In this special episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher reflects on one year of sharing local stories and supporting businesses in Waterloo Region. This episode celebrates the milestone of reaching 29 episodes and highlights key lessons learned from interviewing local business owners. Cher also shares her favourite moments from the past year and discusses her hopes for the future of the podcast.

In this episode you will hear:

• [00:37] Cher reflects on how it feels to hit the one-year milestone
• [02:22] Five things I’ve learned from interviewing local businesses:
  • The power of community
  • Collaboration over competition
  • The importance of taking a leap of faith when starting a business
  • Serving this region with passion
  • The importance of evolving and pivoting in business
• [06:10] Cher shares her favourite moments and stories from past interviews
• [06:28] Ainsley from Harp + Finn shares the importance of measuring success by personal fulfillment.
• [07:51] Jackie from Den 1880 discusses the rich history of the building and its role in supporting local businesses
• [08:48] Banter with Sarah from MCAT Social and Amanda from Saltbox Mortgages
• [09:33] The inspiring origin stories of:
  • Suits and Sawdust (service industry transition)
  • Grazing Daisy (stay-at-home mom to thriving business)
  • Fearless Cookin’ (pivoting to private chef services)
  • Becks Broth (building a successful business with integrity)
• [17:13] Cher discusses the importance of supporting local businesses like Holly's Cafe and community-owned butchers
• [19:35] Cher shares her thoughts on slowing down and visiting local spots like farmers markets and butchers
• [20:20] Cher shares her recommendations for listeners who are looking to try something new this year. There is truly something for everyone.
• [27:45] Cher’s hopes for the next year of the podcast, including exciting guests and new content that is coming
• [29:52] Cher thanks listeners and shares her gratitude for the support over the past year

Do you know a business that should be on the podcast? Send me a DM and I would love to shine light on another business who makes our community amazing!!

Thank you for celebrating one year of the At Home in Waterloo Region Podcast!

Connect with Cher:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co

Website: www.athomecompany.ca

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz sits down with Dr. Kristin Spark-Endy, a passionate naturopathic doctor and the founder of Verger Wellness Clinic in Uptown Waterloo. Dr. Kristin shares her journey from working in multiple clinics to founding her own business, the challenges she has overcome, and the joy she finds in helping her patients transform their health. The conversation touches on a variety of important health topics, including women's hormonal health, gut health, and holistic approaches to wellness.

In this episode you will hear:

• [01:52] Dr. Kristin’s journey of starting Verger Wellness Clinic after facing clinic closures, how she pivoted to business ownership, and the importance of surrounding herself with a supportive team.
• [06:30] The challenges faced when starting the clinic, including navigating commercial real estate and the pandemic.
• [10:40] Dr. Kristin’s focus on women’s health, specifically hormonal concerns like PMS, menopause, and postpartum issues.
• [14:31] Hormonal health tips for women, including myths surrounding cortisol, exercise, and dietary recommendations.
• [20:37] Key dietary recommendations for women, including high-protein, high-fiber foods and the Mediterranean diet.
• [27:19] Dr. Kristin’s approach to gut health, bloating, and the importance of the microbiome for overall well-being.
• [40:16] Discussion on weight loss diets, including Dr. Kristin’s take on keto, and the growing trend of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.
• [50:17] A personal discussion about Dr. Kristin’s work with Cher on her health journey, addressing blood sugar levels and weight loss resistance.
• [54:19] Insights into mental health support, including natural remedies for anxiety and depression, especially during postpartum.
• [55:30] Dr. Kristin’s approach to mental health as a naturopath and the importance of taking a holistic view of health.
• [58:05] The lack of postpartum care and how Dr. Kristin helps women navigate the challenging postpartum period.
• [01:02:08] Dr. Kristin’s vision for the future, including offering more affordable group programming to make naturopathic care accessible to more people.
• [01:04:33] Dr. Kristin’s love for Waterloo Region, highlighting local businesses such as Cyclone Spin Studio, Brightside Yoga, Fiddleheads, and Café Pyrus.

Visit the link in Dr. Kristin’s Instagram bio to download her free Gut Health Guide & 7-Day Reset Challenge

Connect with Dr. Kristin:

Instagram: @drkristinspark

Website: vergerwellnessclinic.com

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz welcomes Sanum, founder of Grazing Daisy, one of the fastest growing charcuterie companies in Waterloo Region. A stay-at-home mom of two, Sanum launched her business from her condo just under two years ago and has since been featured on CTV Kitchener twice, nominated for Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest Women of the Year Rising Star, and recognized by the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce for New Business of the Year. Sanum shares the honest story behind her leap into entrepreneurship, the mindset shifts that helped her grow quickly, and how she balances business with motherhood.

In this episode you will hear:

• [02:15] The pivotal moment that sparked Grazing Daisy, realizing she had zero income of her own and launching the business within three weeks of the idea.
• [07:50] Hosting a strategic launch party (without inviting close friends and family) and using that event to generate her first holiday orders.
• [09:21] Posting in local Facebook groups and sharing consistently on personal social media to secure early clients and build brand visibility.
• [16:04] The daily mindset practices she relies on, including protecting her mornings and becoming her own cheerleader in business.
• [19:30] Navigating entrepreneurship and motherhood, including living with her in-laws for six years so she could stay home with her children.
• [31:42] Her perspective on competition — choosing abundance over scarcity and trusting that what is meant for her business will reach her.
• [41:24] How her interactive charcuterie workshops evolved into collaborative community events that spotlight other local businesses.
• [45:00] The workshops selling out, building waiting lists, and becoming a social night-out experience for groups in the community.
• [48:15] Her commitment to ongoing personal growth and becoming the “next version” of herself to grow alongside the business.
• [51:03] What makes Grazing Daisy unique, the human connection and turning client relationships into genuine friendships.
• [52:44] Why Waterloo Region has been an ideal place to grow her business and the balance of community feel and opportunity for scale.

This episode is a reminder that building a successful business doesn’t require perfection or massive scale, it starts with courage, clarity, and the willingness to take the first step.

Special Offer: Mention this podcast ATHOME with Cher Goetz and receive a discount off your next charcuterie workshop

Connect with Sanum Yousaf:

Instagram: @grazingdaisy_

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co