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

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz welcomes Brie Pointer, a multi-talented artist, brand designer, illustrator, and farm enthusiast living in the Waterloo region. Brie discusses her creative journey, from her early aspirations in high school to becoming a community-driven entrepreneur. She shares her experiences running Wayward Farm with her partner and her extensive work within the region, including murals, branding projects, and building strong local connections.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [04:43] From being an artist at heart to the unexpected journey of becoming a brand designer and illustrator.
• [05:38] Brie reflects on her path, from photography to graphic design, and the importance of being open to change.
• [08:35] Brie shares her involvement in several community projects, including her work designing murals at Cellar 52 and Gaukel Block, and her branding work for local businesses like Talula Fields and The Conscious Farm Kitchen.
• [12:24] Brie talks about running the farm with her partner Mike, managing the CSA program, and their journey to new farming methods after relocating to a new property.
• [14:02] Brie opens up about the intense juggling act between running a business, managing the farm, and raising two kids.
• [16:02] Brie discusses how recognizing the need to pause allowed her to focus on the farm's soil health and ultimately improve her operations.
• [26:03] Brie reflects on how starting her career as a freelancer was daunting but led to a greater understanding of the shared experience among creatives and entrepreneurs.
• [28:35] Brie shares her thoughts on the value of being part of a local community and how working with clients who are starting out offers both creative freedom and learning opportunities.
• [41:35] Brie talks about her excitement for upcoming projects and her plans for both personal and professional growth in the next few years.
• [43:16] Brie discusses what makes Waterloo Region special for both business and personal growth, emphasizing the supportive, interconnected community that continues to foster creative collaborations.
• [1:02:13] Brie shares her favourite local spots in the region, from cafes to hidden gems in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo.

From her journey as a creative entrepreneur to her commitment to building a strong, supportive community, Brie’s story is a beautiful reminder of the power of connection, vulnerability, and following one’s passions.

Connect with Brie Pointer:

Instagram: @briepointer @waywardfarm

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