Lowndes Entrepreneurs Go Beyond That – Lowndes Sign

1 2 of

An entrepreneur outside of school, Damaria Johnson enjoys horseback riding and has won multiple awards at the Lowndes County Horse Show. Photo by Damaria Johnson.

The Johnson family owns Hwy 80 Cafe. Pictured (left to right) are Haigler Johnson Jr., Chequita Searles Johnson, Damaria Johnson, Haigler Johnson III, and Faith Shenelle Johnson (front center). Photo by Damaria Johnson.

Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, but Lounsboro native Damaria Johnson understands what it takes to succeed while pursuing other endeavors. The entrepreneur said she is proud of how far she has come.

“Most of the time, what drives me is sticking to my beliefs and knowing that I can do anything I set my mind to,” Johnson said. “I’ve learned to work with what’s in front of me. I don’t have to worry about what’s going to happen, because when I get to it, it’s there.”

Mr. Johnson owns several businesses, including one that specializes in selling hair and eyelash extensions. She is one of only five restaurant owners in Lowndes County under the age of 20, and she also works in agriculture.

Johnson is co-owner of Highway 80 Cafe, a popular Lowndes County restaurant in Lowndesboro. People come here to eat from all over the county and beyond.

“The most fulfilling part of it all was seeing the impact I had on the lives of those around me and my ability to bring joy to the lives of others by being who I am,” Johnson said. Told. “I want all of my businesses to have a positive impact on their communities in the best way possible. I want to be able to be a part of my community because I have a lot of people, and with all the businesses that I have, I feel like I’m a good source that can provide what the community needs. ”

In addition to being an entrepreneur, Johnson is currently attending the University of Alabama, majoring in nursing. She was one of her 13,950 students named to the University of Alabama’s Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester. To be on this list, a student must have an academic score of 3.5 or above.

Johnson said she doesn’t have the balance between school, social life and being an entrepreneur, but she likes to go with the flow.

“Honestly, you have to do what you have to do,” Johnson said. “There’s no point in trying to plan things. Things don’t always go the way you want them to. And when something happens, I’ve learned to accept it and keep going.”

Johnson encourages anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur to give it a try and believes anything is possible, even in a small community like Lowndes County.

Johnson’s hard-working dedication is evident in her actions and consistently leaves a lasting impact on the community.

Darisa Bennett, a friend of Mr. Johnson, emphasized that the entrepreneur’s unique and diverse skill set is what sets him apart from others.

“Damaria is very hardworking, a go-getter, and a quick learner. Whatever you need her to do, she does it. She gets involved in a lot of things, not only at school but in the community. They’re very intelligent,” Bennett said. “As far as being an entrepreneur, Damaria is amazing. She comes home from Tuscaloosa every weekend after school and helps her run her business at her family restaurant.”

The restaurant is located at 222 US Highway 80 Service Rd East in Lowndesboro. Hwy 80 Cafe is open every Friday from 5pm. – 12am