In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz sits down with Chef Nicole, a passionate food educator, mentor, and entrepreneur whose journey has taken her to the forefront of hands-on culinary education. As one of the early adopters of the personal chef movement, Chef Nicole built a thriving business that has now evolved into a mission-focused career bringing nutrition, creativity, and curriculum-aligned food programs into local classrooms. With experience serving thousands of students, supporting local organizations, and cooking for Tiny Home Takeout, Nicole shares how food is a tool for connection, empowerment, and joy.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [02:35] Chef Nicole’s journey to launching a personal chef business rooted in family experience and food allergies.
• [03:30] How teaching at the Kitchener Market led to her passion for food education and empowering kids with kitchen skills.
• [07:05] Insight into her work at Tiny Home Takeout and why it's a fulfilling community-based initiative.
• [13:09] Behind the scenes of her popular summer cooking camps for kids aged 8–12, and how they help build cooking skills and confidence.
• [17:40] Chef Nicole shares how embracing pivots and saying “yes” to new opportunities shaped her entrepreneurial journey.
• [19:25] Her curriculum-aligned school food program for grades K–6, how it works, and the impact it’s making in classrooms.
• [30:00] Tips for introducing kids to cooking at home, including age-appropriate tasks, starter recipes, and confidence-building techniques.
• [35:02] Chef Nicole’s personal favourite meals, from tacos to berry salads, and her food philosophy around nutrient-dense eating.
• [40:26] Bulk buying local meat, freezer prep tips, and how to simplify last-minute dinners with smart planning.
• [46:59] What Nicole loves most about living in Waterloo Region, including nature trails and favourite local food spots like Color Blend Co. and Darlise Café.

This inspiring conversation is full of practical ideas for parents, educators, and anyone looking to connect with others through food. Chef Nicole shows us that cooking isn’t just about meals — it’s about confidence, creativity, and community.

Connect with Chef Nicole:

Instagram: @chef.nicole

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 Alex and Megan from Suits and Sawdust—a local custom cabinetry, millwork, and outdoor projects company making a name for itself across Ontario. Known for its refined craftsmanship and exceptional client care, Suits and Sawdust has grown from a passion project in a garage to a powerhouse small business led by a tight-knit team. Alex and Megan share what sets them apart: a commitment to hospitality-driven service, standout social media presence, and a mission to challenge the norms in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [02:20] Alex shares how Suits and Sawdust began as a side hustle in her parents’ garage and has now grown into a full-time business approaching its 10-year anniversary.
• [04:21] Megan and Alex explain how their backgrounds in hospitality shaped their approach to client communication and why Suits is committed to being the “anti-contractor contractor.”
• [06:38] The team discusses their emphasis on professionalism, reliability, and job site etiquette and how they’ve become known for “fixing” bad contractor experiences.
• [11:59] Candid conversation on navigating sexism in the trades industry and how Suits has built a reputation as a women-led business with strong values and a supportive, respectful team.
• [18:23] The secret to their company culture? Hiring based on character, not just credentials.
• [23:37] How having a team with both male and female energy has opened space for authentic check-ins, mutual respect, and mental health support on the job.
• [32:54] Why being visible online builds trust: clients feel confident working with Suits because of their transparent, public presence and personality-driven content.
• [36:45] Alex and Megan reflect on growth goals, including scaling the business without sacrificing freedom, and maintaining work-life boundaries for a more sustainable future.
• [50:39] How setting clear business boundaries (like not working evenings or weekends) has helped attract dream clients who respect their time and values.
• [55:13] Why Waterloo Region is the perfect place to grow a small business with a strong community, local support, and endless inspiration from fellow entrepreneurs.
• [57:19] Local shoutouts include: Holly’s Neighbourhood Cafe, Disko Coffee, Red Bicycle, Nitro Music, Fusion Fitness, and ProActive Training.

This episode is a celebration of craft, community, and bold business-building done the Suits and Sawdust way—with intention, creativity, and heart.

Special Offer: Mention this podcast ATHOME or Cheryl when booking and receive 10% off any built-in or millwork project.

Connect with Alex and Megan:

Instagram: @suitsandsawdust
Website: https://www.suitsandsawdust.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 sits down with Ivonne Hammoud, registered social worker and founder of New Moon Counselling, to talk about her journey from agency work to building a thriving private practice in Waterloo Region. Ivonne shares her honest experiences as a business owner, mother, and therapist, offering insights into the emotional work that happens both inside and outside the therapy room. With a passion for providing accessible, client-centered mental health care, Ivonne discusses the growth of her practice, the realities of supporting others while managing personal roles, and the deep value of human connection.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [01:12] Ivonne shares her journey from agency work to launching New Moon Counselling, inspired by the need for more immediate support and encouragement from former clients.
• [04:41] The name “New Moon” represents new beginnings and embracing every phase of life, an intentional metaphor for the therapeutic process.
• [05:40] Ivonne talks candidly about being both a therapist and a mom, navigating human imperfections while holding space for others.
• [11:00] The energy and warmth of the New Moon Counselling team is central to the client experience, designed to offer safety and comfort from the moment they walk in.
• [14:01] Ivonne gives insight into how therapists care deeply about their clients, even outside of sessions, often putting in unseen emotional and practical work.
• [31:59] Loneliness and lack of authentic connection are major struggles among women Ivonne sees in her practice, alongside burnout and perfectionism.
• [39:47] For men, common issues include wanting deeper friendships, emotional processing, and unlearning emotional suppression tied to societal expectations.
• [43:51] Ivonne introduces her podcast, Outside the Therapy Room, which explores real-life mental health topics like mom guilt, fear, and friendship dynamics.
• [45:21] A nuanced take on forgiveness, explaining it isn’t always necessary, but learning to move forward is, especially when we can’t control others’ actions.
• [52:08] Looking ahead, New Moon will host community events like “Clay and Connect” to help reduce isolation and build connection.
• [53:12] Ivonne shouts out her favourite local businesses, including Mediterraneo Family Restaurant and fun family spots like The Museum.

This episode offers an honest look at the realities of therapy, the challenges of building meaningful connections, and the passion behind creating a supportive mental health practice, be sure to listen for insights that might just resonate with your own journey.

Connect with Ivonne:

Instagram: @newmooncounsellingkw
Website: newmooncounselling.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