Sherman Phoenix Entrepreneur Takes on Community Health
Tana Jeter's cafe centers on Herbalife products, but that's just the beginning.
Site of Sherman Phoenix Marketplace, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave. Photo taken Sept. 11, 2023 by Sophie Bolich.
At Sherman Phoenix Marketplace, a new-to-the-neighborhood cafe offers teas, shakes, snacks and more — each incorporating products from the multi-level marketing company Herbalife.
But there’s more to Cinnabar Nutrition than just powders and supplements. Its larger mission, as owner Tana Jeter states, is to “promote health, wealth and healing” in the community, with a focus on bettering lives from the inside out.
“Even if it’s not by incorporating shakes and teas … but just by eating healthier and showing how easy that can be,” Jeter said, emphasizing her commitment to making healthy choices both accessible and approachable.
“We don’t have to starve ourselves—we actually need to eat. These small changes, even the ones we don’t think to make, can still help us stay on track with healthier habits.”
A longtime Herbalife customer, Jeter launched Cinnabar Nutrition from her home kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic. After seeing others do the same, she began experimenting with Herbalife’s protein powders and teas, incorporating them into baked goods.
“Instead of just making shakes and teas, I started making protein doughnuts and healthy energy teas. I would do that on Friday nights, then go out and deliver on Saturdays.”
In 2021, Jeter retired from her position as a juvenile probation supervisor and launched the first brick-and-mortar location for Cinnabar Nutrition at Bayshore, where she continued for two years. The business recently moved to its current space at 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., hosting a grand opening and ribbon cutting in December.
“It brought me back to a neighborhood that I was very familiar with,” said Jeter, who grew up in the area and her family have been homeowners there since 1977.
Joining the marketplace was just an added bonus.
“I liked the idea of being amongst other entrepreneurs … and being back in that community where I can further educate others on health and nutrition.”
Jeter hopes her advice spreads beyond the walls of the cafe.
“People can take this information home and teach their children, so it’s something that’s sustainable,” she said. “And not just about shakes and teas, but being able to have those conversations with people who want to learn more about how to better their health or lead a more active lifestyle.”
Cinnabar Nutrition takes its name from a crimson-colored gemstone, signifying health, wealth, healing and personal transformation, according to Jeter.
The cafe’s current menu features seasonal specials like Berry in Love tea and Salted Caramel Kisses shakes. For more information on Jeter’s services, visit Cinnabar Nutrition online. Updates are also shared to the business’s Facebook page.
Cinnabar Nutrition is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
Photos
Existing members must be signed in to see the interactive map. Sign in.
If you think stories like this are important, become a member of Urban Milwaukee and help support real, independent journalism. Plus you get some cool added benefits.
