In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, host Cheryl Goetz welcomes brand designer and creative entrepreneur Amy Esplen for an inspiring and lighthearted conversation about building a design business rooted in creativity, clarity, and community. Amy shares her journey from creating quirky Facebook collages to studying design at George Brown and working at the acclaimed Him & Her studio, to launching her own freelance business tailored to support small businesses with strategic, standout branding. She opens up about motherhood, work-life balance, and why she’s obsessed with helping entrepreneurs feel proud of their visual identity—even on a tight budget.

Listeners will walk away with valuable insight into what goes into great design, why branding matters for small businesses, and how structure, strategy, and support can help creatives and parents alike thrive.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [02:15] Amy’s bold move to land a job at Him & Her—and how it kick started her design career.
• [06:50] What “design intensives” are, and how they offer premium branding on a small business budget.
• [13:35] Common branding mistakes businesses make—and how to avoid butchering your beautiful new logo.
• [16:00] Why freelancing offered Amy more balance as a parent than returning to a traditional 9–5.
• [20:00] How Amy and her partner juggle entrepreneurship together, with a little help from the village.
• [34:15] Trends Amy is loving: bold colours, handcrafted vibes, and “naughty” design choices.
• [38:50] Why she’s obsessed with Waterloo Region, and all the amazing local businesses she supports.

Tune in to hear Amy’s refreshing take on balancing creativity, business, and real life—all while helping others shine. If you’re a small biz owner looking to level up your brand or just need a little inspiration, this episode is for you.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow entrepreneur who needs to hear this!

Amy's Links:

Instagram: @amy_esplen

Website: https://www.amyesplen.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