Not quite.

Shape & Simple Text on top --> Align --> Group
Clone --> Move to Mouse Over
Ctrl+Select Shape --> Fill colour
Ctrl+Select Text --> Fill colour
Soft Group both layers
Create NavBar

You creation method works.

Edit NavBar
Ungroup to edit graphics
Solo select required layer
Ctrl+Select First Shape or Text
Edit
Select all buttons
Create NavBar with All buttons the same to ensure all get the same treatment.

Do not unpick any Shape or Text while it is still a NavBar.

Acorn