5 Questions with a C5er: Alina Makhnovetsky

Our Column Five team is made up of some very unique people, coming from all walks of life. They’re creative, well-rounded, and work extremely hard. Each week, we profile one fascinating staff member to introduce you to the people behind the scenes of our work.

Alina Makhnovetsky
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Started July 2011
Producer

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a recent East Coast transplant, but now that I’m here, I’ve discovered that the key to a great life is living by the beach. Although I’m a bit of a food snob, I never turn down a hot dog. I have an oversized beagle named Benny. And I shamefully hide my love of all things gold and JLo.

What’s been your best Pinterest food creation? How about the worst?

Pinterest has been such a great resource for new recipes! This year I’ve made a lot of Middle Eastern dishes, from stuffed eggplant with homemade tahini to falafel. (Both are pinned.) The spices and flavors are just so amazing. People I cook for must be either incredibly polite or really love me, because they haven’t spoken up about the misses in the kitchen I may have had.

What do you miss most about Philly/love most about Cali?

There are days when I miss everything about Philly. But on those days I try to make it to the beach and have sushi for dinner, and suddenly things aren’t so bad after all.

In what other areas of life do you dominate?

I like to think of myself as a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none. This also explains the various half-finished DIY projects around my house. Right now, I’m on a mission to revamp some old lamps our co-founder Josh Ritchie gave me when he was cleaning out his garage.

What’s your favorite thing about working at C5?

I didn’t know anyone when I first moved to the West Coast. In joining C5, it felt like I gained an instant community and built some great friendships. Plus, getting to work with people you admire and genuinely like is an incredible bonus.

We invited Alina to share links to a few of her favorite C5 projects.

Coupon Cabin—America’s Love of Christmas Trees