VIDEO: Croatian roots and international runways: Katica’s story

Katica Rakuljić (Photo credit: Olivier Vigerie/Bob Long)

Katica Rakuljić, a Croatian model from Split, who grew up in Sweden, was the latest guest on the All Things Croatia podcast to talk about her career and experiences growing up between two cultures.

Katica was born in Split but moved to Sweden at just 3 months old. She grew up in Gothenburg but returned frequently to Croatia where she still has family. While Katica grew up immersed in Swedish culture, she held onto her Croatian roots through traditions like kolo dancing at the Croatian church.

After being scouted by a local modelling agency, Katica went on to compete in Miss Universe Croatia in 2011 which launched her international modelling career: 

Katica spent 6 months living and working as a model in Mexico City and has traveled for jobs to cities around the world. Yet despite her jet-setting lifestyle, Croatia still feels like home. Katica says Croatians are special because they “have their own ways, their own mentality for sure. And just the love for their country. Some people say it’s their belief, like their religion and the love for just the country, I would say. It’s hard to explain.”

Most recently, Katica covered the Cannes Film Festival in France as a TV presenter and walked the red carpet as a model. She interviewed celebrities like Johnny Depp and attended after parties mingling with Hollywood insiders. She admits the famous Cannes red carpet was smaller than she expected after seeing it on TV.

Between modelling jobs, Katica is also pursuing her passion for acting.

No matter where modeling takes her around the world, Katica always returns to Croatia where she feels at home among the people and unique culture.

You can watch the podcast with Katica below.