We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nejra Jerlagic. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nejra below.

Nejra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

No matter how challenging it can be, I am very happy to be an artist. I think it’s so special to be able to use your emotions for your craft and I love every second of it. I am confident in my answer because I do have an experience of having a regular job. I worked as a quality assurance analyst for 3 years and I have a whole Bachelors degree in IT. However, I was miserable. Don’t get me wrong, jobs in IT are secure and can even be fun, but that was not for me. I am a creative person who sings around a house. I am a writer. I am a storyteller. Going back to art felt like I was reborn.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I knew I wanted to be a performer as a little child when I was doing dress-ups and singing for my family. However, it was not easy to make that dream come true. I had to change careers and switch my focus, but I never gave up on my goals. I would work in an IT company while studying for university and after the work was done I would sit by my piano and write about it all. As I was approaching the end of my studies, I decided to start saving up in order to release my first single. I met a producer Livina Tanovic, and we instantly clicked. 2 months later, my first single, Angel’s Daughter was created. Soon after that I decided to start working on an EP. Now it’s out. It is a concept EP called When Sweet Things Become Bitter, which is a love story from it’s sweet beginning to it’s bitter end. You can give it a listen on all steaming platforms. Throughout that personal story, I was listening to many talented musicians and I was connecting to their music and writing. That is something I want to give. My hope is that my songs help people the way music always helped me.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think the most rewarding thing about being an artist is hearing the people sing along to your music. I truly believe that music is so universal and powerful and to see that connection happening in front of your eyes is a magical moment that makes you want to create more and more.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

“You have to find a real career”. No you don’t. Of course, the world is not simple and it is a good idea to have a day job for a while, but please don’t let that take your dreams away. I believe that there is a space for artists in this world and with hard work, the dreams will become a reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/hiitsneyra
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiitsneyra/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hiitsneyra
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hiitsneyra

Image Credits

Yasin Emir Akbaş, Rebecca Majstorovic