Mocktails with Marina

Welcome to "Mocktails with Marina," a podcast where Marina, a multi-passionate entrepreneur and innovator, shares her journey and insights into the burgeoning world of zero-proof living and mixology. Marina's story, from a service industry professional to a thriving business owner, offers a unique blend of personal experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative mixology. Dive into episodes filled with inspiring tales, practical business management strategies, and innovative ideas in non-alcoholic beverage solutions. Marina's businesses, 'Functional Flow' and 'The Modern Mocktail,' serve as case studies in transforming passion into profitable ventures. Whether discussing the nuances of zero-proof mixology, navigating health codes, maximizing business efficiency, or fostering a positive work culture, this podcast is a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs, event planners, and anyone interested in a sober lifestyle. Marina's eclectic background in theoretical mathematics, r, food and bev service, and nightlife entertainment adds a unique flavor to each episode, blending technical know-how with real-world experience. From her journey to sobriety to her success in increasing revenue and operational efficiency in the kava industry, Marina's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to make thoughtful, intentional choices in both life and business. Tune in to "Mocktails with Marina" for a blend of free content, expert advice, and inspiring stories, all aimed at helping you achieve abundance without alcohol in both your personal and professional life.

Interview with Maggie Klaassens, Founder of The Sober Hive 04/21/2025

bev brand builder: start your own non-alc product company today 04/14/2025

Interview with Blind Tiger's Founder, Rebecca Styn 04/07/2025

Interview with Becky Moreno, Founder of Unity SoBar and Unity Recovery Solutions 03/31/2025

holding the line: turning boundaries into business strategy 03/25/2025

notes on being a mentor and teacher 03/17/2025

notes on being a mentor and teacher Are you stepping into a mentorship role, teaching others, or seeking guidance for your own business journey? In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we explore what it really means to be a mentor, teacher, or guide—especially in the non-alcoholic beverage industry, entrepreneurial space, and personal development world. Many people believe that simply knowing something qualifies them to teach it, but the reality is much different. The best mentors never stop being students themselves. A great teacher remembers what it’s like to struggle with new concepts and knows how to break down complex ideas so that anyone—from a five-year-old to a seasoned entrepreneur—can understand them. Good mentors set clear boundaries, uphold integrity, and never take advantage of those seeking their wisdom. However, mentorship is an exchange, and students must reciprocate that value in money, labor, or another meaningful way. Once you’ve learned what you came for, the right thing to do is to say thank you and move on. Guides and mentors are not meant to have all the answers. Their role is to share what they’ve experienced and offer insight into what has worked for others in similar situations. But no matter how much information you gather, success ultimately depends on your ability to take action. Even bad mentors, teachers, and guides can offer valuable lessons, though these experiences may come with frustration and disappointment. Growth often comes from difficult situations, and while the messenger may be flawed, the lesson itself can still be useful. If you are serious about growth, whether in business or personal development, you do not have to do it alone. The most successful entrepreneurs lean into their communities, partnerships, and mentors instead of trying to build everything in isolation. Businesses that last beyond five years are the ones that embrace collaboration and surround themselves with people who truly understand their vision. A few aligned individuals can be far more powerful than a hundred disconnected team members. If you are looking for guidance, I am currently accepting one more retainer client for this season. My one-on-one mentorship is designed to provide strategic support for non-alcoholic and kava business owners who want to optimize and scale. For those who prefer a group setting, there is still room in the Discovery Phase Launchpad, a program designed for new entrepreneurs seeking clarity on their niche, target market, and business model. Additionally, Bula Boss remains open for kava and non-alcoholic business owners looking for a structured path to a sustainable and profitable business. If any of this resonates with you, send me an email at [email protected]. I’d love to hear about your goals and see how we can work together to bring them to life. If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend, leave a review, and let’s continue building a future where mentorship and collaboration lead to success. /episode/index/show/8f0810f3-c6f5-4c1c-8f70-6ff0426e6bd9/id/35735265

how to change your life in less than 3 minutes 03/12/2025

how I used our business to heal from burnout 03/03/2025

how I used our business to heal from burnout In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, I share how our first year in business was more than just a career shift—it was a healing process. If you have ever felt burned out, stuck in the 9-5 grind, or unsure how to build a business that truly supports you, this episode is filled with real-world lessons, faith-driven perseverance, and insights from the growing non-alcoholic beverage industry. Burnout is more than exhaustion; it is often a sign that something fundamental needs to change. For us, that realization came when we walked away from traditional employment. Our last jobs were not the problem, but they were the final wake-up call that made us redefine our careers. Starting our business was not just about making money—it was about figuring out what kind of work actually energized us, setting boundaries, and identifying where we had allowed others to dictate our careers. Through trial and error, we learned how to structure a business that aligned with our values and long-term vision. This episode explores how the non-alcoholic industry is transforming nightlife and hospitality, why alcohol-free third spaces are on the rise, and how entrepreneurs in this space can create sustainable businesses. We also discuss the realities of business ownership versus traditional employment, including the true cost of working for someone else and why, in emerging markets like non-alcoholic bars and bottle shops, entrepreneurship often offers greater stability than relying on a paycheck. We built this business from the ground up without bank loans, without savings, and without a safety net. What we did have was faith, a clear vision, and the discipline to listen to our clients' needs and build long-term relationships that provided stability. Every challenge reinforced the importance of creating value-driven businesses that support both financial growth and personal well-being. We also had to restructure our entire lives—cutting expenses, redefining our daily routines, and leaning into faith as we navigated uncertainty. For anyone interested in launching or growing a business in the non-alcoholic industry, this episode covers key strategies for building a sustainable operation. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to break into the alcohol-free movement, a hospitality professional considering the shift toward sober nightlife, or a business owner who wants to set better boundaries and charge what you are worth, this conversation provides valuable insights. Visit to learn more. The non-alcoholic space is growing rapidly, and there has never been a better time to redefine what success looks like in this industry. This episode is about more than escaping burnout—it is about creating a business that allows you to thrive. Listen in as we share the lessons, challenges, and strategies that helped us transition from burnout to building a business that fuels us. /episode/index/show/8f0810f3-c6f5-4c1c-8f70-6ff0426e6bd9/id/35520690