If The Herb Fitz: How Jennifer Fitzgerald is Changing Lives One Tea at a Time
- Nile Fortner
- Apr 23
- 7 min read
With the scent of cheap whiskey, fried pickles, and Marlboro Reds clinging to the cracked leather barstools like old ghosts, a biker bar doesn’t sound like a place for a health and fitness transition. But while ceiling fans struggled to cut through the haze of smoke and sweat, behind the bar stood 19-year-old Jennifer Fitzgerald. She worked the night shift like a pro, slinging beers until sometimes 2:00 a.m., but by 21, she realized she developed bad habits, gaining weight, and wanted to fix it all.
“By 21, I didn’t even recognize myself in photos,” said Fitzgerald. “I started working out and changing my nutrition. I lost 60 pounds training myself, and even my customers from the bar started to workout with me and I created a fitness class. It was a journey of self-discovery, and I wanted to help others feel healthy, too.”
While on the journey of self-discovery, Jennifer Fitzgerald was no longer interested in having her energy lagging, soggy diner pancakes going cold in syrup after her shift or feeling bloated.
She had traded smoke for steam rooms, bar tabs for barbells, late nights for leg days.
Transforming from smoky bar shifts to spotlight-ready strength. She began competing in Bikini Universe, a global fitness competition where she took the stage not once, but three years in a row—sculpted, centered, and confident. That grit and glow caught the eye of leadership at Crunch Fitness.
“I was the general manager at Crunch Fitness for the one on Oakland Park,” said Fitzgerald. “I wanted to work out for a hobby and not do it for work. I felt limited to helping people for one hour at the gym once-a-week. But I always had a drive to help people as much as possible.”
Success at Crunch Fitness gave Jennifer Fitzgerald more than just a title—it gave her insight. Day after day, she met people who, like her, were searching for something deeper than just a number on the scale. They wanted balance. They wanted energy. They wanted to feel well, not just look it.
She knew firsthand that true wellness was more than just the gym. It was in what you fed your body, what you whispered to yourself before bed, and what you sipped when the world got loud. Her mission was clear: to help others find harmony through high-quality, herbal wellness—one tea at a time.
Just like that, the girl who once wiped down bar counters under the glow of neon signs became a healer, a guide, and a grounded force in the world of natural wellness with her business, If The Herb Fitz.
If The Herb Fitz is a holistic wellness brand founded by Jennifer Fitzgerald, offering thoughtfully crafted herbal teas and natural remedies designed to support the mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in real-life transformation and powered by plant-based healing, the brand helps people feel their best. Each blend is created with intention, using high-quality ingredients that promote balance, clarity, and overall well-being.
“It was during Covid,” said Fitzgerald. “And I have three children, and I had this realization that I’m not prepared to take care of my children based on the way the system is right now. I knew I had to get better, and I started growing my food and being more in charge of medicine.”
In 2021, her family purchased a cattle ranch. But nature has its own way of testing strength. When Hurricane Ian struck, it brought nearly five feet of water, swallowing up the property and damaging the home. However, this led to her gardening and spending more time outdoors.
“In this time of being outside on 32 acres, I fell in love with nature,” said Fitzgerald. “I signed up for school and learned herbalism and learned how to make medicine and I immersed myself in this.”
With every herb she harvested, and every sunrise spent among the soil, she felt a deeper connection to the healing power of nature. She started crafting small-batch teas not just for herself, but for friends, family, and anyone who needed a little balance in their day. Today, through If The Herb Fitz, Jennifer Fitzgerald offers a carefully curated line of herbal teas.
Every pouch is packed by hand, rooted in her story, her soil, and her unwavering belief that healing starts with the little things—like what you pour into your cup.
“When it comes to the blends, I followed it with my timeline,” said Fitzgerald. “I developed five blends that help with physical ailment such as stamina. So, instead of energy drinks, we have one tea with Beet Roots, and Angelica Root, which is also known to help with ADHD and ADD.”
Working with a therapist, she created tea blends like Anxiety Hex Tea for the nerves, Steady as We Go, which is for bipolar needs, and Conquer Fears Tea, which is to help with the nervous system.
“I even have a spiritual connection blend,” said Fitzgerald. “But Mind Over Gut is the most popular one.”
Imagine a tea that not only soothes your digestive system but also calms your mind—a blend crafted to nurture the intricate connection between your gut and brain. This herbal infusion is designed to support digestive health while promoting mental clarity and relaxation.
“It [Mind Over Gut] cleans your digestion so your brain can function,” said Fitzgerald. “So, it can operate better. With our food system, we’re not getting food that can break down in our stomachs and with that happening, you’re not getting the nutrients to your brain.”
Before the first drop of herbal magic ever touches your teacup, Jennifer Fitzgerald is already brewing something far more essential—a connection.
Through her website, she opens a warm and welcoming portal for personal consultations. With just a few clicks, visitors can schedule time with her or leave detailed messages about what they're experiencing—be it anxiety, digestive discomfort, sleep troubles, or simply a craving for deeper balance. A little one-on-one before the brew.
“The Goddess Awakening is my personal favorite,” said Fitzgerald. “I’m a warrior, loud and proud, and women love it because it’s a reminder of awakening this inner Goddess, and I also realized we don’t have a tea community in Florida.”
Jennifer Fitzgerald is also known for hosting immersive events and pop-ups throughout South Florida—vibrant gatherings that feel less like product showcases and more like healing circles.
The teas shimmer in rich, natural hues—deep ruby from hibiscus, sunny gold from lemon balm, warm amber from roasted roots. Their aromas are enchanting: citrusy bursts from lemon peel, grounding earthiness from ginger and fennel, gentle floral wisps from chamomile and rose.
Guests often leave with more than just tea bags. They leave with new knowledge, inspiration, and unity.
“She was healing herself and I watched her become a healer for others,” said Alex Smith. “It was an absolute honor to partner with her and to help get her mission out there. Her products have even healed me.”
Alex Smith of ZenSeller, has known Jennifer Fitzgerald since she was five years old and they grew up next to each other with their dads being best friends. Smith, who has suffered from gut issues, would take medication for it. But after drinking If The Herb Fitz, she felt a change.
“I even stopped taking my medications,” said Smith. “It’s been four months and that’s the longest I’ve gone without taking it in 15 years.”
The two friends have even collaborated on events like Beauty From the Inside Out in Deerfield, Florida. Providing a space for women to discuss health.
“Beauty is not just inward,” said Smith. “It’s about going deep and loving yourself from the inside out and that’s what we did at that event. We came together to change lives.”
One life that’s been significantly changed, is Jaime Rosado, manager of If The Herb Fitz. Once diagnosed as a diabetic, having clogged arteries in her neck, and high cholesterol, amongst other illnesses, Rosado was given an option to take over ten different medications.
“God put every herb we need to heal us right in front of us,” said Rosado. “I decided to hold off on filling all those prescriptions and diving deep into what’s causing all the illnesses.”
Rosado decided to clean out her kitchen and reimagined her plate. She moved her body with love, not punishment, and she began exploring supplements that nourished, not numbed.
“We sat down, and we did research together,” said Fitzgerald. “We grew together. I’ve helped people with eye infections, and I feel like the emotional factor is the biggest factor in helping people. But without Ozempic and these other things, she [Rosado] lost 165 pounds in one year and her husband lost 65 pounds and now he drinks 3 cups of the tea day and he begs for it.”
Jennifer Fitzgerald is now opening the next chapter of her journey in the most soulful way possible.
She’s currently writing a book titled Harmony Within, a deeply personal and poetic offering that blends memoir, nature’s wisdom, and healing philosophy. The book explores how nature speaks when we’re ready to listen—how the rustling of leaves, the scent of fresh herbs, and the ritual of a warm cup of tea can bring us back into balance, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
There was a time when her world was filled with dim lights, liquor bottles, and the rhythmic buzz of a busy bar. Whether you’re just beginning your healing journey or you’re ready to go deeper, know that If The Herb Fitz hopes to change lives.
“I want people to remember what love is,” said Fitzgerald. “My mom was a chiropractor for 15 years and as early as 18 months years old I had 12 to 15 ear infections. So, I’ve been surrounded by health and well-being my whole life, and it all starts with love, and I’m trying to create care and love here.”
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