Meet Ivana Milijev | Muralist & Glass Painting Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivana Milijev and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own art business came from a deep passion to create and share something meaningful. Art has always been a part of who I am — ever since I was a child, drawing and painting came naturally to me. It was never just a hobby; it was my way of expressing emotion and connecting with people.

In Serbia, I already had my own small art company for five years, but moving to the United States meant starting completely over — new country, new culture, new beginning. It was a big risk, but one I felt ready to take. When you believe in yourself and in what you create, you find strength even in uncertainty.

I wanted to bring something personal and soulful into people’s spaces — not just decoration, but art that tells a story. Through murals, glass painting, and hand-painted pieces, I try to connect emotions, culture, and beauty. My work often blends traditional Serbian elements with a contemporary touch, and I love seeing how it resonates with people from different backgrounds.

The biggest factors behind my journey have been faith, persistence, and the support of my family. Balancing motherhood and art isn’t always easy, especially in a busy world like ours, but I try to include my son in my creative process — painting together, exploring colors, and showing him that following your dreams takes courage and heart.

To me, success isn’t only about recognition — it’s about doing what you love, staying true to yourself, and inspiring others along the way. Art connects people, and that connection is what keeps me going.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a reflection of emotion, culture, and storytelling. I work across several mediums — murals, glass paintings, and hand-painted objects — but what truly sets my work apart is the soul behind each piece. I love blending traditional Serbian motifs and spirituality with a modern touch, creating something that feels both timeless and alive.

I’m most proud when people tell me that my art made them feel something — whether it brought them joy, peace, or nostalgia. Getting here wasn’t easy. When I came to the U.S., I had to rebuild everything — my name, my audience, my connections. There were moments of doubt, but I learned that if you stay true to your vision, people will recognize authenticity.

One of my biggest lessons is that every challenge carries a purpose — it pushes you to grow and find your voice. Today, my art reaches homes, businesses, and festivals, and I’m excited to keep creating pieces that connect people and remind them of beauty and faith.

What I want the world to know about my art is that it’s made with heart — it carries pieces of where I come from, my experiences, and the stories of those I create for.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d start with the places that inspire me. We’d spend a day by the water in Clearwater Beach — walking, talking, maybe sketching the sunset. I’d take them to Dunedin for its charming downtown, little art shops, and good coffee.

We’d visit St. Petersburg for the art scene — the murals, the Dali Museum, and the local galleries that always have something new to see. We’d definitely stop by the Serbian church in St. Petersburg or Clearwater, where community and culture come together beautifully.

For food, I’d mix it up — maybe start with brunch at a local café by the marina, a seafood dinner at the beach, and one evening with homemade Serbian food at my place. Florida has so much to offer, but the best part would be spending time with good people, sharing laughter, art, and stories — that’s what makes any trip unforgettable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have been part of my journey, but my biggest shoutout goes to my family — for their constant love and support. My husband and my son have believed in me through every stage, from long nights painting to preparing for exhibitions and festivals. My parents, who are back in Serbia, always encouraged me to follow my dream and never give up, even when it meant starting over far from home.

I also want to thank my amazing clients and friends who trust me with their walls, glass pieces, and stories — every project becomes a collaboration full of heart. And of course, the Serbian community here in Florida and Chicago, who welcomed my art and made me feel at home through festivals, church events, and shared traditions. Without them, my journey wouldn’t be the same.

Website: https://www.ivanamilijevart.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivana.milijev.7/