrating a birthday, or just enjoying a view, and there are talented musicians whose music transports you to another dimension. This park embodies the life and the America I dreamed of and saw on television.
Across the road from the park, there are residential houses and hotels with European-style views. Across the road, you’ll find places serving the most delicious dishes and drinks.
Across the road from the park is the ocean. Just a 7-minute walk down from the park, and you’re in what feels like another dimension.
For me, this place is a source of strength, inspiration, and harmony. I highly recommend everyone to visit it.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my husband Artsem, who has always been my rock and constant support. His unwavering belief in me keeps me going, even during the toughest times. I’m also incredibly grateful to all my colleagues, the talented photographers, videographers, stylists, and makeup artists I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Their expertise and encouragement have played a huge role in helping me grow both personally and professionally. They’ve not only contributed to my career but also helped me improve my communication and professional skills, and for that, I am truly appreciative.
Instagram: Mahoney_production
Image Credits
N1 – my client Tatiana N5- me creating content for sushi place