Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stella Šakić. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Stella, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
In 2021, I was working for a couple who were exporting fish to European markets. They had an idea to start an online fish market for local buyers.
It was an ambitious plan, especially in Pula, Croatia, where fresh fish is a way of life. Most people catch their own or know someone who does. Selling frozen fish online wasn’t going to be easy, but I love a challenge.
They hired me to handle their social media and administration for a very modest pay. Despite the odds, I poured my creativity into building their brand, writing engaging posts about the quality of their fish. Inviting people to share their favorite recipes, adding interesting fish-related facts.
Within two weeks, we got our first order. By the third week, the most well-known chef in town reached out, wanting to source fish directly. Nobody expected it. Not that soon, anyway.
But behind the scenes, things weren’t so glamorous. My employers kept adding more tasks and expecting me to handle everything for next to nothing. I felt like I was drowning. That’s when the question hit me – What if I could do this for myself instead of being underappreciated?
I started cold-calling local businesses, offering to manage their social media.
The first call I made was to a local pizza place. The owner had already heard about me because the buzz around the online fish market had reached him.
He was so intrigued by my work that he hired me on the spot. That’s when I decided to stop being an errand girl for peanuts, and started offering other local businesses my unique approach to social selling.
What started as a challenging job turned into the foundation for my business. It taught me never to doubt myself and my instincts. Which is a constant battle when you run an online business.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
When I started writing for businesses, one thing stood out immediately – too many brands have a story to tell, but struggle to make people care about it.
I kept seeing the same patterns. Generic “quote of the day” posts, unnoticeable messages, and strategies that seemed like they were copied from someone else’s playbook. That didn’t sit right with me.
The way I see it, every business has a voice. Not the polished, perfect version they think they should have, but the real, unfiltered one that people connect with. The one that makes someone stop scrolling and think, “This is exactly what I need.”
These aren’t just success stories. The most effective reputations are built by using Expertise, Experience and Exposure (the way you wanna be perceived by the audience). That’s how I came up with the 3EX framework – after applying this framework on 40+ businesses and leaders.
When you understand what makes your business unique, the results are impossible to ignore.
Today, I work with founders, lawyers, logistics companies, sports clubs, coaches and local businesses to help them find their voice and use it. The industries are different, but the goal is always the same. Connecting with people in a way that sticks.
This brought amazing results to my clients, like booking out a web designer 6 months in advance, helping a physical therapist become known all over Europe, sponsorship for a football club via Instagram messaging…
It’s not about following trends or resorting to empty tactics like FOMO or scarcity.
It’s about truly understanding the audience.
Their struggles, their hopes, and, most importantly, what they fear losing.
Once you have that figured out, content becomes a 24/7 employee and opportunities just keep piling. At least in my 7 year experience.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My straightforward approach, direct communication and results.
In the last 3 years (since I’ve been on Linkedin), my content has been a mix of direct insights, hard truths and real solutions without a speck of sugarcoating.
Not many prefer this approach, but I tell my clients what they NEED to hear, instead of want.
It’s not about slapping a band aid on a problem, it’s about amplifying what’s already there and making it work long – term.
It was my audience on Linkedin who named me the NO BS lady marketer.
This approach resonates with people who understand what a solid reputation does for their business. But it’s also an elimination process, a way for me to find leaders who appreciate the no bs approach, and want results with no ifs and buts about it. They want strategies that not only attract but CONVERT.
Consistency has also been key. On LinkedIn, I show up as a person first, marketer second. My own content strategy is about sharing lessons, not sales pitches. Struggles, not just success stories. Delivering content that works while clients focus on what they do best, their expertise.
Because if it doesn’t work, what’s the point?
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Image Credits
My images are all taken by my partner. No need to add credit, because he is not present online. Thank you.