Business Over Cocktails - Behind the Business - Real Talk with Female Entrepreneurs

You’re showing up to everything but getting very little out of it.

It’s easy to say yes, stay busy, and feel like you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. But without intention, you end up scattered, drained, and wondering why nothing is actually moving forward. In this episode, Alyssa breaks down what it really means to be intentional in your work, your relationships, and how you spend your time.

She shares how being clear on your goals, your role, and and why just showing up and saying yes to everything isn’t ac...

You didn’t plan to become the person others lean on. It usually starts with a moment that changes everything.

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Gawlinski to talk about how personal loss and experiences with cancer shaped the path she’s on today. What started as unexpected moments led her into deep involvement with organizations like Fighting Pretty, Girls on the Run, and the Boys and Girls Club, supporting women and young girls through moments that require connection, support, and guidance.

They also get into the parts people don’t always talk about...

You’re sending messages, starting conversations, trying to sell and still not seeing results.

In this episode, I break down what actually turns people off in the DMs and why so many common sales tactics feel forced, exhausting, and ineffective. I walk through what I don’t do in the DMs, from cold pitching to over-messaging, and what actually gets people to buy instead. 

I also share how I’ve built a sustainable business through relationship-driven conversations instead of volume-based outreach. From closing four-figure deals to generating a $20,000 launch entirely through DMs, this is a real lo...

Four years ago, I made the decision to leave my 9 to 5 and build my business full time. And while that decision changed everything, it didn’t happen the way I thought it would.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on what it actually took to get there and what these last four years have really looked like. From starting with side hustles and trying to find a way out, to building a business while working full time, this was not a quick or straightforward path. It took years of figuring things out, making decisions without a clear plan...

You’re not stuck because nothing is working, you're stuck because you’re trying not to fail.

If you’ve been overthinking your next move, holding back from launching, or constantly questioning your decisions, today’s guest, Summer Borkowski, founder of Summer Gold, a beauty and wellness club, breaks down what’s actually happening when you fail. Avoiding failure might feel like a smart move, but it’s the exact thing keeping you from getting the clarity and momentum you need.

In this Business Chaser episode, Summer walks through what it really means to fail better, how...

You don’t randomly wake up and start a business that makes zero logical sense or do you?

In this episode, I sit down with Summer Borkowski, founder of Summer Gold, a beauty and wellness club, to talk about what really happens when you follow an idea that doesn’t make sense on paper. From starting a spray tan business with zero experience to building a full beauty and wellness brand, this is the kind of story that challenges what you think entrepreneurship is supposed to look like.

We get into the messy middle that most...

You’re using AI to create content, write your marketing, maybe even build your strategy, so why isn’t it actually bringing in clients?

Everything looks fine on the surface. The content sounds good. The ideas are there. But it’s not landing, it’s not connecting, and it’s definitely not converting the way you expected.

In this Business Chaser episode, I’m breaking down what’s really going on when AI “isn’t working” in your business. Because the problem isn’t the tool. It’s how you’re using it. I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes...

I followed the strategy. Did the work. Checked every box and I still didn’t get the results I expected.

I invested thousands into coaching thinking it would give me the answers, help me grow faster, and take my business to the next level. Instead, I ended up overwhelmed, burnt out, and questioning everything.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what coaching actually is and why so many people walk away from investments feeling frustrated or like they made a mistake.

Because hiring a coach isn’t about someone telling you exactly what t...

You’re doing everything “right” so why does making money still feel so hard?

You’re showing up. You’re following the strategy. But behind the scenes, it still feels like a cycle of stress, overthinking, burnout, and starting over again.

In this episode, nervous system and subconscious pattern expert Cara Barone breaks down what’s actually keeping you stuck at the same income level even when you’re doing everything right. And it’s not your strategy.

It’s how your nervous system has been wired to keep you safe.

Cara unpacks the d...

You’re doing everything “right”… so why do you still feel stuck?

You’ve learned the strategies. You’ve invested in the programs. You’ve seen some success. But no matter what you do, it feels like you keep hitting the same ceiling.

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, I’m sitting down with someone who has played a huge role in my own journey, my first mentor and business coach Cara Barone, to talk about what’s actually keeping high performers stuck.

And it’s not what you think.

We get into the deep...

In this Business Chaser episode, Lauren breaks down what actually makes an event meaningful, impactful, and worth attending. From networking dinners to retreats, she shares her perspective on why hosting an event is about far more than filling seats or planning something pretty. It’s about intention, connection, and making people feel genuinely seen.

Lauren walks through what she believes separates forgettable events from transformational ones, including guest experience, event etiquette, personalization, community building, and how to create real value for the people in the room. If you’ve ever thought about hosting an event for your busi...

Maria Rojas did not set out to become a marketing agency owner. She began her career as an electrical engineer in Venezuela, certain of the path she was building. But when life changed and opportunity disappeared, Maria was forced to make a hard decision: leave everything familiar behind and start over in the United States.

In this episode, Maria shares the reality of rebuilding from the ground up, from navigating life as an immigrant and taking jobs she never imagined doing, to discovering a deeper sense of gratitude, resilience, and purpose along the way. What began as...

When starting feels scary, it’s usually not a lack of talent—it’s a lack of trust.

In this quick Business Chaser, Jessie from Big Time Publishing shares three powerful reminders to help you move forward when fear shows up:

If you’ve been stuck, second-guessing yourself, or waiting for certainty, this episode will help you take the first sma...

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren sits down with Jessi Dunnagan—author and founder of Big Time Publishing—for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to follow the nudge, tell the truth, and create before you feel “ready.” Jessi shares how writing her first book started with a title in her head, became an unexpected kind of personal therapy, and ultimately turned into a business helping others stop sitting on the stories they’re carrying.

Together, they talk about ditching the fear of being seen, why “failure” isn’t real if you keep going, how...

In this quick Business Chaser, Lauren breaks down what you actually need to know before running Meta ads—without the overwhelm. She shares why ads don’t magically fix a marketing problem, how they amplify what’s already working (and what isn’t), and what to have in place first: consistent content, cohesive branding, and a clear goal.

You’ll hear a real client scenario (luxury, high-ticket services) and why expecting instant ROI—especially on a $5–$7/day budget—usually leads to frustration. Lauren walks you through a smarter approach for beginners: start by running ads to a freebie or email...

In this solo episode, Lauren shares the part of her cancer story that doesn’t get talked about enough: what happens after remission. Thirteen years cancer-free after surviving Hodgkin’s lymphoma twice, she opens up about the mental weight of survivorship—scanxiety, follow-up tests, and living with a body that no longer feels fully predictable.

Lauren reflects on the long-term effects of chemo and radiation, the constant cadence of appointments, and the emotional whiplash of “you’re fine now” when fear and grief still show up. She also speaks candidly about fertility, pregnancy loss, postpartum recovery, and how becoming...

In this episode, Heather Miller breaks down the core of product thinking—and why you don’t need perfection to launch something successful. If you’re building from scratch or trying to scale a scrappy offer, app, or service, this is a practical guide to making smarter product decisions with less guessing.

Heather explains what a “product” really is (hint: it’s the value engine of your business), then walks through the three essentials that lead to product-market fit: problem-market fit, solution-market fit, and business model fit. You’ll also learn why MVP should be treated as a Minimum Valu...

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren sits down with Heather Miller, a product management consultant and the CEO of PDRM Consulting—and what starts as a conversation about “products” quickly becomes something deeper.

Heather takes us back to the version of her who was convinced she’d become a surgeon… until life rerouted her into software, product leadership, and eventually entrepreneurship. She shares what it really looks like to build a business from experience (not big-name logos), how she learned to trust her voice again after leaving corporate, and why confidence isn’t something you think your w...

In this educational Business Over Cocktails episode, marketing strategist and community builder Michelle Thames breaks down a repeatable approach to community building and networking that helps entrepreneurs grow a magnetic personal brand and increase visibility online and in the room.

You’ll learn how to choose the right networking events, connect with decision-makers, and make yourself memorable so relationships actually turn into opportunities. Michelle also shares what to do after the event—how to follow up, book coffee chats, connect on Instagram, and stay consistent with content so new connections become clients, collaborators, and community members. If you’...

Michelle Thames went to work one day in 2016 and walked out fired from her healthcare compliance job. What felt like an ending became the pivot that changed everything.

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Michelle shares how she leaned on the blog she’d been building since 2009, taught herself marketing through real-world reps, and turned a career curveball into a thriving path as a marketing strategist, community builder, and boutique agency owner. We talk about what it really takes to build trust online, why relationship-based marketing still wins, and how intentional community building (especially through in-person ev...

Dating doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game or a grind. In this Business Chaser episode, dating coach Lauren Fondriest shares a grounded, empowering framework for high-achieving women who are ready to shift from casual dating to consciously attracting a partner who matches their values, lifestyle, and ambitions.

You’ll learn three actionable steps to approach dating with self-worth, clarity, and intention—starting with how you show up in your own life today. If you're done waiting to be chosen and ready to choose with purpose, this episode is your blueprint.

What happens when a high-achieving corporate coach realizes the deepest transformation she’s ever had wasn’t in the boardroom—but in her love life?

In this soulful conversation, Lauren sits down with Lauren Fondriest, a leadership coach turned women's dating coach, to unpack the personal reckoning that shifted everything. From years of dating struggles and shrinking herself in relationships to building a business rooted in self-worth and conscious love, Lauren shares how peeling back layers of conditioning led her to a life—and career—she finally feels aligned with.

They explore the quiet burnout ambitious...

Think PR is only for celebrities and big brands? Think again.

In this quick myth-busting episode, Lilian Sue breaks down the biggest misconception in public relations—and shares what you actually need to start building visibility through interviews and media features. No massive budget, no millions of followers—just clarity on your story, your goals, and your audience.

Perfect for entrepreneurs who are ready to be seen, heard, and remembered.

Episode Highlights:

Why PR doesn’t require a massive audience or budget
The story–goals–audience framework...

What if the story you’ve been hiding is the key to everything you’ve been working toward?

In this deeply honest conversation, we explore the powerful intersection of creative storytelling, public visibility, and personal healing. Our guest Lilian Sue shares how a simple request—"Do you do PR?"—sparked a complete transformation from freelance copywriter to media authority amplifier.

We talk about breaking generational silence, navigating the fear of being seen, and how to move from sanitized soundbites to soulful storytelling. There’s also a whole sidebar about horror movies, true crime, and why good story...

In this solo episode, music educator Cassie Williamson shares practical insights and real-life experiences from her work teaching students with disabilities. From adapting lessons for those with cerebral palsy and low motor function to working with blind, deaf, and non-verbal students, Cassie explores how music can be taught to every learner regardless of ability. Learn how she designs her own strategies, bridges the gap between music and speech therapy, and advocates for accessibility in an industry that often overlooks it. This episode is a powerful resource for educators, parents, and anyone who believes music is for everyone.

<...

Cassie Williamson didn’t set out to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a music teacher but life had its own tempo. From teaching piano in her childhood home to launching a thriving music studio of her own, Cassie shares how music, patience, and purpose intertwined to shape a career she never saw coming. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to build a business rooted in impact, the quiet power of one-on-one teaching, and how life’s detours (including a spinal injury and temporary blindness) led her exactly where she needed to be. Whether you're a crea...

Feeling overwhelmed by wedding inspiration? In this episode, Nicole Krygsheld of Sweet Pea Designs shares a soulful, step-by-step process to help you cut through the noise and design a wedding that feels like you. From identifying how you want to feel on your day to building a mood board that guides every decision, Nicole offers a grounded and creative framework to bring your vision to life without the Pinterest chaos.

Episode Highlights:

What happens when motherhood, loss, and a pandemic collide? For Nicole Krygsheld, it sparked a quiet but powerful transformation. In this episode, Lauren sits down with the founder of Sweet Pea Designs to unpack how a childhood spent in a greenhouse planted the seeds for a dream that would bloom years later through postpartum depression, career pivots, and one life-changing backyard baby shower. Nicole shares the honest truth about starting a business from her basement while raising babies, how flowers became her form of healing, and why her shop is about more than pretty petals—it’s about presence, purp...

If you’ve ever looked at your bank account and thought, “Great, I can pay myself,” without knowing what’s actually coming in or going out — this episode is for you. Jessica Wilson, founder of Design Ledgers, breaks down practical, beginner-friendly steps to get your business finances in order. From setting up a simple receipts system to choosing the right time to hire a bookkeeper, this episode gives you the foundational habits, routines, and mindset shifts to stay organized and reduce financial stress.

Episode Highlights:

Jessica Wilson grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs, where “playing office” as a kid turned into a lifelong love for the numbers behind the scenes. In this episode, she shares how the women in her family taught her the power of bookkeeping, why financial clarity brings peace, and what it really means to hold space for business owners who feel overwhelmed by their finances. Whether you're scaling or just starting, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, steady, and ready to look at your numbers without fear.

Episode Highlights:

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Steph Rubio joins Lauren for a powerful after-hours chaser on what business strategy really means for women entrepreneurs. If you’ve been stuck doing all the things, spinning your wheels, and wondering why your business still feels off—this conversation is your wake-up call. We explore how to find clarity in business strategy, create mental space for big-picture thinking, and carve out daily habits that support growth without burnout.

Steph shares how 30 minutes of intentional stillness each day helped her shift from survival mode into visionary mindset—and how you can do...

What happens when doing it all still doesn’t feel like enough? In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Steph Rubio shares the pivotal moment she realized her business wasn’t aligned with the life she actually wanted. From starting as a virtual assistant to stepping into her role as a strategic powerhouse, Steph takes us behind the scenes of the mindset shifts, self-belief breakthroughs, and strategic clarity that helped her move from surviving to truly leading. If you've ever felt trapped by your own business or unsure how to get from where you are to where you want to g...

Ever hit that 3PM crash and reach for coffee or sugar? In this solo episode, Jenny Pena, national board-certified health and wellness coach, shares three simple, science-backed strategies to balance your blood sugar, boost energy, and reduce cravings—without extreme diets or burnout. Whether you're managing pre-diabetes or just want to feel better day to day, these tips are for you.

Episode Highlights:

Chapters:

What happens when a high-achieving finance executive hears the words “pre-diabetic” before turning 30? In this powerful episode, Lauren sits down with Jenny Pena—now known as the Blood Sugar Bestie—to unpack the wake-up call that changed everything.

Jenny shares her deeply personal journey from Wall Street stress to wellness coaching, how losing her grandmother to diabetes pushed her toward change, and why so many professionals miss the early signs. Together, they explore the emotional weight of health diagnoses, what it really takes to make lasting lifestyle changes, and why behavior change is more about mindset than rules.<...

In this Business Chaser episode, money and mindset coach Deanna returns to break down why hustle culture is sabotaging your financial success—and how slowing down can actually accelerate your path to wealth. She shares powerful stories from clients who were hitting $12K months yet still felt burned out, and explains why building first-generational wealth requires more than just grinding harder.

Deanna outlines simple, sustainable money mindset shifts—like paying yourself first, setting up auto-pay to savings and investments, and releasing guilt around spending. If you're tired of chasing money and feeling like your finances are still stuc...

In this powerful episode, Lauren sits down with money mindset coach and financial mentor Deanna to unpack what it really takes to rewrite your money story. From navigating identity theft and single motherhood to building first-generational wealth, Deanna shares how deep mindset work—not just strategy—transformed her finances and her life.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in generational money patterns, struggled with scarcity thinking, or questioned whether coaching could really help, this episode offers a raw, real look at how financial mentoring can lead to lasting change. We explore the difference between superficial mindset hacks and tr...

What does it really mean to take ownership of your numbers? In this episode, Julie Hankins—a fractional CFO and financial strategist—joins me to break down how to get clear on your finances without losing your values, vision, or energy.

We talk about how to overcome fear of your numbers as a small business owner, when it’s time to hire a bookkeeper or financial help, and why outsourcing financial tasks doesn’t mean giving up control. Julie shares the mindset shifts and practical financial strategies that have helped creative entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses aligned with their pe...

What happens when you try to walk away from the thing you’re best at? In this episode, Lauren sits down with Julie Hankins, a financial strategist who once ran from the numbers—only to realize they were her true path to freedom, impact, and alignment.

We talk about the evolution from traditional accounting to becoming a fractional CFO, how data can unlock smarter decisions, and why understanding your numbers is one of the most empowering things you can do as a business owner.

Whether you’re creative, analytical, or somewhere in between, this episode will s...

In this solo episode, Lauren Najar takes you behind the scenes of how she curates meaningful, intimate business events and retreats. From selecting a private venue and planning a dinner party with intention to crafting themes that create emotional impact, Lauren shares the real strategy behind hosting in-person events that connect, inspire, and leave your guests feeling seen and supported. Whether you're planning a retreat, workshop, or intimate dinner for business owners, this episode dives deep into the art of event planning with purpose. Perfect for creatives, coaches, and consultants looking to elevate their event experiences in 2026 and beyond.<...

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, host Lauren Najar pulls back the curtain on the systems, tools, and routines that help her run multiple businesses while managing motherhood. Joined by guest host Logan Montague, Lauren shares how she uses ClickUp for business and life organization, why HoneyBook is essential for client management, and how outsourcing helped her scale sustainably. They discuss decision fatigue, intuitive content creation, setting up systems as a CEO mom, and when it’s the right time to hire help. If you’re a female entrepreneur juggling business and personal life, this episode is packed with...