Interview with Vanya Milovanovic, co-founder of stella rose

Introduction and Background

WIDD: Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to the career path you’re on today?

Vanya: At Stellar & Rose, our journey is deeply personal. It’s the story of a mother and daughter, two minds shaped by different experiences but united by a passion for storytelling, creativity and digital innovation.

I’m Vanya, and my background is in Information Systems Analysis and Design (BSc). My career started in education, where I introduced innovative technologies like iPads and cloud learning into classrooms, helping students and teachers embrace digital transformation. Over the years, I’ve also worked with startups and large brands, combining strategic marketing, systems thinking and UX design to help businesses build meaningful digital experiences.

Masha, my daughter and co-founder, has a degree in English Literature and an incredible ability to craft compelling narratives. As a digital native, she has an intuitive grasp of marketing and social media trends, having managed social media for large companies and now leading digital marketing for a world-renowned hypnotherapist. Her ability to blend creative storytelling with data-driven insights ensures that the brands we work with don’t just exist online, but they thrive.

Together, we built Stellar & Rose to be a space where we could bring our expertise together and help visionary brands, founders and changemakers tell their stories in a way that engages, inspires and drives impact. Whether it’s designing a website, developing a social media strategy or crafting powerful content, we approach every project with excitement, creativity, strategy and purpose.

At our core, we believe in the power of stories to inspire change and that’s exactly what we help our clients do.

WIDD: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your journey, and how did you navigate them?

Vanya: One of our biggest challenges has been positioning ourselves as one of the leading impact makers in digital marketing. We know we are still very new, having officially founded Stellar & Rose in November 2024, but from day one, we’ve been working tirelessly to build our reputation, create meaningful partnerships and establish a strong presence in the industry.

Building a brand from the ground up in a competitive space is not easy. We are focused on expanding our network, delivering exceptional work and creating an ecosystem where we have regular clients, trusted partners, and brand advocates. We want to create a thriving community of businesses and changemakers who believe in the power of storytelling, strategy and digital innovation to drive meaningful impact.

From my perspective, with a background in education, technology and working with both startups and large brands, and Masha’s expertise in social media, content creation, and digital marketing , we knew we had the right mix of strategy and creativity to make this happen. But even with strong experience, breaking into the market and making our mark takes persistence, resilience and continuous learning.

We’ve navigated this challenge by leaning into our strengths, staying agile, and prioritising meaningful connections over quick wins. We are actively forming partnerships, refining our offerings and ensuring every project we take on sets the foundation for long-term success both for us and our clients.

The road ahead is challenging, but we’re driven by a clear vision to create work that not only looks good but drives impact, builds brands and amplifies voices that matter. We’re really excited about what’s ahead and are dedicated to making Stellar & Rose a name that stands for excellence, creativity and meaningful digital marketing

WIDD: Is there a moment or experience in your career that you’re particularly proud of? Why does it stand out to you?

Vanya: One of the moments I’m most proud of in my career is my time working at Magway, a revolutionary startup focused on sustainable goods transport. Being part of a company that was trailblazing new solutions for climate-friendly logistics was an incredible experience. I was helping translate complex engineering concepts into compelling narratives, crafting pitch decks that secured funding, leading investor relations and playing a key role in Magway’s journey toward B Corp certification. Seeing the impact of my work, from increasing brand awareness by 50% to successfully securing 2 major clients and grants, reinforced my passion for using marketing as a force for change.

Another career highlight is leading the Inspirational Business Women in STEM and Construction Celebration campaign. This project I am currently working on is incredibly meaningful because it’s about amplifying the voices of women in male-dominated industries. We are responsible for crafting a campaign that celebrates resilience, innovation and leadership, giving visibility to women breaking barriers in STEM and construction. Seeing the engagement, the stories shared and the impact it had on inspiring others made me realise the true power of storytelling in digital marketing.

But above all, the proudest achievement of my career is co-founding Stellar & Rose with my daughter. There’s something truly special about translating the mother-daughter bond into a business partnership as it brings depth, trust and a shared vision that makes every challenge and success even more meaningful. Even the name Stellar & Rose comes from our deep love for books, particularly our shared admiration for The Little Prince. Like that story, our work is about seeing the world with curiosity, imagination and heart, qualities we try to bring into everything we create.

And while these achievements stand out, I know there’s more to come. We have exciting projects in the pipeline and I’m looking forward to the moment when I’ll be talking about them as some of our proudest achievements yet.

WIDD: What habits, tools, or strategies have helped you stay focused and motivated in your personal and professional life?

Vanya: Staying focused and motivated (both personally and professionally) has been a constant learning process and I’m still figuring it out. But over time, I’ve identified some practices that keep me grounded and moving forward. For me, motivation starts with purpose-driven work. Aligning everything I do with meaningful impact, whether it was working on sustainable transport at Magway, celebrating women in STEM and construction or building Stellar & Rose. I also thrive on strategic planning and goal setting, breaking big goals into manageable steps while staying adaptable because the world is constantly evolving. My life motto is “Learning is a lifelong experience”, so I make curiosity a habit, always challenging myself to grow.

At the heart of everything I do is storytelling, both in work and in life, seeing every challenge as a plot twist and every win as a milestone. I believe that business is built on relationships and co-founding Stellar & Rose with my daughter, Masha, has reinforced the power of collaboration and different perspectives. I also rely on my social contract with close friends, that unspoken agreement of accountability and support that keeps me focused. And when life feels tough, the best thing I’ve learned is to keep busy and stay creative, because creativity has a way of bringing clarity, healing and forward momentum. Above all, time with family and friends reminds me of warmth, support and what truly matters. Success is very much about the relationships and experiences that shape us.

WIDD: What advice would you share with women who are looking to make their mark in their respective fields?

Vanya: Speak your mind, question things and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo  (think Elle Woods in Legally Blonde!) You don’t have to fit into a box to succeed. The world needs bold, brilliant women who stand out, not those who shrink themselves to fit outdated expectations. Don’t get easily intimidated, take up space, own your voice and push back when necessary. If you see a better way, do speak up. If someone tries to dismiss you, remind them why you belong at the table. And most importantly, do it like a girl!! Because strength, resilience and intelligence don’t need to be masked as something else.

Know your worth and set boundaries. You are not "lucky" to be where you are; you earned it. Advocate for yourself, ask for what you deserve and support other women along the way. Success is about lifting others up, creating opportunities and rewriting the rules together. So, go out there, break barriers, own your narrative and make your mark!

WIDD: How have community, mentorship, or collaboration influenced your growth, and how can others tap into these resources?

Vanya: We don’t walk through life alone. We live our stories and everyone we come across plays a role, some bigger, some smaller, but all significant. The best opportunities, lessons and collaborations often come from unexpected encounters. My advice? Be open, ask questions, seek mentorship and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Offer support as much as you seek it as mentorship goes both ways. Engage with your community, create new ones, nurture relationships and invest in collaboration, because when we grow together, we go further.

 WIDD: What’s your favourite quote or mantra that inspires you, and how has it shaped your perspective?

Vanya: “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”

 This quote from The Little Prince has taught me the power of hope, resilience and perspective.

Challenges, like the desert, can feel vast and endless, but within them lie hidden opportunities, lessons and unexpected sources of strength. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with uncertainty, but I’ve learned that the key is to keep going, keep searching and trust that the well is there even if you can’t see it yet.

Whenever I face obstacles, whether it’s positioning Stellar & Rose, navigating career transitions, or pushing through setbacks, I remind myself that even in the most difficult moments, something valuable is waiting to be discovered. Growth often comes from discomfort and clarity emerges from persistence. This mindset keeps me moving forward, knowing that every challenge carries the potential for something transformative, just like the hidden well in the desert.