She Left Everything to Chase the American Dream w/ Verginiya Burgess

Sometimes the life you're meant to build looks nothing like the one you planned.When Verginiya Burgess left Bulgaria shortly after high school, she wasn't chasing entrepreneurship. She came to America after her grandparents sold their home to fund her education, carrying the weight of their sacrifice and the determination to make their investment worthwhile. What followed was a journey through science, medicine, unexpected disappointment, and ultimately discovering a completely different calling.In this episode, Verginiya shares how growing up in communist Eastern Europe shaped her work ethic, why a successful career in medical technology still left her feeling empty, and how her search for light and purpose eventually grew into a wellness business centered on helping others feel seen, supported, and cared for. She also opens up about overcoming her fear of being visible as the face behind her business and what success truly means to her today.This episode will inspire you to embrace the unexpected turns in your own journey and trust that sometimes the biggest detours lead you exactly where you're meant to be.Connect with Verginiya:Espa Esthetics & Wellness - https://espa-wellness.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/espa.esthetics.wellness/Chapters:00:40 Leaving Bulgaria to Chase a Bigger Dream03:40 Why She Hid Behind Her Business 07:40 The Pressure to Succeed11:40 Growing Up in Eastern Europe17:20 Discovering a Passion for Medicine19:40 Why Her Dream Career Wasn't Enough23:00 Finding Light Through Holistic Wellness25:30 Building a Business Without a Master Plan29:20 Redefining Success32:10 Creating the Wellness CollectiveThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’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.