Ep. 65 | How to Work with a Creative Agency, with Bosnian Refugee & Founder of ONA, Sanja Komljenovic
Sanja
"IF YOU STOP NOW, YOU’LL ALWAYS HAVE TO STOP AT THIS POINT.
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Sanja Komljenovic is the founder and CEO of ONA Creative, a dynamic agency known for empathy-driven marketing and creating brands that matter. As a refugee from Bosnia turned powerhouse leader, and a trusted friend, I’m excited to have her on the show. You’ll hear us talk about building authentic brand stories, strategic leadership, and the power of lived experience in marketing.
description:
In this episode of It Takes A Village, Delina sits down with Sanja Komljenovic, the strategic powerhouse and founder of ONA Creative agency, to discuss building brands that truly matter through empathy-driven marketing. Sanja shares how her childhood experience fleeing Bosnia during the genocide shaped her resilient problem-solving mindset and leadership skills, lessons reinforced by her competitive background in sports.
Sanja unpacks the real work that goes into campaigns for major global brands like Nike, Ulta Beauty, Jordan Brand, and US Soccer, highlighting why hiring people with lived experience is essential for authentic storytelling. She also opens up about launching South Central Wine while leading a growing 30-person agency, and why she’s the honest, strategic friend you call when you need a clear game plan.
This episode is a deep dive into the power of empathy, strategic thinking, leadership under pressure, and creating meaningful brand narratives that resonate culturally and socially.
ShoW TOPICS
Sanja’s refugee background and life in America
Sports and sibling dynamics shaping confidence
The founding and growth of ONA Creative
Balancing personal life with managing a 30-person creative agency
Importance of empathy and lived experience in marketing
Building brand strategy for campaigns with Nike and more
Launching South Central Wine alongside agency leadership
Discipline, teamwork, and creativity in agency culture
Choosing the right influencers and authentic storytelling
The role of grit and resilience in leadership
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:08 Feeling Behind Despite Achievements
01:43 Sanja’s Bosnian Background
01:50 War and Refugee Experience
04:04 Adjusting to Life in America
06:36 Sibling Dynamics and Confidence
10:08 Sports and Life Lessons
12:40 Mindset and Problem-Solving
14:26 Friendship and Empathy
24:11 Starting Ona Agency
28:24 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
33:17 The Benefits of a Three-Day Reset
34:44 Managing a Growing Team
35:41 Opening a New Office Space
36:49 The Importance of Discipline in the Workplace
38:38 Working with Freelancers and Overseas Talent
40:25 Building a Brand Strategy
43:48 Launching a New Brand
46:26 The Role of Empathy in Marketing
51:23 Choosing the Right Influencers
57:34 Starting South Central Wine
01:01:41 Personal and Professional Influences
01:05:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
about SANJA KOMLJENOVIC
Sanja Komljenovic is the founder, CEO, and Executive Creative Director of ONA Creative, a woman-driven creative agency based in Los Angeles. ONA, which means “her” in Bosnian, was born from Sanja’s passion for creating socially driven, culturally resonant marketing focused on women’s rights and marginalized communities. Since its 2015 launch, ONA has worked with powerhouse clients including Nike, Jordan Brand, Ulta Beauty, US Soccer, the WNBA, Meta, and many women-led startups. Sanja’s personal journey from refugee to industry leader fuels her empathetic and strategic approach. In 2024, she was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement.
Follow Sanja on all social media platforms
Learn about about ONA Creative
Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Checkout South Central Wine
Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
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