Meet Amethia Johnson | Founder & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amethia Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amethia, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important lesson my business has taught me is that good organization can make or break what you are building. Great ideas come about everyday, and many are put into action. But, without proper planning those great ideas can quickly become more of a hassle or burden. At the beginning, Marshmallow lacked in the organization area. As a result, it made scaling up a little more difficult than what it should have been. But, as we became more organized, we saw the favorable results we wanted. My advice to anyone is to always use proper planning and organizing, as it well save you much stress later on.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Marshmallow Dessert Cafe and Catering is a Creole and New Southern food company with a focus on dessert, which we happily consider the most important part of the meal. Our tasty creations are focused on fresh ingredients that are organic or at least have not been genetically modified. We offer delicious vegan and gluten-free options as well. We believe everyone should have an opportunity to enjoy what they eat. We incorporate different herbs and ingredients from nature into our food, such as using the marshmallow plant, which aids in food digestion, in our fluffy homemade marshmallows. Our signature Island Dream Cupcakes are made with the hibiscus flower which is full of antioxidants that help boost the immune system. We not only care about the quality of our food but the experience we provide as well.

Here at Marshmallow, we also believe in the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Our self-care events provide a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering participants a chance to unwind and savor Southern cuisine. These events often include yoga sessions, mindfulness workshops, meditation sessions, wellness retreats and, of course, delightful Southern fare.

Creating this culinary experience has not been easy. Funding and staffing are a couple of the hardest challenges in my opinion. However, if you stay focused and do not give up, you can be successful in these areas. Being ready to share about your business at all times is important. A great vision and business plan plays a significant role in your business’s success. So, taking time to prepare these are very important.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting and I wanted to show her around, there are some great places I would suggest. For breakfast we would visit Butter Milk Ranch, Eggstravaganza Cafe, and ButterFly Garden. Lunch would include a visit to Subculture Cafe, Vui’s Kitchen, and Oh My Chives Natural Market. For dinner and drinks we would head over to Pinewood Social, Adele’s, Penne Pazze and Sedona Taphouse. Our dessert would definitely include a visit to Jeni’s for ice cream. We would visit Top Golf and some of the beautiful parks in the area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without my family and friends, I would not be where I am in my career, business and life in general. As a wife, mother, pharmacist and business owner, I have relied heavily on the support of special people in my life. My grandmother, Janice Beal, always encouraged me to keep going even when things seemed really tough. She was always there to give encouragement and would not shy away from providing guidance when needed. She also played a large role in my business choice. Watching her in the kitchen and helping her prepare delicious dishes and desserts grew my desire to serve others in this way. Although she passed away recently in the spring of 2022, her legacy will forever be remembered and carried out through all those she touched, including me.

My mother, Sherry Owens, also played a major role in my life. I watched her as she raised three daughters, started 3 business and went back to school for her Masters degree. Her work ethic taught me that if you want something, you have to just get out there and go for it! I am grateful to her for showing me that if you really want to achieve something, there is always a way.

My mother-in-law, Joyce Hawkins, has been a huge blessing in my life as well. Raising children while having a career and owning a business can be a tremendous task to tackle. But, Joyce has always made herself available to help with my children when needed. Knowing my children were safe while away at work has taken much anxiety away while building my company. Joyce would also help in the kitchen when needed. She has made a great difference in the success of Marshmallow.

My amazing husband, Derek Johnson, has been with me every step of the way and continues to be a huge support. As a business owner himself, he understands the hardships and challenges that comes with the title. He is always there to provide feedback and give advice when needed. I appreciate his love and desire to see and help me succeed.

Restaurant owner, Pablo Bonacic, has been a wonderful mentor to me. He has shared much insight and advice in navigating the restaurant world. You do not often find individuals that are willing to freely share their knowledge to help you grow in the same business as them. I am grateful for the time he has taken to help me get to where I am.

Website: https://www.hellomarshmallow.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellomarshmallow.co/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/hellomarshmallow.co/

Yelp: https://s.yelp.com/XZzUUMtO07

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@MarshmallowDessertCafe?si=WB2nDdId63Hi7GM_

Other: https://linktr.ee/marshmallowcafe

Image Credits
George Moss Nija Woods