Meet Jennifer Rose

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Rose. 

Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been a stay-at-home, homeschooling mother of 4 for many years and as the time went on my health continued to decline. Over the years I’ve been diagnosed with a number of chronic health issues: an inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, May Thurners Syndrome, pelvic congestion syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and PTSD to name a few. I’ve undergone a number of tests, surgeries, and procedures. And have frequent appointments. 

As my kids got older, I wondered what I would do for employment especially considering my health struggles. 

My partner suggested I start my own business; he too is a small business owner. 

So, after throwing around ideas over a number of years, nothing feeling quite right, it ended up being my restricted diet and love of food that became my inspiration for my business. 

I am self-taught when it comes to cooking and blending flavors. Everything from homemade breads, pastas, perogies, and more. But my health was declining and I was becoming more sensitive to foods. I became extremely limited in what I could eat and was very depressed. 

Until I started to play around with more spices and herbs. 

I rediscovered my passion for cooking and creating delicious meals made from low-cost, healthy ingredients. 

And so, Huron Tea & Herb Co was born from my home. 

I quickly discovered I wanted to reach customers beyond in-person markets and events so I went through the licensing process to sell in-store and online. 

Here I am a year and a half from the simple thought of a dream to its reality. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Dealing with my health is a constant struggle. Each morning when I wake up, I never know if my body will cooperate or not. And dealing with the mental health struggles of anxiety and depression are a whole other ballgame when it comes to owning your own business. The negativity and self-doubt can be paralyzing. I’m very thankful for the wonderful friends and people in my community for supporting me. And of course, my therapist. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I consider my work to be an art. Taking a number of ingredients to create a delicious spice or tea is like creating a symphony for your taste buds. 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I came from a troubled home so I was a troubled child myself but I was always willing and wanting to learn new things. And even when the world seemed too dark, I knew that somewhere out there I would find my place in life. As a kid I was outside riding bike, catching crayfish, growing green beans, or bird watching. I always had a connection to nature which I believe helped build the foundation for my love of foods, gardening, and learning to forage. 

Gardening and cooking were my saving grace. I found my light, my passion. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.huronteaandherbco.com/
• Instagram: @huronteaandherbco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huronteaandherbco