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
I Turned a Hard Chapter Into a Book w/ Jessi Dunnagan
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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 to protect your excitement by sharing wins with the right people, and why self-publishing can be one of the most empowering ways to own your story—without waiting for permission.
If you’ve been holding a manuscript, a message, or a story you keep pushing off… this is your sign to start with the next sentence.
Episode Highlights:
- Owning your story without waiting for permission
- Not being afraid to be “mediocre” in public while you learn
- Following intuitive nudges that lead to the right next step
- Self-publishing as empowering, healing, and creatively freeing
- Sharing wins with the right people and protecting your momentum
Chapters:
00:01 — Meet Jessi + wearing many hats
00:48 — Not afraid to be “mediocre” in public
05:06 — When she knew she’d write a book
10:27 — Why people don’t follow the nudge
16:07 — Self-publishing: healing, empowering, no permission
25:43 — Leaving corporate + building Big Time Publishing
40:25 — Rapid fire: Hanson, skating, and owning your story
Connect with Jessi Dunnagan:
Instagram & TikTok: @bigtimepublishing and @especiallyjessi
Website - bigtimepublishing.com
Resource library: https://app.heartbeat.chat/bigtimepublishing/invitation?code=233E3C
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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