Business Over Cocktails - Behind the Business - Real Talk with Female Entrepreneurs
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.
Business Over Cocktails - Behind the Business - Real Talk with Female Entrepreneurs
Designing a Joy-Filled Life as a Creative Entrepreneur
What happens when a future doctor becomes a bold interior designer instead? In this episode, we peel back the layers of what it really looks like to build a creative business that reflects who you are—color, chaos, courage, and all.
Melissa Griffin shares her unexpected journey from medical school aspirations to founding her design studio, Indigo Ink Interiors. We talk about how art, grief, motherhood, and therapy all played a role in shaping her work and the life she’s designed around it.
This conversation isn’t just about beautiful spaces. It’s about identity, joy, and giving yourself permission to pivot. Whether you're a creative entrepreneur or just craving more meaning in your work, this one is for you.
🎙️ Topics we explore:
- How Melissa shifted from science to design
- The emotional roots of her bold, layered style
- Creating a business that fits your life (not the other way around)
- Navigating motherhood, grief, and growth as a founder
- What it really means to design with joy and intention
Episode Highlights:
Pivoting with Purpose
Designing with Duality
Motherhood as Motivation
Creating Joy Through Color
Saying No to Fit the Yes
Chapters:
00:00 - “From Medicine to Design: The Unexpected Pivot”
04:40 - “Blending the Analytical & the Artistic”
10:00 - “Motherhood, Loss & Starting a Studio”
15:30 – “Bold Color, Maximalism & Design Identity”
21:10 – “Time Freedom, Business Ownership & Priorities”
27:00 – “Running the Back‑End: What Designers Don’t Talk About”
32:20 – “Designing Joy, Finding the Right Clients & What’s Next”
Connect with Melissa:
https://www.instagram.com/indigoinkinteriors
Website
https://indigoinkinteriors.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.