Sanja Komljenovic, a strategic powerhouse and founder of ONA agency, joins us today to talk all about building brands that matter, the art of empathy-driven marketing, and how her refugee experience shaped her problem-solving mindset. She breaks down the real work behind successful campaigns for Nike, Ulta Beauty, and other major brands, plus the importance of hiring people with lived experience to tell authentic stories.

Sanja also opens up about fleeing Bosnia during the genocide as a child and how sports taught her resilience and leadership. Plus, she talks about launching South Central Wine while running a 30-person agency, and why she's the friend you call when you need the cold hard truth and a strategic game plan.

Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’. Have you ever asked yourself…“how can I be happier, healthier, peaceful, famous, powerful, or successful?” When you want change, your life will shift, you let go, and begin to trust other people. This new energy will attract new people & create momentum in your life that reveals your purpose. Awareness is life’s balancing tool and you are in the right place at the right time, always. 

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

Resources:

Digital Detox Guide: https://delinamedhin.myflodesk.com/digitaldetoxguide 

Learn more about Sanja Komljenovic:

Sanja Komljenovic is the Founder, CEO, and Executive Creative Director of ONA Creative—an advertising agency and production company based in Los Angeles.

ONA, which means “her” in Bosnian, was born out of Sanja’s desire to create socially driven, culturally resonant work—especially around women’s rights and representation for marginalized communities, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Since launching in 2015, ONA has worked with global brands such as Nike, Jordan Brand, Converse, US Soccer/USWNT, WNBA, Ulta Beauty, Oakley, Meta, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), multiple pro sports teams, and women-led startups. Over the course of her career, Sanja has helped lead campaigns featuring world-class athletes and cultural icons including Serena Williams, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Jennifer Lopez. In 2024, she was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement.

Connect with Sanja:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sanjak 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjakomljenovic/ 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onacreative

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/onacreative/ 

Website https://www.onacreative.com/ 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/southcentralwine/ 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/southcentralwine/ 

Website https://southcentralwine.com/ 

Connect with Delina:

⁠Instagram @delinamedhin⁠

TikTok @delinamedhin⁠

YouTube @delinamedhin⁠

Threads @delinamedhin⁠ 

Website ⁠www.delinamedhin.com 

Visit the show notes here.