Meet the Kazic-Perisic Family of Newport Beach

By Julia Means

Photo Credit: Nova Media House

Here in Newport Beach, a family’s journey of determination, love and shared ambition has blossomed into a successful business and a fulfilling way of life. Natasha Kazic, Aleksandar Perisic and Natasha's children, Milena and Nick Dujakovich, embody the strength that comes from unity and perseverance. Their story weaves through different continents and life’s inevitable challenges, yet their focus remains steadfast: supporting each other, giving back to their community and growing the business that ties them together.

Natasha Kazic: A Journey from Montenegro to Southern California

Born and raised in Montenegro, Natasha Kazic’s journey to Southern California started at the age of 14. Moving to the U.S. marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in her life — one that would be shaped by challenges, personal growth and a fierce determination to create a better future for herself and her children.

At a young age, Natasha became a single mother to two children, Nick and Milena. She found herself navigating life’s hurdles with little guidance, but the resilience she developed through these struggles laid the foundation for her future.

Her turning point came during a 40-day fast, an experience that opened her eyes to the power of intuition. It was during this time that Natasha began to trust her instincts and learn to embrace the flow of life. This newfound clarity and inner strength would later propel her toward one of her boldest decisions: opening Wild Strawberry Cafe in 2011.

Wild Strawberry Cafe: Building a Family Business

Starting a business as a single mother with two young children was no easy feat, but Natasha was undeterred. She wasn’t just building a café; she was building a family legacy. From day one, her children, Nick and Milena, were involved in every aspect of the business. Whether it was prepping food, setting up the café, or interacting with customers, Natasha made sure they were part of the process. “We’re a team, and we’ll always be a team,” she often says, and it’s clear that the bond they share is the foundation of their success.

The trio worked side by side, learning the ropes of the business, taking on every task, and treating each challenge as a shared experience. From scrubbing drains to holding signs on the streets, they were a tight-knit unit. The sense of community and teamwork that Natasha instilled in her children was evident in the way they ran the café. They didn’t just work together; they thrived together.

As the business grew, so did their connection to the local community. Natasha poured her heart into creating an atmosphere that felt like home to everyone who walked through the door. The café was more than just a place to eat; it was a place where people felt welcomed, where the little details — from fresh flower arrangements to the carefully selected blue floral dishware — made all the difference.

A New Chapter: Aleksandar Perisic Joins the Family

In 2017, the family’s story took another turn when Aleksandar “Alex” Perisic entered Natasha’s life. Born in Serbia, Alex spent 16 years traveling across Europe as a professional basketball player. He never imagined that one day, he’d leave the basketball courts behind and settle in Southern California. But when he met Natasha, his life took a new direction.

Their relationship blossomed despite the distance between Newport Beach and Serbia. What started as a simple smiley face message grew into a deep connection. After years of long-distance communication, Alex moved to California to be with Natasha, and in 2017, they were married.

Alex’s integration into the family was seamless. Natasha’s children, Nick and Milena, instantly embraced him as part of the family. Together, they formed an even stronger unit, with Alex adding his own unique strengths to the mix. Now, the entire family works side by side at Wild Strawberry Cafe. Natasha focuses on the creative side — from baking to business strategy — while Alex ensures that the café’s operations run smoothly. Their complementary skills make them a dream team in every sense.

Nick Dujakovich: A Path of Independence and Career Success

Natasha’s children, Nick and Milena, have grown into independent, accomplished adults. Nick, now 27, has always had a passion for computers. After earning a degree in computer science, Nick made a bold move to Dallas, Texas, to work as a software engineer for Capital One. His career flourished, and today he is well-established in the corporate world. Although Nick lives in Oklahoma City with his wife, Alexandra, the bond between with his family remains strong. The distance hasn’t diminished their connection. They fly out to visit each other and even took Alexandra’s family on a trip to Montenegro to share their culture and heritage. For Nick, family is everything, and no matter where life takes him, he ensures that those connections stay intact.

Milena Dujakovich: Embracing Passion and Purpose

Milena Dujakovich, now 24, has always been determined to push herself beyond her limits. In just three years, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business finance from San Diego State University and quickly made her mark as a senior financial analyst. Her ambition didn’t stop there—Milena was eager to step outside her comfort zone and challenge herself further, both professionally and personally.

After college, Milena took bold steps to explore new opportunities and broaden her horizons. She moved to Dallas, Hawaii and Europe, embracing each experience as a chance to learn more about herself and the world around her. Although she thrived in her role as a financial analyst and gained valuable insights from her travels, she began to feel a sense of imbalance, realizing that she missed the closeness and support of her family.

Now, Milena has returned home to Newport Beach, ready to embark on a new chapter. She’s combining her professional skills with her passion for hospitality by opening her very own Wild Strawberry Cafe in Laguna Beach. This exciting new venture reflects her journey of growth, self-discovery and a deep desire to reconnect with her roots and her family.

A Family of Adventurers

While their work at the café is demanding, the Kazic-Perisic-Dujakovich family knows how to make time for fun and adventure. Whether it’s blasting music and dancing on long road trips across Europe, sipping coffee in cozy cafés in Montenegro and Serbia, or enjoying quiet moments together at home, they know how to make the most of every opportunity.

One of their favorite activities is spending time with their golden doodle, Lucky, who brings joy to every moment. The family loves taking him on adventures — running through parks, playing
fetch, or simply enjoying each other’s company. For this family, life is meant to be lived fully, and they embrace every moment with enthusiasm and joy.

A Deep Connection to the Newport Beach Community

After years of traveling and living in different places, the Kazic-Perisic-Dujakovich family has found their home in Newport Beach. They feel incredibly lucky to be part of this vibrant, supportive community. “We love our community and are so happy and blessed to live here,” Natasha shares. “When we travel, we’re so excited to come home because everyone is so kind and positive here. It truly is a paradise, as everyone watches out for each other and lifts us up.”

Newport Beach is more than just a place to live for this family; it’s a place where they’ve built deep connections with their neighbors, their customers and each other. It’s where they’ve turned
their dreams into reality and found a sense of belonging that enriches their lives every day.

The Dream Team: Building a Legacy Together

At the heart of the Kazic-Perisic-Dujakovich family is their shared motto: “We do everything as a team — it’s our Dream Team.” This phrase encapsulates everything they stand for — unity, resilience and the power of working together. Whether in business, in their personal lives, or on their adventures, they are a cohesive unit that lifts each other up.

Their story is one of triumph, love, and gratitude. It’s about family, passion, and the belief that when you work together, you can create something truly extraordinary. The Kazic-Perisic-Dujakovich family is not just a family in business; they are a family that believes in the power of community, connection and living life to the fullest. Together, they are proving that the dream of a fulfilling, joyful life — built on love, hard work and mutual support — is truly possible.