DeepSummary
In this episode of Rapid Response, host Bob Safian interviews Pinky Cole, the founder of the vegan fast food chain Slutty Vegan. They discuss Pinky's unconventional approach to marketing and branding, as well as her philosophy of making veganism fun, cool, and accessible to a wider audience. Pinky shares her challenges in scaling the business, including navigating lawsuits, competitor closures, and the responsibility of being a black female entrepreneur.
Despite the struggles, Slutty Vegan continues to grow, with new restaurant openings and partnerships. Pinky also talks about her recent $9 million donation to provide entrepreneurial training and resources to HBCU graduates in Savannah. She emphasizes the importance of using her platform to give back and uplift others.
Throughout the interview, Pinky's energy and confidence shine through as she reflects on her journey, lessons learned, and the impact she hopes to have on the vegan movement and beyond. She embraces her role as a disruptor and trailblazer, inspiring others to pursue their passions unapologetically.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Pinky Cole's unconventional and bold approach to marketing, branding, and making veganism more accessible has been a key driver of Slutty Vegan's success.
- Scaling a business, especially in an untapped or challenging market like veganism, comes with significant obstacles and responsibilities that require constant adaptation and resilience.
- As an influential entrepreneur, particularly as a black woman, Pinky Cole feels a responsibility to use her platform for good and to uplift and support others through philanthropy and mentorship.
- Pinky Cole's confidence, energy, and unapologetic attitude towards pursuing her passions and disrupting the status quo are central to her brand and personal philosophy.
- Despite facing lawsuits, competitor closures, and personal challenges, Pinky Cole remains determined to continue growing Slutty Vegan and making a positive impact on the vegan movement.
- Partnerships, investments, and mentorship from established entrepreneurs like Danny Meyer have been valuable resources for Pinky Cole as she navigates the challenges of scaling her business.
- Pinky Cole's recent $9 million donation to provide entrepreneurial resources to HBCU graduates in Savannah exemplifies her commitment to giving back and creating opportunities for others.
- Throughout her journey, Pinky Cole has learned the importance of maintaining hands-on involvement in her business, even as it grows, to ensure her vision and values are upheld.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I wanted to create something that could meet people where they are, right. 70% of the people that come to slutty vegan are not vegan at all.“ by Pinky Cole
- “While a slutty vegan would be good on campus, I'm like, I want them to really get what they need so that they can go in the world and be great, because I know what it feels like to go in the world and still trying to figure it out.“ by Pinky Cole
- “When you have a platform, it is your responsibility to use that platform for good.“ by Pinky Cole
- “So every day is uncertain. We still do a lot of business, but the biggest businesses that do a lot of business file for bankruptcy, close their doors. So the state of the vegan movement is unpredictable. So what's at stake is, is that I will not lose.“ by Pinky Cole
Entities
Company
Person
Organization
Book
School
Episode Information
Masters of Scale
WaitWhat
6/25/24
While many plant-based food brands have struggled recently, Pinky Cole’s fast food chain Slutty Vegan keeps growing, with new restaurants across the U.S. Pinky sits down with Rapid Response host Bob Safian to explain how she’s scaling the brand despite lawsuits, social media attacks and a flurry of vegan restaurant competitor closures. Pinky also shares the story behind her recent keynote at Savannah State University, where she gifted the HBCU grads almost $9 million in entrepreneurial tools and training.
Subscribe to the Rapid Response podcast feed: https://listen.rapidresponseshow.com/Subscribe
For more info, visit: www.rapidresponseshow.com
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.