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

Burnout Led Her Here: A Brand Built with Heart

Lauren Najar, Payton Moran Episode 25

What happens when the business you built isn't the one you're meant to grow?

In this heartfelt episode, Lauren sits down with Payton Moran, a creative branding strategist who walked away from her first business just months in—right after maternity leave, in the middle of a pandemic, with zero backup plan. What followed was a raw, unexpected pivot that led to a deeply aligned personal brand, a sought-after podcast, and a sold-out women's business conference in the South.

They talk about what it really takes to build a personal brand that feels like you, how to clarify your message without second-guessing everything, and why burnout might just be the beginning of something better. If you're in a season of shifting, questioning, or rebuilding, this conversation is your permission slip to choose differently.


Episode Highlights:

  • Quitting her job post-maternity leave and launching a boutique
  • Realizing the misalignment and pivoting into branding
  • Creating a conference for women entrepreneurs in Alabama
  • Embracing her unique voice and letting go of industry “rules”
  • Her take on pain point marketing and trust in personal branding


Chapters:

00:01 – Welcome & Guest Introduction

01:06 – The Leap: Quitting Corporate and Starting a Boutique

03:49 – Discovering Branding Through Burnout

10:03 – From Local Events to Launching a Conference

18:31 – Clarifying Your Message & Personal Brand

24:55 – Why She Started Her Podcast & Her Stance on Marketing Trends

35:43 – Hosting with Heart: Behind the Scenes of Her Conference


Connect with Payton Moran:

IG: Instagram.com/paytonmoran__

Website: https://payton-moran-495e.mykajabi.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

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