Born in a small, picturesque Croatian town, situated elegantly along the majestic river Danube, Ruza was blessed to have been raised by a neurologist mother and an attorney/farmer father, whose unconventional blend of professions instilled in her a strong, innate sense of curiosity and adaptability, crucial life skills that would serve her well in the years to come.
As a young child, Ruza would often find herself enthralled by the vibrant, captivating sounds of Boney M and Lepa Brena, Croatian pop-folk legends, and would spend hours lost in thought, fantasizing about becoming a radiant, shining pop diva, her aspirations burning brightly within her, yet she kept her secret dreams hidden, opting instead to focus on honing her impressive dance skills and joining the school volleyball team, a decision that would help shape her into the multifaceted individual she would become.
As a young child, she was deeply moved by her earliest cinematic memory, which was watching the heartwarming yet traumatic film "Lassie Come Home". This early exposure to the world of cinema had a profound impact on her, leaving an indelible mark that would shape her relationship with films for years to come.
In fact, the experience was so powerful that she would often beg her mother to contact the television authorities, convinced that she knew Lassie's exact whereabouts. This intense emotional connection to the film was a testament to the lasting impact that "Lassie Come Home" had on her young mind.
Similarly, her first literary experience was reading "Bambi", a book that had a profound effect on her. The story of a young deer's journey, filled with themes of loss, growth, and friendship, resonated deeply with her. As she turned the pages, she found herself identifying with the mischievous and adventurous spirit of Maya the Bee, a beloved cartoon character.
This early exposure to literature not only sparked her imagination but also nurtured a love for storytelling that would stay with her for the rest of her life. The experience of reading "Bambi" was a pivotal moment in her literary journey, one that would shape her appreciation for the written word and inspire her to explore the world of literature further.
As the tumultuous atmosphere of her hometown in Croatia began to unravel, Ruza seized the opportunity to forge a new path, leaving the familiar surroundings behind to embark on a transformative journey in the vibrant city of London.
It was in this new environment that she took on a variety of roles, initially serving as an au pair and waitress, while simultaneously nurturing her passion for fashion, which would eventually propel her to the forefront of the industry's most esteemed beauty and clothing campaigns.
However, a serendipitous encounter with a renowned film casting director would soon alter the trajectory of her life, as she was inspired to audition for a role that would ignite a newfound passion for acting, ultimately leading her to pursue this exciting new creative outlet with unwavering dedication.
Notable among her early professional endeavors was a acting gig that saw her take on the role of a physician, an impressive feat considering the esteemed company she kept, as her co-star was the celebrated artist Amedeo Modigliani, a master of his craft, and the setting was a picturesque Parisian backdrop, transported to the early 20th century.
As the years went by, Ruza's professional journey continued to flourish, and today, she proudly calls herself an American citizen, making her home in the iconic city of New York, a hub of artistic expression and cultural diversity.
