Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella Matasic
Bella, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I remember the day I knew what I wanted to do. I turned to my friend on the bus and said, “I’m going to build an empire someday.” Until then, I hadn’t realized people could actually create their own businesses.
In high school, I got into engineering because I loved solving problems. My first project was a pulse oximeter prototype. It never went to market, but it was my first real invention. Around the same time, I started my first business—coaching swimming. But it was a tough period, as my grandfather passed away, and my grandmother had recently died from cancer. When I started college, I felt lost. I initially chose nursing, but something felt off. I changed my major three times before finally landing in computer science, where I met someone who told me, “There’s no better time than now. Just do it.”
That advice hit home, and I started taking action. I launched a blog, then a podcast, then an app development company—all of which didn’t work out. But I didn’t give up. I tried newsletters, YouTube, and even joined a gym startup that didn’t make it either. Finally, my first successful startup came along with a cofounder, and it felt like I was on the right track. But when that partnership ended, I felt completely lost. I remember asking myself, “Can I really do this?” That failure, however, taught me the importance of trusting myself.
I kept pushing forward. I took on my first corporate internship, and although I learned a lot, I was miserable. I realized I didn’t want a life where I felt stuck, doing what everyone else expected of me. I wanted to create my own path. So, I started cold-calling businesses, offering my skills, and testing out different ideas. Eventually, I moved into social media, where one of my posts went viral, opening up new doors.
Today, I’m a computer science student actively building my startup while growing my personal brand. We’re refining our services, focusing especially on Airbnb clients, and I’ve brought on team members to help bring our vision to life. I’m excited to see where this journey leads as I work to build both a successful company and a personal brand that reflects who I am and the impact I want to make.
The moment that changed everything was realizing I could shape my own future. Reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad made me see that success and happiness weren’t just for “special” people—they were for anyone willing to go after them. That belief fuels me every day. Sometimes, I doubt myself or feel overwhelmed, but I remind myself that every sacrifice is part of reaching the bigger dream. I keep pushing forward because I know there’s a future version of me who’s already achieved what I want, and I owe it to myself to make that vision real.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been exactly a smooth road. After finally realizing my dream, I got swept into how everyone else thought I should live. I didn’t have a clear picture of what I was aiming for—just a vague sense of direction. It felt like I was moving through fog, and after a while, I lost sight of the dream altogether.
One of the toughest periods was when I agreed to help a friend with their startup while also working an internship and juggling college. It was intense. I remember weeks of barely any sleep, just grinding to get everything done. That experience taught me the importance of time management and setting boundaries. I realized I was pushing myself too hard.
Eventually, I hit a breaking point. I knew I couldn’t keep up that pace, and I had to make a choice: either dive into the startup and leave the internship behind or let go of the startup and stick with the safer route. I chose to take a risk and went all in on the startup.
But it didn’t go as planned. My partner and I reached a point where our visions didn’t align. That was one of the hardest moments—choosing whether to stay in a partnership or go off on my own again. Looking back, I realize I’d built my dream around someone else’s vision. Ending it felt like everything was falling apart. It was a friendship, too, and I knew things would never be the same between us. When it ended, I felt lost and uncertain about my future. I was scared and unsure of what my life would look like without that partnership.
That was when I made the decision to finally start something of my own. I had no idea where to begin, and the uncertainty freaked me out. I messaged everyone in my Instagram and Facebook contacts, hoping to find some leads or opportunities. But most of the people I knew weren’t in business, so my efforts didn’t get me very far. I switched into so many niches; it was crazy. Eventually, I finally got some traction but was ghosted by potential clients and lacked clarity. So I focused on solving a problem right in front of me.
Through all these challenges, I learned that each setback pushed me to rely on myself and kept me moving forward. I had to embrace my vision and not let anyone else define my path.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Dune Media, we’re in the exciting process of refining our services with a primary focus on helping Airbnb clients elevate their listings and attract more bookings. Our expertise lies in digital marketing, where we specialize in creating tailored strategies that showcase properties in the best light possible.
What sets us apart from others is our commitment to understanding the unique needs of each client. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we collaborate closely with our clients to develop customized marketing plans that reflect their brand’s personality and goals. Our approach combines innovative techniques, data-driven insights, and creative storytelling to ensure our clients stand out in a competitive market.
I’m incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve built with clients and the impact we’ve made together. Seeing their businesses grow and succeed is what drives me. Additionally, my journey as a young entrepreneur has shaped the values of my brand. I aim to inspire others by demonstrating that success is attainable through hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.
As we continue to explore new opportunities in digital marketing, I want our readers to know that Dune Media is not just about services; it’s about partnership. We’re dedicated to being a resource for our clients and helping them navigate the challenges of the industry. I’m excited to see where this journey leads and look forward to collaborating with those who share the same passion for growth and innovation.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned on my journey is simple: just do it.
Take action, even when it scares the hell out of you. It’s your life and your dream—go after it with everything you’ve got. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you (including yourself).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dunemedia.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunemedia.co/?hl=en
