The Success Trap Nobody Talks About w/ Erika Maram

What if the business you worked so hard to build became the very thing stealing your freedom? In this episode, Lauren sits down with brand and web designer Erika Maram to explore the journey behind her business, from learning to code as a kid and bartending for seven years to building a thriving design studio that eventually grew into a full-service marketing agency. What started as a dream of creating freedom quickly turned into long nights, constant client demands, and a business that was running her instead of the other way around.Erika shares the difficult decision to walk away from parts of her business, take a significant pay cut, and rebuild a company that aligned with the life she actually wanted. She also opens up about confidence, visibility, direct communication, creating brands that make people feel something, and why so many female entrepreneurs underestimate the value they bring to the table.If you've ever felt trapped by your own success, this conversation will help you rethink growth, reclaim your confidence, and build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.Connect with Erika:Website: https://erikamaram.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika.maram/Chapters:00:40 Meet Erica Maram04:40 From Art School to Entrepreneurship08:20 Building a Business From Scratch10:40 When Growth Stops Feeling Good14:00 Choosing Freedom Over More Revenue18:20 Why Direct Communication Builds Trust21:40 Creating a Brand People Feel25:20 The Story Behind Business Over Cocktails27:10 Branding Through Emotion Instead of Design31:00 The Confidence to Go After Bigger Opportunities37:00 Recognizing Your Own Success40:20 Why Female Entrepreneurs Play Small46:00 Boundaries, Business, and Life Balance Upcoming Events:Chicago Retreat - July 14-16, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/iid9wbr2ycNapa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwLet’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.