In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cheryl Goetz sits down with Kitchener-born Sandra — a first-generation Portuguese Canadian, foodie, and the creator of Fearless Cookin’ and Pragmatic Consulting. Sandra shares how personal health challenges and a love of flavour launched her clean spice blend business, while her passion for problem-solving in sales led to a second venture helping businesses grow with strategy and heart. With deep local roots, Sandra is bringing bold spices and big impact to the community, without compromising her values or pace.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [02:45] How Fearless Cookin’ started with an Instagram page, a few seasoning blends, and a push from friends, and why Sandra chose to grow it slowly and intentionally.
• [07:59] The hidden additives in store-bought seasonings and how Sandra’s blends fill a clean, flavourful gap in the spice industry.
• [13:31] Why “Rub-A-Dub-Dub” is the go-to blend for BBQ lovers, and how to turn it into a paste with maple syrup or honey for ribs, chops, steak and more.
• [15:48] How Sandra’s Portuguese roots and family traditions influenced the flavours and stories behind blends like Casa Portuguesa.
• [25:30] The power of slowing down: how Sandra is shifting from digital hustle to intentional in-person connection through cooking and community.
• [35:11] Sandra’s second business, Pragmatic Consulting, helps small businesses and seed-stage startups organize their sales systems and grow with purpose.
• [46:08] Why she’s choosing to build deep roots in Waterloo Region, and how the local support system fuels both of her ventures.

Sandra’s story is a reminder that building a business, and a life, doesn’t have to be rushed. By choosing quality over quantity, community over noise, and values over speed, she’s created two ventures that are as grounded as they are growing.

Special Offer: Use the code "ATHOME20" for 20% off your purchase from Fearless Cookin’

Connect with Sandra:

Instagram: @fearlesscookin

Website: fearlesscookin.com

LinkedIn: Pragmatic Consulting

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

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: [email protected]
519.497.9256

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