Pinky Cole's life took a dramatic turn when she faced significant setbacks, leading her to discover her true calling. Today, her vegan venture is valued at $100 million and continues to thrive.
Risk is often viewed negatively, but in the realm of entrepreneurship, it can be transformative. Cole, the founder of Slutty Vegan and author of I Hope You Fail: Ten Hater Statements Holding You Back From Getting Everything You Want, exemplifies this truth.
As the driving force behind her restaurant empire, Cole understands the importance of taking risks, experiencing failures, and rising again stronger than ever. Sometimes, our setbacks align us more closely with our true purpose.
Initially, despite her vegan lifestyle, Cole opened a restaurant serving meat. “Pinky’s Jamaican American Restaurant” was a hit with dishes like oxtails and jerk chicken, but it didn’t reflect her true self.
“I wasn’t aligned with my true path, and that’s not where I was meant to be,” Cole shares. A devastating grease fire led to the restaurant's destruction, resulting in a total loss for her. She faced the loss of her business, home, and even her car, yet her determination remained unshaken.
From there, she rebuilt her life and finances by producing the show “Iyanla, Fix My Life.” This opportunity proved crucial for her recovery. “I was able to regain my financial footing,” says Cole. “I started running five miles a day and reading regularly. People thought I was odd, but I was preparing for something greater… I just didn’t realize it would lead to Slutty Vegan.”
Now, Slutty Vegan boasts a valuation of $100 million, with eight locations and support from prominent restaurateur Danny Meyer.
Cole doesn’t share her story lightly; she aims to motivate others to recognize that life is full of challenges, and failure is part of the journey. What truly matters is how we learn and recover from those failures.
“I hope that job doesn’t work for you, because a better opportunity or entrepreneurial path is waiting for you,” Cole states. “I don’t want you to fail. But if you do, here are the tools to help you navigate through.”
