Originally born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Miran Hadžić's family escaped to London, UK in 1992. He visited Kosovo to work with acclaimed composer, Trimor Dhomi, on one of the plays in the collection, a dark satire on a dystopian UK inspired by the breakup of the Balkans. Miran has also written for Invertigo Theatre, Omniwrite, and The Min…

Born in Beograd and raised in Vancouver, Ljudmila Petrovic recently completed her master's thesis in counseling psychology. Her study focused on mental health and specifically a group of women from former Yugoslavia. Join us as we talk more about the complexities of how being "Balkan" has a different meaning for everyone. Connect with Ljudmila: lju…

While she was originally born in Croatia, Leonita's family roots are in Kline, Kosova. During the late 80s, her family moved to the United States and resettled in Detroit, Michigan to pursue the "American Dream" that everyone was after. Growing up with her cousins and extended family close by helped with the transition, not to mention she excelled …

We're talking all things trauma, parenting, and more with Florida-based psychotherapist, Selma Bacevac. As a mom herself, and with many years of experience and knowledge regarding mental health, she decided to take a leap of faith and create a brave space for Balkan women on Instagram, also known as Balkan Mama Therapy. Follow Selma on Instagram @b…

We're *finally* back with another episode featuring our dear friend, Rasema Ramic, owner of Radiance by Rasema, an all-natural and cruelty-free skincare brand. Instead of having Emina lead this episode, Rasema is taking charge and asking allll the tough questions that come with being your own boss 24/7. We dive into everything from day-to-day time …

When your dad was a former pro/Olympian athlete, there’s definitely a lot to live up to. While he grew up in Texas, you’ll probably recognize his name if you’ve kept up with college basketball in recent years. Samir Sehic is a former D1 athlete, having spent his college career playing for Vanderbilt and Tulane. He’s even had the opportunity to play…

Ahhh, the joys of starting a new business. In 2020 alone, we saw a significant increase in the number of people who finally took a leap of faith and decided to start their own online businesses. Ever since developing a love for IT in middle school (thanks to Mr. Koric), Semir Smajlovic has built hundreds of websites and explored other avenues in pr…

If you've ever considered switching career paths or pursuing a new passion, then there's probably a good chance that you've explored the possibility of becoming a real estate agent. Based out of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Hermina Ibricic is a realtor at Vine Valley Real Estate. In this episode, she tells us more about how she got started in the industry an…

Whether you're buying your first home or looking to invest in a rental property, there are many in's and out's when it comes to real estate. Based out of Seattle, Washington, Adna Hatkic is a mortgage loan consultant with Caliber Home Loans. In this episode, she walks us through her career journey and offers valuable tokens of financial advice for …

If you've ever stepped foot in a gym, more specifically the weight lifting room, then there's a good chance you've experienced some kind of level of gym intimidation before. Based out of Ontario, Canada, Maida Comic is a personal trainer with eight years of experience, and she recently started her very own women's fitness brand, Women Who Lift. The…

Unless you’re an insurance agent yourself, there’s probably a good chance that you don’t know a ton about the coverage you’re getting. Armina Jakupovic is an insurance agent based in the metro Atlanta area who specializes in home, auto, life, specialty, and business insurance. Join us as we talk about how she got started in her career, the highs an…

Like many first-generation kids, Ella Čolić has always been curious about her identity. While she's fully embraced all of the cultural traditions and holidays that come with living in a "mixed" Balkan household, it wasn't until her aunt Amela handed her a pink envelope that eventually became the Pandora's Box in uncovering her family's history. A…

I mean let's try not to cry from the get-go but just know that whatever you're feeling right now as we go into 2021 is completely valid. For the first episode of the year, I'm taking some (but not too much) time to reflect on all the personal growth I experienced recently. We'll also chat about how the pandemic has affected our mental health and ev…

Two fellow #BalkanBossBabes, Arnela and Rasema, made the decision to start their own businesses in a time of complete uncertainty. Join us for a conversation where we walk you through everything that's happened from the moments leading up to (and after) launching their unique product lines. Find your little piece of home HERE: balkanbred.com Follow…

Based out of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jericho Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to empowering the youth in BIH through a variety of programs that promote unity between various ethnic, religious, or socio-economic groups. We're chatting with Tamara Juric and Alma Alagic, two women who help run and organize Jericho's Atlanta chapter. RSVP to th…

Entrepreneurship isn't always butterflies and rainbows, there are plenty of things that you're going to have to learn and overcome in order to become successful. These are just a few of the experiences that I've gone through in order to build Balkan Bred into what it is today. I hope that it helps you in your journey — if anything, it'll teach you …

This week's episode is a solo one with me (Emina), founder of Balkan Bred. It's absolutely wild to think that we've hit over 1,000 orders on our website! Enjoy as I talk about the whole journey and what I have planned for the future. Use code WELCOME10 for 10% OFF your little piece of home HERE: balkanbred.com Follow us on Instagram @balkanbred…

We’re chatting with skincare crazed fashionista Adaleta Avdić about how she started her blog in 2013 and expanded it to a community of over 1,000,000 across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. From the love-hate relationship with the term "influencer" to the importance of showcasing your authentic self, we're opening up about the rea…

We're opening up about all things mental health (yet again), this time with our lovely friend, Neira Pekmez. Originally from Sarajevo, Neira was only 2 years old when her family fled Bosnia but still has many vivid memories of her childhood. From temporarily living in Croatia to attending primary school in Prague, her early memories are entangled w…

This week, we're chatting with Ariana Malushi, co-founder of Balkan Bites, a small company with a big mission to share a piece of their culture through everyday Southeast European comfort foods. balkanbites.co @balkanbitesnyc on Instagram Get your little piece of home HERE: balkanbred.com Follow us on Instagram @balkanbred…

Yes, we're talking about it (again). In this continuation of our mental health series, we're bringing on Karolina Drakovac, a psychologist based in the Netherlands, to discuss PTSD, transgenerational trauma, and more. Connect with Karolina on Instagram @karolina_draws_ Check out her beautiful illustrations HERE: https://karolinadraws.com/ Other Hel…

After seeing how residents were affected by the 2014 floods in BiH, Sanela Ovnovic took initiative by starting a GoFundMe page and even personally visited a family in Maglaj to distribute donations. On the plane ride back to Chicago, she decided to start a FB group called Helping Hearts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which later turned into her nonprof…

Imagine being invited to fly out and give a TED Talk in Paris. That's exactly what happened to Kenan Mujkanovic, but it took a lot of hard work and perseverance to get there. From starting his nonprofit, the Young Visionaries Foundation, to publishing a book, Voices of Bowling Green: Tales of Young Visionaries, his story is truly inspiring. Connect…

For this week's episode, we are joined by an incredibly talented woman, Indira Bayer, who wasn't afraid to break into the already male-dominated wine industry. Sourced from the Herzegovinian region of BiH, Wines of Illyria has developed some pretty amazing flavors with varieties ranging from Blatina to Rosé and everything in between. Shop Wines of …

Get ready to talk about all things photography with Emina Omeragic. Based out of Phoenix, Arizona, Emina specializes in wedding, boudoir, and portrait photography. With over 8 years of experience, she's perfected her craft and shot destination weddings in Cancun and the Bahamas. Listen as we walk through her entire journey. Connect with Emina: http…

While we’re all posting about it, let’s not forget the actions we can also take to make a difference. In this episode, we're going over WHY you should care and how to talk about racism with your friends and family. There are other action steps too, including donating to your city's bail fund and other reputable organizations. On 6/2, we began donat…

We’re back with another episode of #DatingDiaspora! Today we’re chatting with Leyla and Jacob about how they first met, what it's like dating outside of your nationality, and making a good impression on the parents. Get your little piece of home HERE: balkanbred.com Follow us on Instagram @balkanbred Connect with Leyla: @leylamulavdic Connect with …

Ten months ago when Adela Muhic first published Boxed Memories, she had no idea her writing was powerful enough to land her on Amazon’s Best Sellers list, let alone become a voice of inspiration among the diaspora. Boxed Memories: https://www.adelamuhic.com/boxed-memories-1 Connect with Adela on Instagram @4dela Get your little piece of home HERE: …

Tea Sefer is the founder of Breathe with Tea, a coaching program dedicated to helping people eliminate stress and find balance in their day to day lives. You might remember them from our podcast about the BiH Diasporic Conference, as Tea is one of the members of the organizing team. Tea has been a community organizer for over ten years and has a pa…

In this week's episode, we're chatting with Elsad Turkovic, founder of Turk Financial, about how he started his business and giving our best pieces of financial advice for diaspora in their 20's. If you haven't done your taxes, click here: turkfinancial.co Connect with Elsad on Instagram @takeanelso Get your little piece of home HERE: www.balkanbre…

When you’re diagnosed with cancer at 18, your whole world turns upside down. This week, we're chatting with Lejla Begic about going through chemo, losing your hair, and ultimately all the side effects that come after receiving your diagnosis. Connect with Lejla on Instagram: @lejlabegic Get your little piece of home HERE: www.balkanbred.com For 10%…

This week we're chatting with Sabina Torlo about her recent teaching experience abroad in Spain. Although her trip was cut short because of COVID, she still had plenty of pieces of advice to share. If you've ever thought about living overseas or becoming an auxiliar, then this is the episode for you. Connect with Sabina: @sabina.torlo on Instagram …

On this episode of #DatingDiaspora, we're chatting with one of our ambassadors, Amila and her fiance, Suljo, about how they first met on Instagram, meeting the parents, and their special Valentine's Day proposal. Get your little piece of home HERE: www.balkanbred.com For 10% OFF your first order, use code WELCOME10 Keep up with us on Instagram @bal…

When your work and your personal life are so intertwined, it can be hard to find a balance between the two. Join me as I open up about creating multiple streams of income, perfecting your craft, and most importantly, building a life where you are so excited to get up every day and live it. Get your little piece of home HERE: www.balkanbred.com For …

A lot can go wrong when you’re traveling back home — missed flights, hospital visits, tires rolling off of cars...believe me, I’ve been through just about it all. In this week's episode, we're chatting about all of my wild experiences plus giving some helpful tips for your next trip back to the Balkans. Get your little piece of home HERE: www.balka…

One of your fave duos is BACK! Get ready for lots of laughs as Emina and Zerina catch up on the craziness of the past few months. Zerina recently moved to Minnesota from Michigan to move in with her husband, Rawhi. After having to find a wedding venue, dress, and a million other little things last minute, Zerina's dishing out her best wedding plann…

2019. Wow, what a year it's been! As I've worked to grow our brand, the diaspora have constantly served as my inspiration. To recap the year, I'm sharing quite a few things they've taught me about building a business, making an impact on someone else's life, and sharing unforgettable stories. Get your little piece of home HERE: www.balkanbred.com F…

Yes, we're talking about it. Mental health is something that is rarely spoken about in our communities, yet it is a huge problem that's currently affecting the diaspora. Even though not much research has been done since 2005, it's important for us to be the ones to start these kinds of conversations. Dive in as we address everything from dealing wi…

We’re back with another episode of #DatingDiaspora! Today we’re chatting with Zerina and Rawhi about how they first met at the BiH Diaspora Conference, their wild first date, and how they're doing as a newly married couple. Get your little piece of home HERE: balkanbred.com Follow us on Instagram @balkanbred Connect with Zerina: @doseofvitaminz Con…

When Nevena and Mirna Pehar, Ivana Djokovic Wendling, Maja Lacevic and Sanja Djokovic left the motherland in the 90's, they had absolutely no idea what was in store for them. After crossing paths years later at the University of South Florida (USF), these 5 incredible women created the New American Scholarship for Women In Excellence through USF's …

July 11, 1995 — a day that is permanently engraved in our brains forever with the words "Never Forget." During this episode, we pay tribute to the 8,372 victims of the Srebrenica genocide and chat with Amra Mujkanovic, the Events Manager for Remembering Srebrenica, a UK-based initiative. We dive into the educational events and activities that have …

After spending a few weeks in Bosnia with my family, here's a not-so-quick recap of everything that happened. Going back home is always an adventure, but little did we know what was actually waiting for us. Get your little piece of home here: www.balkanbred.com For 10% OFF your first order, use code WELCOME10 Keep up with us on Instagram @balkanbre…

We're finally back with another episode of #DatingDiaspora! As a "mixed" couple, Dino & Gena have broken the stereotypical nationality barrier that seems to be apparent in Balkan culture. We're so grateful to have them on this episode and appreciate their vulnerability and courage. Follow us on Instagram @balkanbred Be sure to get your little piece…

Originally from Prijedor, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dino Delkic is a 19-year-old entrepreneur who recently started building Law X, an app that will completely revolutionize the law industry. Law X makes it quicker and easier for you to find a lawyer and enables you to communicate directly with them through the app. Law X: http://lawxapp.com/ Follow D…

A lot can happen in a year. We certainly can't believe we've been in business for a year — let alone all of the insane things that have happened since last March. In this week's episode, we recap some of our favorite memories and share our hopes and expectations for our second year of business. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for your support, so…

This week's episode is dedicated to our parents = the people who risked their lives just so we could have better ones. Follow us on Instagram @balkanbred Get your little piece of home here: balkanbred.com "My Parents Were Refugees" Article: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/my-parents-were-refugees-the-struggles-of-first-generation-american Interest…

In the second part of our BiH Diasporic Conference series, we chat with Tea, Amra, and Jusuf about their experiences with the annual BiH Diasporic Conference. Originally from Bosanski Novi, Tea Sefer and Amra Ikic are both organizers of the annual conference. Based in Chicago, Jusuf Sarancic is involved with the Mostar Summer Youth Programme (MSYP)…

On this week’s episode, we chat with Ivona, Julija, and Nerina about their experiences with the annual BiH Diasporic Conference. Originally from Mostar, Julija Zubac is a social justice educator who led a restorative justice circle at BiHDC last year in Seattle. Nerina Sivonjic presented at BiHDC in 2017 about the importance of preserving the Bosni…

On this week's episode, we chat with Jasmina about the do's and don'ts of planning a Balkan wedding. After living in the United States for over 20 years, it's no secret that incorporating both cultures on your special day is challenging. From choosing your kum and kuma to deciding whether or not to hire a Balkan DJ, there are so many little things …

On this week’s episode of the podcast, we chatted with lifestyle coach, Deniz Sehovic, about sticking to those New Year’s Resolutions. At this point in the year, the majority of us have completely given up but that doesn’t mean we can’t start over again. The truth is, you can make a change at ANY time in your life — you can start these new habits a…