When it comes to merging business savvy with a passion for food, few have done it as well as Pinky Cole, the founder of Slutty Vegan. From humble beginnings to a multi-million-dollar brand, Pinky Cole has turned a simple plant-based burger concept into a cultural movement that celebrates Black entrepreneurship, veganism, and community empowerment.

The Birth of Slutty Vegan

In 2018, Pinky Cole had a vision—to make vegan food fun, flavorful, and accessible to those who wouldn’t normally consider a plant-based lifestyle. She started Slutty Vegan as a food delivery service, operating out of her apartment in Atlanta, Georgia. It didn’t take long before word spread about her irresistibly delicious vegan burgers with provocative names like the One Night Stand and Fussy Hussy. The brand’s cheeky, unapologetic marketing quickly drew attention, and within weeks, her business exploded in popularity.

Turning a Food Truck into a Phenomenon

After seeing the demand for her vegan comfort food skyrocket, Cole launched a Slutty Vegan food truck, drawing massive crowds and selling out within hours. The buzz around her brand was undeniable, with lines stretching down city blocks as people waited to get a taste of her signature plant-based burgers.

Her ability to create an experience, not just a meal, turned Slutty Vegan into a cultural phenomenon. By using social media to showcase both the food and the excitement surrounding it, Cole cultivated a strong and loyal following.

Expanding into a Multi-Million Dollar Business

In less than a year, Slutty Vegan transitioned from a food truck to its first brick-and-mortar location in Atlanta, where customers continued to line up for hours. Since then, Cole has expanded her empire with multiple locations across Georgia, Alabama, and New York.

Her brand has garnered celebrity endorsements from stars like Snoop Dogg, Tyler Perry, and Taraji P. Henson, further solidifying Slutty Vegan’s place as a cultural staple. Major investors took notice, and in 2022, she secured $25 million in funding, valuing Slutty Vegan at over $100 million.

More Than Just a Burger Brand

Pinky Cole’s impact goes beyond food—she is a powerhouse for economic empowerment, community upliftment, and philanthropy. Through the Pinky Cole Foundation, she provides scholarships, financial literacy programs, and support for Black-owned businesses. Her mission is to build generational wealth within the Black community while proving that plant-based eating can be both delicious and profitable.

She’s also authored "Eat Plants, B*tch", a cookbook featuring mouthwatering vegan recipes, further expanding her reach and influence in the plant-based movement.

Lessons from Pinky Cole’s Success

Pinky Cole’s journey from entrepreneur to empire-builder offers key takeaways for aspiring business owners:

1. Branding is Everything – She turned a simple concept into an experience, using provocative names and viral marketing to create demand.
2. Community Matters – She built her brand on inclusivity, making plant-based food welcoming for all, regardless of dietary preferences.
3. Never Be Afraid to Be Different – By disrupting traditional vegan food branding, she made plant-based eating mainstream and exciting.
4. Give Back – Her commitment to economic empowerment proves that success isn’t just about making money, but making an impact.

The Future of Slutty Vegan

With new locations opening, collaborations in the works, and a continued mission to change the perception of vegan food, Pinky Cole shows no signs of slowing down. Her story is a testament to the power of fearless entrepreneurship, authenticity, and community-driven success.

Pinky Cole turned a plant-based dream into a profit-making empire, and in the process, she redefined what it means to be a Girl Boss with Energy!