Ivana attended Juraj Baraković High School in Zadar, after which she moved to Zagreb to study political science.

As a child, Ivana did not really aspire to become a singer, but her life and talent gave her a chance to be one.

Although Ivana's debut album was very well received, she was not entirely satisfied with the music and image her management had created for her.

She then recorded the song Samo probaj (literally Just try) which was translated in English as “Dare to love me”.

Owing to Eurovision fans, the song had international success in a large number of countries throughout the world.