Tijana

Alvar Aalto was a world-renowned modernist architect and artist who was inspired to create the glass vase, as the story goes, from the idea of a lake. Because of this piece, I began looking at lakes and everything around me differently to see if I could find the art in them.

That is what art is about. Looking at things from a different perspective, seeing the exquisite beauty in an art piece or thought process, or even discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary. Within those small moments of contemplation, when art moves me, I grow as a person.

Travel is like that too, pushing me out of my comfort zone. Moreover, traveling to places where I don’t speak the language is absolutely thrilling. I have to act and observe with deliberate intent. That is what makes me feel alive. Travel also builds a better understanding of the world around us. We can always learn something from each other.

This is why Zest & Curiosity exists. Travel and art, experiences and passion for life, the constant yearning for inspiration with the open mind to accept new perspectives.

I am Tijana, a biochemical engineer by education, and executive creative strategist by vocation. I love empowering others to succeed as a leader and team builder. I’ve had the good fortune to work in executive branding and marketing roles with many great companies, from performance art troupes to multibillion-dollar global tech enterprises. My love of learning has brought my studies from Biochemical Engineering to Harvard Business School.

I find the zest for life in the ordinary and extraordinary. I’m passionate about travel, art, design, architecture, literature, meaningful conversations, and bettering the community. Growing up, I was blessed with wonderful supportive parents who were invested in the arts and culture, and cared for others. Ever since then, that craving for inspiration in the arts, travels, and conversations has only grown stronger. Zest & Curiosity was also born out of those influences. Read more about what started this Zest & Curiosity journey.

• My name Tijana is pronounced as Tiana.
• When I travel, I get my hair styled in the country I’m visiting to immerse myself in local life. More about that here.
• I went to Nashville, 250 miles away, just to see the first-ever movie based on the short story “Tony Takitani” by one of my favorite writers, Haruki Murakami.
• Lover of trench coats.

• I traveled to Japan to see a building from one of my favorite architects, Tadao Ando.
• I’ve visited over 60 countries and counting. (Some favorites, like my beloved Cambodia, I have visited several times.)
• Always observing, endlessly curious, and living passionately with a zest for life.
• Life-long learner.
• Supporter of building strong community connections to improve society.