Daily Inspiration: Meet Amethia and India Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amethia and India Johnson.

Hi Amethia and India, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Amethia: A 6-year-old little girl standing on a small step stool in her grandmother’s kitchen, anxiously awaits being handed the next ingredients to be mixed into what she knows will soon be a beautiful masterpiece filling her belly.

After her grandmother hands her the last ingredients to be mixed in, the cake pans are filled and placed in the oven.

The young girl is finally able to enjoy her first treat… the cake mixing bowl. She happily sits with the bowl of leftover cake mix that did not make it into the pan and enjoys some of the sweet and creamy creation. You might have guessed it, but I am that little girl. And while I try to restrain the urge, today I still enjoy the leftover mix in the bowl.

Those moments of cooking and baking with my grandmother, Janice Beal, created love and appreciation for the culinary arts. What she taught me has remained with me throughout all my life stages. It was not just the act of cooking she taught, but paying attention to the details, being patient, and taking pride in your art. Creating a good experience for the ones enjoying your creations was just as important as preparing the food. I enjoyed cooking for my family while growing up at home, cooking for friends in college, and now, cooking for my community.

I always knew I wanted to cook for others as a career in some way. However, I came from a family where education and obtaining a stable and secure career were very important. Knowing this pushed me to take another route initially. I studied, worked hard, and became a pharmacist. But, while an undergraduate, I decided I would one day have a restaurant or culinary business as well. I could not let that dream go, and dreamed up several ideas along the way.

I have been a pharmacist now for about 11 years and a few years ago decided to go live with my dream. I sat down and wrote out my business plan and what I wanted my business to become. I am blessed with a very supportive husband, Derek Johnson, and also have a wonderful mentor, Pablo Bonacic, owner of Subculture Cafe, who guided me then and still does today. I also teamed up with India Johnson who plays in a big role in the decorating and creation of some of our desserts. While it has not always been easy, I have remained consistent and determined to succeed in fulfilling my dream. As a result, we have hosted several successful pop-ups and catered many exciting events. We look forward to opening a storefront soon.

India: Creating was always encouraged when I was coming up. My mom would allow me and my siblings to get dirty and make a mess in the name of exploration. Her motto was, “A mess can always be cleaned.” She kept us busy making homemade candy, confections, and even our own bread and butter pickles. Now that I am a mom, I realize that these activities and creative messes were her way of bonding and making lasting memories with us, and I have continued the tradition with my children.

I started posting some of my creations on social media and began to get special requests for cakes, dipped berries, and specialty wine boxes, among other things. My sister-in-law, Amethia Johnson, and I had shared a desire to own and operate a food business, so when she approached me with such an opportunity I leaped at the chance.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Amethia: Starting a business can definitely be a challenge with obstacles to overcome. One of my biggest obstacles has been managing my time. I am a full-time businesswoman, mom, and wife. Each job in itself is more than enough to keep someone busy. However, my mom ingrained in me “there is no such word as can’t in our vocabulary.” She would also always say “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” I watched her successfully start and own a few different businesses while raising me and my sisters.

So, as a result, I knew that I could do it if I really wanted and made a few sacrifices. So, late nights and early mornings in the kitchen preparing meals or treats for catered events or pop-ups have become a norm for me. While it is tiring, I thoroughly enjoy doing it. As my team continues to grow, we are able to do more which gives me chance to focus on other aspects of the business.

India: My biggest struggle would be finding the balance between work and home. I am always trying to make sure that I am able to give 100% to my business and still give the same 100% to my family.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Marshmallow Dessert Cafe and Catering is a Creole and New Southern food company with a focus on desserts… the most important part of the meal. I enjoy a good meal and especially dessert. I also enjoy and appreciate foods without all the added chemicals and man-made materials. When I eat, I want real food that not only tastes good but makes me feel good. As a result, 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 also incorporate different herbs and ingredients from nature into our food, such as using the marshmallow plant in our fluffy homemade marshmallows. The marshmallow plant aids in the digestion of food and can be beneficial to many. 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.

We want the Marshmallow experience to be memorable and joyful. With so much going on in the world, we all need a moment to just relax and enjoy ourselves, friends and family. We want to put a smile on your face. Whether it is through hosting an event with a local artist, teaming up with another local business, or delivering goodies to you, we want you to be thoroughly pleased.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Amethia: The Covid-19 Crisis has been a trying time for us all. But, the biggest lesson I have learned is that you should make the most of every moment you have. Find a trustworthy mentor or more, take chances, and fulfill your dreams. My motto is “Live to love and love to live.” I aim to do exactly that!

India: Covid-19 has taught me to expect the unexpected, remain flexible, and think outside of the box.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hellomarshmallow.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellomarshmallow.co/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/hellomarshmallow.co/

Image Credits
Tony Shepherd and Garrison Smith