Written by: Ivka Radić Photos: Joanna Paciorek & Sanja Jagatić
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Be yourself; everyone else is already taken – this famous saying by Oscar Wild perfectly sums up the life philosophy of Iva Radić. In spite of imposed social norms and expectations, she has always managed to stay true to herself. In a world that often focuses on one-dimensional measures of success, Iva Radić serves as a stellar example of how one can succeed in multiple areas of expertise.
This beautiful Jackie of all trades, who was also crowned Queen of Croatia, is one of our most successful models from the period when Croatia boasted its own supermodels. Those girls were not just glorified clothes hangers, but true beauties who make headlines to this day, like Anica Kovač, Branka Krstulović or Kristina Bradač.
Iva Radić walked the runway so she could run her own business. After stepping off the catwalk, she ventured into entrepreneurship, which is a bold move to make in Croatia. Testing the entrepreneurial waters went swimmingly, so she and her team have been on a roll for eight straight years, during which her Journal.hr web portal has become a brand name for top-notch lifestyle content.
As owner and editor-in-chief of a platform that draws a wide audience, Iva Radić has shown that, amidst today’s focus on sensationalism and click-bait articles, there is still room for engaging content that brings news from the world of fashion, beauty, and travel industries, but also the often neglected realm of culture.
There is no shortage of enthusiasm, true feminine energy and mutual support at her editorial office, which goes to show that dedication and loving what you do always lead to tremendous success, which, needless to say, should be celebrated. And there are few who know how to celebrate good times like Journal.hr. Their parties lure in celebrities, business people, actors and all those who wish to see and be seen. Iva Radić brings together successful people from different walks of life, so the PR photos from Journal’s parties are a sort of “Who’s Who in Croatia”.
Her strong sense of individuality and her fashion charisma earned her the title of one of the best-dressed Croatian women, trendsetter, and fashion authority figure, who steals the show on red carpets in Croatia an abroad thanks to her unique style. On top of this, she is also an extremely devoted mother of three beautiful children, so she has been a woman of all seasons for many years now…
Her firm entrepreneurial demeanour turned into a friendly face upon my very first meeting with her. We grabbed a bite to eat and washed it down with beer at her favourite fast-food place, where I quickly realised that she is just a regular, down-to-earth person, whom one would gladly welcome into one’s “small circle of great people”.
You’ve managed to juggle fashion, entrepreneurship, and family life into a great trifecta instead of a three-ring circus. What’s your secret?
I wouldn’t say there’s some big secret to it; fashion has been a part of my life ever since I found myself in the public eye, and family has always been my primary goal. Everything that I have ever enjoyed, done, and taken an interest in has perfectly melded into my versatile online platform, Journal.
Before this digital era, I always read world’s greatest fashion magazines and imagined I had my own, called Journal. And I was lucky enough to see it through!
It was the best move I could’ve made because I chose a career I love and rock, and I managed to balance it with my family life in the best possible way. And the most wonderful fruits of my labours are the feeling of independence and a sense of freedom I got having realised I’m capable of creating so much.
I deem it necessary to point out that my good organisational skills and my team of experts have also played an important role in upping my game over the years, as well as the people who helped me along the way. In particular, I’m referring to my friends who regularly stepped in to help me with my children.
What kind of a boss are you?
I don’t think I’m your regular boss. We do adhere to certain codes at the office, but I often feel more like a friend to my employees rather than an authority figure. When push comes to shove, we make all the decisions together, but, of course, big projects cannot see the light of day without my approval. We started out as a small team, and that’s why it was necessary to cultivate solid relationships, and it’s simply a matter of fact that one can’t hold back in quality relationships because they blossom into friendships sooner or later.
My team includes several key people who have worked alongside me at Journal since the very beginning. I am beyond grateful to them because not only did we build a powerhouse, but we also learned a great deal working together. On top of that, I will never forget who believed in me when I myself was not even aware of my potential. One of these people is still my advisor for all things business, and along the way she became my friend – I’m talking about Lana, owner of the Alert agency.
What inspired you to start Journal.hr?
Above everything else, it was the fact that I have always been drawn to beauty and lifestyle topics. I have a knack for recognising trends, but I never could’ve dreamed of launching such a big project. In fact, it was my lot in life that encouraged me to start my own business. Even though I regret some of these situations being the driving force behind what is now my business, today I am immensely grateful and content, both when it comes to my professional and private life. I feel that I have created something good and provided a business opportunity to wonderful and qualified women.
I am inspired by my employees and all readers of Journal; they are the ones that keep me going. And the main drivers and motivation in my life are my children and my closest friends – nothing would be possible if it weren’t for them.
What challenges and obstacles did you face in the creation and development of Journal.hr?
I face numerous challenges on a daily basis, but now, after nine years, I’ve come to realise that the path I have taken has been shaped by hard work, continuous learning, and unrelenting effort. However, it is precisely these challenges that make my job motivating. The diversity of tasks they bring about – from assembling the perfect team and developing new projects to aligning desires and visions – constantly keep me on my toes so as to grow into a better version of myself. I am especially proud of my ability to tackle challenges head-on, such as the coronavirus pandemic, which prompted a major overhaul of our work environment and business dynamics.
Another challenge I’d like to mention is expanding business to other countries, such as Serbia and Slovenia. Each of these countries has its own peculiarities and requirements, but this very step serves as a stepping stone to better understanding and adaptation. However, I realise I have yet to overcome the challenge of striking a work-life balance, because life has no pause button.
No matter what, every challenge is an opportunity for growth, which makes me all the more determined to achieve my goals.
Is Journal.hr already everything you have ever imagined it to be or do you have more plans in store?
Journal has become a much bigger deal than I could have ever imagined, and I owe it all to the people who believed in me and cheered me on. Ambition and willpower, along with the desire to expand my business to new markets, are what keeps me going. The truth is that I could never have dreamed of such a great success. But now, as I’m facing this new challenge, I realise how important it is to be confident, and believe in myself and my abilities. Every step along this path reminds me just how valuable my efforts and dedication are.
And as I venture into uncharted waters, I feel excited and determined to dive in and keep moving forward. Success opens new doors, brings about new opportunities, and inspires me to dream even bigger than before – and to make those dreams come true.
What’s it like being a female entrepreneur in Croatia at the moment? Do you think that men are in a more favourable position in the business world as compared to women?
As I don’t work in a corporate environment, I haven’t really had the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work within such systems, so I cannot claim that I felt that men had power over me or that I experienced discrimination. I’m not saying that there weren’t instances of favouritism, but I never let that bother me – it actually made me step up. However, I feel that entrepreneurship is still a predominantly male world. Despite this, I enjoy being a woman and I truly believe in social intelligence I insist upon when doing business. I believe that I have achieved so much more thanks to my social skills and empathy.
My Croatian team consists of 18 women, and we got 8 more sisters in Serbia. I believe in the power of cooperation and unity between women. And I proudly say that we are not afraid of men. I believe that the key to success lies in the hands of women who support each other and strive to build a better future together for the sake of the business world as a whole.
What advice would you give to young people who dream of making a name of themselves?
Dream big and reach for the sky, because dreams are the basis for creating a better reality. Success does not happen overnight; it requires continuous effort and perseverance. The key is in your own effort: when you put your heart into it and do what you love, anything becomes possible.
However, it’s important to be aware of the challenges that come hand in hand with challenging the odds. Balance – between ambitions and reality, work and rest, ups and downs – is of utmost importance. In the face of possible setbacks, determination and persistence will push you forward. Confidence is the foundation on which we build our dreams and achieve our goals. Therefore, you should not be afraid to ask for support and surround yourself with people who share your vision. Believing in your team and letting each of its members be an individual, respected link in the system, can be the key to success.
In conclusion: be brave, dream big, and let your passion and dedication guide you on your way to success. Your future is in your hands, and your dreams should serve you as your greatest inspiration.
How do you balance your role as owner and editor-in-chief of a lifestyle portal with your duties as a mother of three?
This requires exceptional organisational skills and flexibility. Considering that I have been doing this job for nine years, I can say that I have gained a deep understanding of my own duties and efficient ways to perform them to the best of my abilities. I started this business when my children were small, which presented a challenge in organising their care while simultaneously running the company.
For the first few years, I had to be at the office round-the-clock, which meant that I had less time for myself and my private life. However, over time, everything fell into place. My children have become more independent, and I can also count on my aunt to help me around the house. This enables me to successfully reconcile my work and family responsibilities, giving me a sense of balance and fulfilment in both areas of life.
What lessons and values do you try to pass on to your children above all else?
I try to instil awareness of their roots and identity in my children. It is important to me that they know where they come from and which values to strive for, and that the family will always have their backs. I am aware that life has its ups and downs and that none of us are perfect, but I will try to provide them with a sense of stability and love for as long as I live and breathe, so that they grow into self-aware and moral humans.
One of the essential values that I teach my children is respect for the family, the environment, and all the people who have supported them and who were there for them. I believe that the most precious people are those who have respect for themselves and others. Along these lines, I think that trust, honesty, and respect are key to building healthy interpersonal relationships. Also, I give my best to teach them about the importance of honesty and open communication. In my opinion, honesty is the basis for mutual understanding and trust, and being authentic and open about one’s thoughts and feelings goes a long way.
Here’s to hoping that my children become responsible, self-aware, independent, and empathetic humans who will contribute to the positive development of the world around them!
Journal’s parties are THE social events of the season. What’s the secret of their success and how do you manage to lure in so many big-shots from different walks of life?
Journal’s parties are no longer just social events – they have also become key marketing events of our company. We felt that we could approach event planning in a unique and innovative way, and that philosophy yielded tremendous success. Our event production has exceeded even our own expectations, and with each new event we plan, we wonder how to go one better.
My team and I put our hearts in every event. Big biannual events have become our tradition, a way of thanking our readers, colleagues, and clients for their loyalty, support, and cooperation. We want to provide them with an unforgettable experience and remind them just how important they are to us every single time.
And the answer to your question – “Why are we so successful?” – lies precisely in our ability to put our heads together, go all in, and hit the party jackpot with a helping hand of the Alert agency.
This allows us to plan each event with special attention to detail and quality, creating experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests and partners.
If you could pick any venue in the world and invite international stars of your own choosing, where would you organise this cosmopolitan Journal party and who would you invite?
I think I’d invite Adele and Eros, and I hope that I’d also have some budget left for Zdravko Čolić (laughter). All joking aside, I would organise this Journal party right here in Croatia, in Dubrovnik or Rovinj, because these are my two favourite cities in Croatia. I must say that you’ve given me something to think about, and I just might do something like that (laughter).
What does your ideal night out look like?
Hanging out with a few of my closest girlfriends – enjoying the summer all tanned and relaxed, and sharing a few laughs while are children are taken care of. Taking a stroll down the memory lane, going on an emotional rollercoaster, and dancing and singing our hearts out. And when it comes to the ideal date with my better half, I couldn’t care less about where we go as long as we’re together.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self at the beginning of your career, what would you say?
Never, ever doubt yourself. Believe in your dreams – for that’s the only way you can achieve what your heart desires. It’s important to surround yourself with people who share the same vision as you and cheer you on as you accomplish what you set out to do. With the support of like-minded people who have faith in you, there is no limit to what you can do.
A little birdie told us that junk food is your guilty pleasure. How do you stay in shape?
I would like to use this opportunity to extend thanks to my good genes, stress (laughter), going to sleep at 9 pm and waking up at 6 am, as well as occasional visits to the gym and treating myself to a massage twice a week.
How do you perceive the effect of beauty on different aspects of life? When is it a blessing, and when a curse?
Beauty can bring about various challenges, but also benefits in all segments of life. The difference lies in the way in which beauty is presented. I personally try to make sure that my appearance, no matter how someone may see me, is not an obstacle in any aspect of my life. Thanks to experience, I’ve mastered the art of not being bothered by other people’s opinions, but rather seeing them as something external that has nothing to do with me. I must say I’m proud to be handling things this way.
I adapt to different strata of society and milieus, and I feel good in each of them. I always make sure to play it as it lays and not cross the line. I know when I’m welcome somewhere, but I also know when it’s time to leave.
What is your favourite fashion trend from back when you were modelling?
My favourite trend has always been and always will be a combo of killer jeans and a plain white T.
Describe your fashion style in three words.
Elegant, casual, and youthful regardless of age (laughter). I’m into timeless fashion and mostly steer clear of experimenting.
From what do you draw inspiration in your everyday life?
Mostly from Journal, and everything I see and experience on my travels (getting to know different people, cultures, locales, and events – both positive and negative) just confirms my belief that there’s a lesson at every turn. And I made peace with the fact that not all evil is necessarily negative, but it can also be very inspiring.
What I consider my key strength is my ability to see and seek the good in everything.
If you’re interested in anything else about me, have a look at Journal.hr (laughter)…
