Makarova is the daughter of Larisa Selezneva and Oleg Makarov, who were successful pair skaters, competing for the Soviet Union. They were European Champions in 1987 and 1989 and took the bronze medal at the 1988 World Championships and the 1984 Olympic Winter Games. Makarova moved to the USA at the age of 8 as her parents started coaching there. Skaters she looks up to are Johnny Weir (USA) and two-time World Champion Irina Slutskaya (RUS). Makarova switched coaches following Russian Nationals in January 2011 and has moved back to St. Petersburg for training.