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

Lauren Najar, Business Coach
  • 5.0 (5)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Welcome to Business Over Cocktails — the podcast where female entrepreneurs, founder stories, and soulful business growth take center stage.  Hosted by business strategist and community builder Lauren Najar, this show dives into the “why” behind the business, the real stories behind entrepreneurship, and the pivotal moments that shape women-led brands. Expect candid interviews with creative entrepreneurs, behind-the-scenes reflections on small business growth, and bite-sized solo episodes inside The Business Chaser — where we explore authentic visibility, organic marketing, and building a business that actually feels good. Whether you're scaling a service-based business, navigating a pivot, or craving real talk for entrepreneurs, this is your spot. Pull up a seat. Pour your favorite drink. Let’s talk business.

  1. Owning Your Numbers & Building a Business You Love

    1D AGO

    Owning Your Numbers & Building a Business You Love

    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 personal goals. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your finances or unsure how to make data-driven decisions, this is your invitation to reframe your relationship with money and build a business that supports your life—not the other way around. Episode Highlights: Taking ownership of your numbers without doing it all yourselfAligning business finances with personal goals and valuesKnowing when to outsource and how to retain strategic control Chapters: 00:00 | Intro & Why Numbers Matter 02:00 | Owning Your Numbers vs. Outsourcing 05:00  | Value of Hiring Experts & Protecting Your Time 07:30 | Clarity on Goals & Business Vision 10:30  | Mindset, Alignment & Next Steps Connect with Julie Hankins: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliehankinsco/ Website:  https://www.juliehankins.com Let’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

    13 min
  2. She Tried to Quit Finance, But the Numbers Called Back

    5D AGO

    She Tried to Quit Finance, But the Numbers Called Back

    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 shift how you view money, decision-making, and the role finance plays in building a values-driven business. Episode Highlights: Fractional CFO vs. bookkeeper: what's the real differenceHow to use financial data for business growthMoney mindset struggles and entrepreneurial identityWhy every founder needs financial clarityAligning business goals with personal financial freedom Chapters: 00:00 — Behind the Mic: Starting the Conversation 01:58 — Falling in Love With Numbers 07:06 — From Bookkeeper to Financial Strategist 15:08 — What Founders Get Wrong About Finances 29:44 — Money, Intuition, and Deservingness Connect with Julie Hankins: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliehankinsco/ Website:  https://www.juliehankins.com Let’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

    49 min
  3. How to Plan Impactful Business Events with Intention

    DEC 19

    How to Plan Impactful Business Events with Intention

    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. Episode Highlights: Why emotional impact matters more than logistics in event planningThe importance of curating guest lists and personalized experiencesHow to align event themes with seasons, goals, and business energy Chapters: Welcome & Episode Intention – 00:01 Why I Started Hosting Events – 02:26 Designing Events with Emotional Depth – 04:49 Logistics vs. Vision: What Really Matters – 07:08 Themes, Personalization & Retreat Preview – 11:44 Let’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

    16 min
  4. The Tools and Routines That Keep Me Sane

    DEC 15

    The Tools and Routines That Keep Me Sane

    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 insights on simplifying, scaling, and thriving. Episode Highlights: Using ClickUp to streamline business and personal lifeOutsourcing tasks to scale sustainably as a CEOBalancing motherhood with entrepreneurshipSimplifying content creation through intuitionRecognizing when systems or support are needed to grow Chapters: Intro & Episode Setup – 00:00 Why Systems Matter – 03:40 ClickUp, HoneyBook & Streamlining Tools – 06:44 Content Creation & Delegation – 07:47 Life Systems, Routines & Family Support – 11:53 Simplifying Food, Health & Decision Fatigue – 19:51 Outsourcing & Knowing When to Hire – 34:28 Connect with Logan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socially.logan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-montague-mba-437701b6/ FREEBIE: Balanced Business Blueprint https://businessbffacademy.myflodesk.com/balancedbusinessblueprint Website: www.yourmarketingbffs.com Let’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

    40 min
  5. The Truth About Postpartum Anxiety and Starting Over

    DEC 12

    The Truth About Postpartum Anxiety and Starting Over

    In this heartfelt episode, Jessica Garcia-Wood—co-founder of Little Hearts Play Cafe—shares her powerful story of navigating postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety during an unplanned pregnancy while serving in the military. She opens up about the emotional toll, intrusive thoughts, and the disconnect she felt as a new mom, and how support from her care team, family, and community helped her heal. Jessica also reflects on leaving the military, moving back to Northwest Indiana, and launching a family-focused indoor playground. This conversation breaks the silence around maternal mental health, breastfeeding struggles, and the realities of motherhood beyond social media. Episode Highlights: Navigating postpartum depression and anxiety during military serviceThe emotional impact of an unplanned pregnancy and early motherhoodLaunching Little Hearts Play Cafe as a path to healing and purpose Chapters: Discovering Pregnancy During Military Deployment  00:00 Struggling with Postpartum Depression and Disconnection  02:24 Newborn Challenges, Breastfeeding, and Sleep Deprivation  04:37 Seeking Help, Leaving the Military, and Returning Home  06:01 Opening Little Hearts Play Cafe and Sharing Her Story  08:01 Connect with Jessica Wood: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlehartsplaycafe/ Website: https://littlehartsplaycafe.com/home Email: littlehartsplaycafe@gmail.com Let’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

    11 min
  6. Healing Through Business & Motherhood

    DEC 8

    Healing Through Business & Motherhood

    When Jessica Garcia-Wood moved back to Northwest Indiana after serving as an ER nurse in the Air Force, she didn’t expect motherhood to feel so lonely—even surrounded by family. That quiet ache became the seed for Little Hearts Play Café, a space designed to bring parents and kids together in the earliest, most isolating stages of parenting. In this heart-forward conversation, Jessica shares how postpartum depression shaped her vision, how the military unexpectedly taught her to lead, and what it’s really like running a business with her husband. We talk about identity, first-generation ambition, and the courage to build what’s missing. This one’s for the moms, the dreamers, and anyone learning to create from the hard parts of life. Episode Highlights: Jessica’s journey from Air Force ER nurse to play café founderThe emotional and logistical roots of starting a business as a momNavigating marriage and entrepreneurship as co-foundersThe role of family, identity, and cultural background in her storyBuilding a space for connection during postpartum isolation Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meeting Jessica 02:30 – From Air Force ER nurse to entrepreneur 06:15 – The spark: postpartum, isolation & business idea 10:00 – Launching a play café and building connection 15:00 – Running a business with your spouse: realities 20:00 – Balancing motherhood, nursing career & business 25:00 – Reflections, advice & next steps Connect with Jessica Wood: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlehartsplaycafe/ Website: https://littlehartsplaycafe.com/home Email: littlehartsplaycafe@gmail.com Let’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

    48 min
  7. Burnout, Boundaries, and How to Protect Your Capacity

    DEC 5

    Burnout, Boundaries, and How to Protect Your Capacity

    In high-pressure careers—whether you're in healthcare, leadership, or running your own business—boundaries are often mistaken for weakness or a lack of commitment. In this episode, Dr. Santina Wheat breaks down why the opposite is true. You'll learn why excellence requires boundaries, how to recognize leaky boundaries in your day-to-day work, and the key shifts that can help you avoid burnout without sacrificing performance. Dr. Wheat offers practical tools for identifying your current capacity, communicating more clearly, and creating sustainable practices that protect your time, energy, and focus. Whether you're a physician, team leader, or entrepreneur, this episode will help you understand that boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re the foundation for long-term success. Episode Highlights: Why boundaries are essential for true excellenceHow leaky boundaries lead to burnoutSmall, practical steps to protect your capacity Chapters: Redefining Boundaries as a Strength — 00:45 Excellence vs. Availability — 04:02 When Boundaries Leak into Burnout — 05:47 3 Practical Steps to Start Today — 07:40 Connect with Dr. Santina Wheat: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtinawheat/ Free 7-Day Boundaries challenge: https://www.subscribepage.io/3bXosNo Boundaries Workshop https://burnouttobalanced.my.canva.site/boundaries-that-stick Website: www.santinawheat.com Mini Course - https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/183137 Let’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

    11 min
  8. The Day I Knew Something Had To Shift

    DEC 1

    The Day I Knew Something Had To Shift

    Dr. Santina Wheat knew how to show up for everyone—her patients, her learners, her family. But somewhere along the way, she stopped showing up for herself. In this episode, we unpack the quiet descent into burnout, the invisible pressure on high performers to always say yes, and the breaking point that changed everything. From working through a miscarriage to ignoring her own capacity in the name of service, Santina’s story isn’t just about medicine—it’s about boundaries, people-pleasing, and reclaiming your soul’s purpose. If you’ve ever felt like hard work is the only way to prove your worth, or that saying “no” comes with guilt, this conversation will land deeply. We also explore how Do Not Disturb mode became a radical act of self-care—and why burnout isn’t just a healthcare problem, but a culture-wide one. Episode Highlights: Getting into medicine and discovering early purposeExperiencing burnout as a healthcare professional and momWhy boundaries feel impossible for high performersThe small boundary shift that changed everythingHow to recognize burnout before it takes over Chapters: Why I Became a Doctor — 01:08 The Silent Build-Up to Burnout — 03:43 When Boundaries Feel Impossible — 13:49 A Miscarriage, a Moment, a Wake-Up Call — 11:44 The Smallest Boundary That Changed Everything — 20:53 How to Spot Burnout Before It Breaks You — 32:45 Connect with Dr. Santina Wheat: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtinawheat/ Free 7-Day Boundaries challenge: https://www.subscribepage.io/3bXosNo Boundaries workshop https://burnouttobalanced.my.canva.site/boundaries-that-stick Website: www.santinawheat.com Mini Course - https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/183137 Let’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect 🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

    37 min
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About

Welcome to Business Over Cocktails — the podcast where female entrepreneurs, founder stories, and soulful business growth take center stage.  Hosted by business strategist and community builder Lauren Najar, this show dives into the “why” behind the business, the real stories behind entrepreneurship, and the pivotal moments that shape women-led brands. Expect candid interviews with creative entrepreneurs, behind-the-scenes reflections on small business growth, and bite-sized solo episodes inside The Business Chaser — where we explore authentic visibility, organic marketing, and building a business that actually feels good. Whether you're scaling a service-based business, navigating a pivot, or craving real talk for entrepreneurs, this is your spot. Pull up a seat. Pour your favorite drink. Let’s talk business.

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