Healing with Purpose
The Story Behind Vitality Wellness
Rooted in Resilience
Vitality Wellness Apothecary & Market was born from a journey of adversity, healing, and unwavering determination. Battling chronic illness (MS/Lyme/Scleritis), trauma (PTSD), ADHD, and the limitations of conventional medicine, Stephanie found herself searching for answers beyond prescriptions and temporary fixes. Her body and mind were at war, and so was her spirit—but she refused to surrender. She kept asking "Why?"
Determined to reclaim her health, she was able to go back to school, immersing herself in holistic healing traditions, herbal medicine, and the deep connection between nutrition and well-being. She learned not just how to manage symptoms but how to address the root causes of illness. Through herbal remedies, whole foods, and a mind-body approach, she began to heal in ways she never thought possible.
As a Nurse Herbalist and holistic practitioner, she has dedicated her life to helping others do the same. Vitality Wellness is more than an apothecary; it is a sanctuary for those seeking true, lasting wellness. Here, we honor the wisdom of nature, empower individuals with knowledge, and create personalized remedies that support the body’s innate ability to heal.
This journey has not been hers alone. One of Stephanie's best friends and amazing woman, Andrea Peel, has walked her own path of loss and transformation. After losing her husband, David, to lung cancer, she was propelled into a deep exploration of holistic healing for her and her family. She has a giving and loving heart for animals, and people as well. Through grief and resilience, she found a calling—one that led her to join her on building this business. Together, we have created a space where healing is not just about remedies, but about community, empowerment, and hope.
This is their journey. This their calling and passion. And this is the heart of Vitality Wellness Apothecary & Market.
Meet Stephanie
Holistic Nurse | Wellness Advocate
Stephanie Watts, RN, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Vitality Wellness Apothecary & Market, blending conventional medicine with holistic healing. A Registered Nurse with a degree from Troy University (2004), Stephanie has experience in ER trauma care, Home Health, quality improvement, and pharmaceutical sales, gaining a deep understanding of both acute and chronic health challenges.
Her quest to recover her own health led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Holistic Nutrition with a specialization in Herbal Medicine, along with a Master Herbalist diploma from American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS). She was one of the founding members of the nutraceutical company Global Healthcare Focus, co-formulating Ocufolin and Eyefolate, two groundbreaking Medical Food and Supplements for eye health.
As a Professional Member of the NANP, serving on the Conference Planning Committee, and a Board-Certified Holistic Nutrition Candidate, Stephanie is dedicated to advancing the field of natural health. She is also a member of the International Iridology Professionals Association, further expanding her expertise in holistic assessment techniques.
Beyond her work in wellness, Stephanie is a devoted mother to two amazing daughters, Katherine (son-in-law Taylor) and Gracie (Freshman at MSU). Her greatest joy is being “Claybaby’s” grandmother, cherishing every precious moment with him. Family is at the heart of everything she does, and her deep love for them fuels her passion for helping others live healthier, more vibrant lives.
At Vitality Wellness, Stephanie combines her clinical expertise, nutraceutical innovation, and herbal knowledge to support individuals in achieving true, lasting wellness.
Meet Andrea
Andrea Peel brings over 15 years of experience in the healthcare field, from clinical care to administration, giving her a deep understanding of both patient needs and the operational side of wellness. But her journey is more than just a career—it's personal. After losing her beloved husband, David, to lung cancer, Andrea became determined to understand the body and its healing potential, diving into holistic wellness with experimenting with sound healing, herbs, and energy healing.
A mother of four—Devin, Daniel, Troy, and her precious daughter Taylor—Andrea knows the importance of nurturing both family and community. Her heart also extends to animals, volunteering with the Elmore Humane Society and caring for her own “big girls,” Athena and Willow.
She also has a deep love for plants and all things green, finding joy in growing and caring for them. One of her greatest plant passions? Wheatgrass! She adores its vibrant energy and healing properties, making it a staple in her wellness routine.
At Vitality Wellness Apothecary & Market, Andrea is the doer, the visionary, and the creative genius behind so much of what we do. She brings passion, innovation, and a hands-on approach to making this space a true haven for healing, learning, and connection.
Meet Tanner
Tanner Caton is a recent UAB graduate who holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a Chemistry minor and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, combining her passion for science and language to better understand the brain and human connection. Her deep curiosity about the brain’s ability to heal and adapt has fueled her academic and personal journey.
At just 17, Tanner was conditionally accepted into UAB Medical School and later earned a 510 on the MCAT—a score in the 80th percentile. However, after nearly three years of battling chronic nerve pain, she chose to step back and focus on her own healing. Rather than following the traditional medical path right away, she is dedicating this time to exploring how nutrition, movement, and community can foster both personal and collective well-being.
Beyond her own journey, Tanner has been actively involved in organizations such as the Youth Movement Against Alzheimer’s and was an undergraduate researcher for a neurobiology lab for two years. She conducted neuronal experiments to understand the underlying mechanisms of addiction and completed her thesis on the topic in 2024. She has also volunteered with the Community of Hope Health Clinic, a free clinic which serves the Spanish-speaking population of Birmingham. She is committed to understanding healing beyond medicine alone, bridging neuroscience with holistic wellness to create spaces for connection, support, and growth.
At Vitality Wellness Tanner helps bridge the gap between wellness trends and evidenced-based practices. She is available to educate our customers about the nervous system, stress, mental health, and CBD products. She hopes to help the apothecary become a community hub by creating inclusive events tailored to both English and Spanish-speaking audiences. Tanner understands how to meet people where they are and make them feel supported throughout their wellness journey at Vitality Wellness.
"A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step."
~Lao Tzu
