In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz sits down with Ainsley Poirier, the vibrant force behind Harp & Fin, a boutique and floral studio rooted in creativity, authenticity, and connection. Ainsley shares about her transition from leading one of KW’s largest event businesses to building a brand that feels deeply aligned with who she is today. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of a life that prioritizes joy, family, and meaningful experiences. Whether you’re a fellow business owner or simply navigating a personal crossroads, Ainsley’s journey will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

In this episode you will hear:

• [01:02] Ainsley’s creative roots, launching Fresh Look Design, and building a high-volume event business that ultimately led to burnout.
• [07:30] How the pandemic became the turning point for reflection, healing, and the decision to open Harp & Fin in Belmont Village.
• [13:06] What sets Harp & Fin apart: from the in-store experience and personal customer connection, to overcoming challenges like floods and financial setbacks.
• [21:57] Life as a mom and entrepreneur: setting boundaries, finding flow, and creating a business that brings joy back into her home life.
• [45:53] What’s next for Harp & Fin: a unique café, community events, mentorship, and the power of sharing her story to lift others.
  
  

Enjoying the podcast? Share your support by subscribing, leaving a review and sharing this episode with a friend so we can continue to grow our community in this beautiful region!

Harp & Fin Links:
Use code ATHOMECO for 15% off!
Website: www.harpandfin.ca
Instagram: @harpandfin

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 invites guest Amanda Walczyk, better known as Saltbox Mortgage Agent. Amanda’s path into the mortgage world was anything but conventional, beginning with a degree in film and a career in events before pivoting into mortgages during the pandemic. With a passion for real estate, a flair for community building, and a people-over-profit philosophy, Amanda brings her whole heart to helping clients navigate one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives. Amanda and Cher discuss the importance of honest service, empowering others, and cultivating connection in what can often be isolating industries. Amanda isn’t just a mortgage professional, she’s a connector, educator, and collaborator. Tune in to hear how her passion for lifting others up has blossomed into retreats, workshops, and one unforgettable speed-networking event.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [02:00] How Amanda transitioned from creative work and events to launching a career in mortgages during the pandemic—and why it stuck.
• [05:28] The origin of Better Your Business workshops and real estate retreats, and how they’ve created space for connection, collaboration, and growth.
• [16:26] How Amanda and Cher reimagined networking with “speed dating for realtors,” and why it’s helping break down barriers in the industry.
• [21:45] Amanda’s people-over-profit approach: why she often takes a pay cut to do what’s right for her clients, and a powerful success story that saved one family $40K.
• [30:21] The biggest myths around mortgage rates and renewals, and Amanda’s mission to educate clients so they can make confident, informed decisions.

Whether you're a homeowner, a realtor, or simply someone who values community and integrity, this conversation is packed with inspiration, laughter, and plenty of real talk. Amanda is making mortgages more human, and creating powerful ripple effects in Waterloo Region! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Follow along at @at.home.co or visit www.athomecompany.ca for more inspiring local stories.

Amanda’s Links:
Instagram: @saltboxmortgage_agent
Website: https://saltboxmortgages.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, Cheryl Goetz sits down with Irene Divaris, founder of Meal in a Jar. From a successful career in the fitness industry to an unexpected journey into food entrepreneurship, Irene has built a business that focuses on nutritious, convenient meals with a sustainable approach. What started as a simple solution for her family quickly evolved into a thriving venture, capturing national attention on Dragon’s Den. Irene shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, the challenges of scaling a food business, and her passion for addressing food insecurity in local schools. This conversation is packed with insights on innovation, resilience, and community impact.

In This Episode You Will Hear:

• [02:07] Irene’s transition from the fitness industry to the accidental start of launching Meal in a Jar, and how the business quickly gained momentum.
• [08:49] Irene’s experience pitching on Dragon’s Den and how the opportunity unfolded.
• [15:15] How Meal in a Jar is tackling food insecurity by providing healthy school lunches.
• [19:48] The challenges of scaling a food business, from production to distribution.
• [31:33] Expanding product offerings and entering new markets while maintaining quality.
• [40:54] Irene’s vision for the future, including expanding the school lunch program and potential business growth.

Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, business operations, or food sustainability, there are plenty of insights to take away. You can also support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a review and sharing this episode with a friend so we can continue to grow our community in this beautiful region!

Irene’s Links
Use code ATHOMECO for 20% off your first Meal In A Jar order!
Website:https://mealinajar.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mealinajar

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