Episode 28

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Published on:

3rd Sep 2025

Breaking the Mold at 25: How Milena Built a Dream Café & Coffee Shop

In this episode, LuRae sits down with 25-year-old Milena Dujakovich, the powerhouse behind Laguna Beach’s Wild Strawberry Café.

After graduating with a finance degree and working in a corporate role, Milena made the life-empowering decision to leave the illusion of a steady paycheck to pursue a more intentional and heart-centered life.

She shares how her early exposure to entrepreneurship shaped her values, why she believes in choosing discipline over ease, and the importance of rejecting societal expectations in favor of personal growth.

This episode is a must-listen for young professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone craving a life of authenticity, passion, and purpose.

Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 - Why Taking Care of Yourself Is the First Step to Success
  • 00:00:32 - Meet Milena Dujakovich: The 25-Year-Old Who Swapped Spreadsheets for Lattes
  • 00:01:15 - How Wild Strawberry Café Became More Than Just a Business
  • 00:01:29 - Lessons Learned from Scrubbing Drains to Following her Dreams
  • 00:03:22 - Hustle, Heart, and the Quest for Balance
  • 00:03:59 - Ditching the Script: Saying No to What Society Expects
  • 00:09:44 - The Moment Milena Said Goodbye to the 9-to-5
  • 00:13:32 - Brewing More Than Coffee: Building a Café That Connects People
  • 00:16:17 - Real Talk: What It Really Takes to Chase Your Dream
  • 00:20:49 - Final Thoughts: Tune Out the Noise, Trust Your Gut

Links and Resources:

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About the Podcast

and then I did this
The unique journeys of individuals who've had the courage to break free and live life on their own terms.
"And Then I Did This" brings you the unique journeys of individuals who've had the courage to break free and live life on their own terms.

Each episode takes you behind the scenes of an ordinary person's extraordinary transformation. You'll hear from those who've walked away from the beaten path to pursue work and a life that nourishes their soul. Their stories prove that you truly can be free to live your best and most authentic life.

Get ready to be inspired as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from those who dared to create the life of their dreams. Whether it's leaving the corporate grind to start a small business, embarking on a midlife career change, or simply redesigning your daily routine to prioritize your passions - the guests on "And Then I Did This" show you that it's possible to break free and live life on your own terms.

Join us each week and prepare to be motivated, encouraged, and empowered to take the first steps toward more freedom in your life.

If you're feeling inspired and ready to explore your own path to freedom, check out YouCanBeFree.life where you'll find resources and support to help you break free and live life on your own terms.

About your host

Profile picture for LuRae Lumpkin

LuRae Lumpkin