Some stories don’t begin with a grand business plan. They start with the scents of childhood, the warmth of a family table, and the realization that food can be more than just a meal. It can be an emotion. A pause. A sense of peace and safety.
Marija Antunović’s story is one of those quiet narratives that captivates you instantly—because it feels real. It begins on an island, around a family table, following a rhythm of life that didn’t rush, but was truly savored. It’s a story rooted in an environment where work was learned by watching, helping, and absorbing, and where food was never just meal, but a reason to gather and share. Together with her husband, Ivan Borac, Marija founded Croccantino—one of Croatia’s most celebrated artisanal gelato brands. What started as a small family pastry shop on the Pelješac Peninsula has blossomed into a brand whose reach extends far beyond local borders. Her journey is about the audacity to leave the “safe path,” the pull of returning to one’s roots, and the growth found through community and daily grind. In every scoop of Croccantino, you can taste the island, the memories, the journeys, and the raw emotions distilled into flavor. Today, Marija bridges the heart of family tradition with the courage to carry that same tradition into the wider world, stepping far beyond the familiar and secure. She doesn’t run from fear; she carries it with her, knowing that without it, there is no growth.
Marija’s message transcends the world of gastronomy. It is a testament to the idea that fear is not an obstacle, but a compass; that creativity is born from the intersection of uncertainty and perseverance; and that quality and integrity remain the most genuine ways to connect with people.
“I grew up with so many fears and self-doubts, but I learned that you have to dive into the sea even when you’re terrified—and you have to step out even when you feel vulnerable. When I was given a platform, I wanted to show that entrepreneurs aren’t people without fear; they are simply those who dared to act in spite of it.”
It is this exact blend of humanity, authenticity, and courage that makes Marija Antunović our Human Voice—a voice that reminds us that dreams can indeed be lived. It teaches us that when those dreams are sincere, they transform into an experience that brings people together.
I’m Marija—an entrepreneur, a mother of three girls, a wife to my college sweetheart, and, in many ways, a human perpetuum mobile. I’m someone fueled by energy, driven by the act of creation, and a deep, sincere love for my craft. These roles don’t compete for my time; they coexist, complementing and nourishing the person I am.
To me, satisfaction is a process. The person I admire is always one step ahead of me—and that person is also me. That doesn’t mean I’m not happy or content with where I am; when I stop to look back, I can truly say that I am. I’m especially proud that through all the growth and expansion, I’ve managed to keep my family and that sense of togetherness at the core of everything. My feet are firmly on the ground, even if my head is often in the clouds.
To learn how to let go—of people, of business ventures, and of relationships—with more ease. To trust that when something leaves your life, it makes room for something even better. Today, I understand that the space created by letting go always serves a greater purpose.
“For me, the greatest achievement wasn’t a moment when everything came easily. It was the fact that we didn’t stop when things were at their hardest. When fears and obstacles were at their peak, we found our strength in family and kept moving forward. In those moments, our togetherness made us stronger and gave me peace and hope that it would all eventually make sense.”
Growing up, it was my father. He was the ultimate symbol of strength, creativity, and stability—he was my hero. I’ve always looked for role models within my own family. Today, that person is my sister. We share an incredibly close bond; I truly feel like she is a part of my soul.
I’ve been part of the business for as long as I can remember. I was only seven or eight years old when we started, and my entire childhood is woven with the scents of fresh bread, flour, eggs, and gelato. I went from the simple task of separating eggs and being the kid who occasionally got in the way in production, to eventually reaching a stage where my contribution truly mattered.
Early on, I discovered what it felt like to create change. That sense that my voice carried weight and that my hard work yielded tangible results—that is what shaped me. It’s interesting to me that many people who grow up in a family business feel a sense of burden or resentment toward it, but I was always drawn to it. I think the reason is my family’s genuine love for food. For us, food is pure joy. It’s what fulfills me.
Today, I can say with pride that Croccantino has become one of the most recognized artisanal gelato brands in Croatia. But my vision doesn’t stop there—I want our gelato to touch the lives of people all over the world.
For me, gelato has never been just food. Everything that comes out of our workshop is more than a product—it is a reflection of who we are. It carries our history, our values, and our experience. Through these products, we share pieces of ourselves with people, with the simple intention of brightening their day. We want them to pause. To feel, even for a brief moment, that everything is okay. It’s that small break in the day where everything makes sense again.
Full interview
The fact that we didn’t stop when things were at their hardest. When the fears and obstacles seemed insurmountable, we kept moving forward. We found a way to grow precisely when it felt like everything was falling apart. We drew our strength from family. In those moments, our togetherness made us stronger and gave me a sense of peace and hope.
Integrity. Humanity. Self-love and a commitment to the community. And, above all, the joy of giving. Everything I do must have a human dimension.
I want them to learn to trust their intuition. I want them to look within themselves to find the most valuable gift they can offer the world. More than anything, I want them to believe in themselves and their own inner voice.
I see the value of Croccantino in two directions. First, in the the products themselves—because they brighten moments and serve as a reminder of the beauty of life. Second, in us. We personally embedded in this story. It’s that intersection of product and soul that gives everything meaning.
Absolutely. I grew up in a small town where I often felt like I was either “too much” or “not enough.” I carried deep-seated fears and self-doubt. But I learned to dive into the sea even when I was terrified, and to step back out even when I felt vulnerable.
When I was given a platform and became visible, my goal was to show that entrepreneurs aren’t necessarily fearless people. They are simply the ones who dared to act despite their fear. I am still that person today. I continue to put myself out there, regardless of my insecurities. I believe that is exactly what makes people truly fulfilled and successful.
People’s reactions. Their feedback. When I see a spark of willingness to learn in my employees, or when I receive a message from a customer who is genuinely delighted—that’s what fuels me. It gives me the strength to push even further. Those are the moments when I know that everything we do has a purpose and that we are truly leaving a mark.
For me, peace and freedom aren’t permanent states. They are small moments tucked into every day. They are the tiny details that appear and remind me I’m on the right path. As long as those moments are present, I am happy.
I would love for people to feel who I am on the inside. I am constantly evolving—sometimes I am strong, sometimes fragile; sometimes bold, sometimes cautious. That raw authenticity and honesty are vital to me. I simply want people to see me for who I truly am.
I have a dream that feels almost untouchable today—to reach the entire world with our gelato and our products.
As an individual: I believe that today—in an era of artificial intelligence and growing self-alienation—the human voice is more essential than ever. It’s about empathy, the human touch, and those qualities that technology simply cannot replace.
As an entrepreneur: I believe that entrepreneurship amplifies what you already carry within you—your fears, your love, your strength. To grow, we must continuously get to know ourselves, learn, and practice self-love. That is the only way to navigate the calms and the storms that lie ahead.
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“Peace and freedom aren’t permanent states for me. They exist in small moments throughout the day — little details that appear and remind me I’m on the right path. As long as those moments are there, I know I’m living a good life.”