Local Vegan Founder Story: How Pinky Cole Sparked a Plant-Based Movement

From a ghost kitchen in Atlanta to a nationwide cultural movement, Pinky Cole’s local vegan founder story is a powerful example of how passion, purpose, and plant-based innovation can transform communities. As the founder of Slutty Vegan, Cole blends activism and entrepreneurship, reshaping how people view veganism—especially within Black and urban communities. Her journey is a roadmap for mission-driven founders ready to spark real change through food, culture, and identity.

The Founding Journey

From Baltimore Roots to Entrepreneurial Vision

Pinky Cole’s founding journey begins in Baltimore, Maryland, where she was raised by a Jamaican mother who instilled in her the values of hard work, resilience, and cultural pride. Growing up in a household where plant-based meals were common due to cultural and spiritual beliefs, Cole developed an early appreciation for food that nourishes both body and soul. These early experiences laid the groundwork for her future culinary vision.

Her journey was not linear. After earning her degree from Clark Atlanta University, Cole pursued a career in television production in Los Angeles and New York. However, her passion for culinary creativity and community empowerment led her back to Atlanta to explore the intersection of food, culture, and purpose.

The Birth of Slutty Vegan

In 2018, Pinky Cole launched Slutty Vegan as a ghost kitchen out of her Atlanta apartment, offering provocative, flavorful vegan burgers with names like “One Night Stand” and “Fussy Hussy.” The bold branding was as intentional as the recipes—designed to spark curiosity and challenge stereotypes about plant-based food.

With just a laptop, Instagram account, and a dream, Cole started taking orders and delivering them personally. Word-of-mouth and viral social media buzz quickly turned her side project into a full-fledged movement. Lines wrapped around the block as customers flocked to experience the fun, inclusive, and unapologetically Black-owned vegan restaurant.

Resilience in the Face of Setbacks

The journey was not without setbacks. Earlier in her entrepreneurial career, Cole had operated another restaurant in Harlem that was destroyed by a grease fire. While this could have derailed her ambitions, she used the experience as a learning opportunity. The failure not only strengthened her resolve but also taught her valuable lessons in business operations, risk management, and adaptability.

That resilience became a defining feature of her approach to business: embracing adversity as part of the process. When Slutty Vegan began to scale, Cole ensured that her operations were streamlined and that her brand stayed true to its core mission—making veganism accessible, fun, and culturally relevant.

Expanding the Vision

What began as a small food delivery service evolved into a multi-location restaurant chain, with brick-and-mortar stores across Georgia and other states. Cole’s vision expanded beyond burgers; she saw Slutty Vegan as a platform for cultural revolution and empowerment. Her mission included not only feeding people but also inspiring them to see food as a means of transformation—personal, economic, and communal.

Cole also launched The Pinky Cole Foundation, which supports economic and educational initiatives for communities of color. From paying off college debts for graduates to providing scholarships and entrepreneurial resources, Cole’s founding journey has always been rooted in lifting others as she climbs.

A Movement, Not Just a Business

Today, Slutty Vegan is more than a restaurant—it’s a lifestyle brand and cultural phenomenon. Pinky Cole’s founding journey exemplifies how vision, authenticity, and resilience can spark a movement. Her success continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, especially Black women, to dream big and disrupt industries traditionally closed to them.

The founding of Slutty Vegan is not just a story of business creation—it’s a blueprint for building community, challenging norms, and using food as a vehicle for social change.

Building the Vegan Brand

Establishing a Unique Identity

Pinky Cole's approach to building her vegan brand, Slutty Vegan, began with a bold and unapologetic identity. She leveraged provocative branding, vibrant aesthetics, and a powerful message that connected deeply with culture and community. The name “Slutty Vegan” itself was designed to challenge perceptions and spark curiosity, making plant-based food exciting and accessible—especially to audiences who might not traditionally consider veganism.

By creating a brand that feels more like a cultural movement than a restaurant, Cole successfully tapped into a lifestyle ethos. Her branding strategy integrates bright visuals, catchy language, and strong storytelling, all of which contribute to a memorable and engaging customer experience. This strong identity has allowed her to stand out in a crowded food market and expand her influence beyond just food.

Leveraging Social Media and Pop Culture

Social media has played a central role in the rise of Cole’s vegan brand. Through platforms like Instagram and Twitter, she cultivated a loyal following by sharing behind-the-scenes content, customer testimonials, and community-driven stories. The use of humor, authenticity, and viral-friendly content helped amplify her brand's visibility.

Celebrity endorsements and pop culture references also helped fuel the growth of Slutty Vegan. High-profile figures like Snoop Dogg, Tyler Perry, and Queen Latifah have visited or supported the brand, contributing to its mainstream appeal. These connections, often organic in nature, have helped normalize veganism within Black culture and urban communities.

Merging Business with Mission

What sets Cole apart is her unwavering commitment to social impact. Slutty Vegan isn’t just a business—it’s a platform for change. Cole uses her brand to promote health, self-empowerment, and economic advancement, particularly within Black communities. Through initiatives like the Pinky Cole Foundation, she has provided financial support to students, entrepreneurs, and formerly incarcerated individuals.

This mission-driven branding deepens customer loyalty and makes the business more than a transactional experience. It invites consumers to be part of a movement that supports justice, wellness, and empowerment.

Expanding Into Multiple Channels

Cole’s vision for the vegan brand extends beyond the restaurant. She has launched food trucks, packaged products, and merchandise that reinforce the Slutty Vegan identity. These expansions help build brand equity while making the message and product more accessible nationwide.

Additionally, Cole has ventured into publishing and media, including the release of her cookbook, “Eat Plants, B*tch.” This further solidifies her role as a thought leader in the vegan movement and allows her to reach new audiences through storytelling and education.

Brand Consistency and Customer Experience

One of the keys to the sustained success of the Slutty Vegan brand is consistency. From the menu names to the staff uniforms and customer interactions, every touchpoint reflects the brand’s bold, fun, and empowering ethos. The customer experience is designed to be memorable, often with DJs, long lines, and a festive atmosphere that turns a meal into an event.

This intentional brand architecture ensures that whether someone visits the original Atlanta location or engages with Slutty Vegan online, the experience remains cohesive and aligned with Cole’s vision.

Inspiring a New Generation of Entrepreneurs

Pinky Cole’s brand-building journey has become a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs—especially those from marginalized communities. Her success demonstrates the power of combining cultural authenticity with business acumen. By embracing her roots, staying true to her mission, and using innovative strategies, she has not only built a thriving vegan brand but also opened doors for others to do the same.

Her story is now studied in business circles as an example of how to build a brand that is both profitable and purpose-driven.

Community Impact

Pinky Cole’s dedication to community impact is a cornerstone of her entrepreneurial journey. As the founder of Slutty Vegan, she has consistently used her platform to uplift and empower marginalized communities. Through her philanthropic efforts and the creation of the Pinky Cole Foundation, she has provided resources, financial support, and educational opportunities aimed at economic empowerment, particularly for Black communities.

One of her most notable initiatives includes paying off the tuition balances of 30 Clark Atlanta University seniors, ensuring they could graduate without the financial burden. This act of generosity not only made headlines but also signaled her commitment to giving back in meaningful ways. Additionally, her foundation has provided scholarships, funded food drives, and supported small Black-owned businesses with grants and mentorship.

Cole's belief that business can be a powerful tool for social change is evident in her community-oriented approach. She frequently collaborates with local organizations and participates in events that promote civic engagement, voter registration, and youth empowerment. Her efforts extend beyond charity—they are embedded in her business model, which integrates activism, accessibility, and cultural pride.

Growth and Expansion

The growth of Pinky Cole’s ventures has been nothing short of phenomenal. From launching the first Slutty Vegan food truck in 2018 to opening multiple brick-and-mortar locations across several states, Cole has demonstrated an ability to scale her vision without losing its cultural essence.

Her business growth has been matched by her influence in the plant-based food revolution, particularly within urban Black communities where veganism has often been underrepresented. By creating a brand that is bold, unapologetic, and rooted in cultural identity, she has made plant-based eating approachable and desirable for a new demographic of consumers.

Beyond restaurants, Cole has ventured into publishing with her cookbook, “Eat Plants, B*tch,” which combines recipes with motivational insights aimed at inspiring readers to pursue healthier lifestyles and entrepreneurial dreams. She has also secured major brand partnerships and investment deals, further expanding her reach and impact.

Her story reflects not just business growth, but the evolution of a movement—one that blends food, culture, activism, and economic empowerment into a cohesive and influential force. Pinky Cole’s journey is a testament to how personal vision, when aligned with community values, can lead to transformative growth for individuals and the communities they serve.

Business Evolution

From Vision to Venture

Pinky Cole’s journey in business exemplifies how a clear vision, rooted in personal values and cultural identity, can evolve into a thriving enterprise. What began as a dream to bring flavorful, plant-based food to the mainstream quickly transformed into a tangible business model with a powerful message. Cole’s foundational business, Slutty Vegan, was born from a desire to make veganism accessible, fun, and culturally resonant—especially within the Black community.

Her approach was unique: blending bold branding, unapologetic language, and delicious vegan food to challenge stereotypes around plant-based diets. The evolution from a ghost kitchen in Atlanta to a nationally recognized brand reflects her ability to scale a vision without diluting its essence.

Scaling with Purpose

As demand grew, Cole expanded Slutty Vegan into multiple locations across the U.S. Each opening was more than a business transaction—it was a community event. By intertwining local culture and activism into her business model, she ensured that each new location retained the spirit of the original. This careful scaling strategy allowed her to maintain authenticity while reaching broader audiences.

Additionally, Cole didn’t stop at restaurants. She diversified her brand through merchandise, cookbooks, and partnerships, turning Slutty Vegan into a lifestyle brand that extended beyond food. This multi-channel approach helped solidify her presence in the marketplace while reinforcing her core mission.

Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Pinky Cole’s business evolution is deeply tied to her identity as a social entrepreneur. Through initiatives like the Pinky Cole Foundation, she integrates philanthropy into her business model. This includes offering scholarships, paying off student debt for graduates, and supporting Black-owned businesses. These efforts are not side projects—they are integral to her brand's identity, showcasing how businesses can be vehicles for social change.

Her innovation also extends to product development and marketing. By creating crave-worthy names for her menu items, leveraging social media virality, and encouraging word-of-mouth through community engagement, Cole redefined how plant-based foods are marketed to younger, culturally diverse audiences.

Leadership and Strategic Growth

Cole’s leadership style is characterized by passion, inclusiveness, and relentless drive. Her ability to motivate teams, embrace collaboration, and stay rooted in her mission has been critical to her sustained growth. She embraces transparency, communicates openly with employees and customers, and fosters a culture of empowerment.

Strategically, she has maintained control over her brand’s expansion, choosing partnerships that align with her values and rejecting offers that could compromise her mission. Her business decisions are guided not just by profit, but by purpose, creating a sustainable model for long-term growth.

Adapting to Market Trends

Throughout her journey, Pinky Cole has shown an exceptional ability to adapt to market shifts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she pivoted her business operations to focus more on delivery and takeout. She also leveraged digital platforms to maintain engagement and grow her audience, demonstrating resilience and innovation during uncertain times.

Her business evolution reflects a dynamic balance between staying true to her roots and embracing change. This adaptability has allowed her to remain relevant in a competitive and ever-changing industry landscape.

Future Vision

Expanding the Slutty Vegan Empire

Pinky Cole envisions a future where Slutty Vegan becomes a globally recognized brand that redefines fast food with a plant-based twist. Her plans include scaling the franchise to new national and international locations, bringing her bold flavors and cultural storytelling to communities worldwide. With a proven model of success in cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, and Brooklyn, Cole is strategically leveraging partnerships and community support to expand further while maintaining the authenticity that has made Slutty Vegan a cultural phenomenon.

Innovating Plant-Based Culture

Looking ahead, Cole is committed to pushing the boundaries of plant-based cuisine. Her goal is not just to make vegan food accessible but also to make it aspirational. She aims to continue innovating with new menu items, collaborations with plant-based food producers, and investment in sustainable practices. Her vision includes developing a broader ecosystem of vegan products under the Slutty Vegan brand — from packaged foods to culinary experiences that reflect her unique blend of flavor, culture, and activism.

Empowering the Next Generation

A significant part of Cole’s future vision involves mentorship and empowerment. Through the Pinky Cole Foundation, she plans to deepen her investment in youth entrepreneurship and education. The foundation has already made headlines for paying off student debts and supporting aspiring Black entrepreneurs, and Cole intends to expand these programs to reach a wider audience. Her long-term goal is to create a pipeline of young changemakers who are equipped with the tools and confidence to lead their own ventures.

Building a Legacy of Impact

Pinky Cole’s future is not just about business growth; it's about legacy. She wants her brand to symbolize more than just food — to stand for resilience, culture, and community transformation. As she continues to gain influence in media, business, and social entrepreneurship, she is laying the groundwork for a multifaceted legacy that will inspire generations to come. Her future vision includes creating educational content, publishing books, and producing media that uplift stories of Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Shaping the Cultural Narrative

Cole is also focused on using her platform to shape the cultural narrative around veganism and Black entrepreneurship. She envisions a world where plant-based eating is tied to cultural pride and community wellness. Through storytelling, media appearances, and partnerships with influencers and thought leaders, she aims to normalize and celebrate a lifestyle that is both health-conscious and rooted in cultural identity. Her advocacy will continue to challenge perceptions and shift the mainstream toward more inclusive and sustainable choices.

Driving Systemic Change

Ultimately, Pinky Cole’s vision extends into systemic change. She believes in transforming the economic landscape by creating jobs, supporting minority-owned businesses, and advocating for equitable access to resources. Her entrepreneurial journey is a blueprint for using business as a force for good — and her future plans involve leveraging her influence to impact policy, education, and health initiatives that benefit underserved communities.

In every aspect of her forward-looking strategy, Pinky Cole is not just building a business — she’s creating a movement.

Pinky Cole’s local vegan founder story is more than a disruptive business model—it’s a testimony to the power of culture-driven entrepreneurship. From Baltimore roots to national success, she’s turned food into a force for change, community empowerment, and cultural celebration. Her story proves that when brands lead with purpose, they can start movements. Ready to follow in her footsteps? Start by embracing authenticity, resilience, and a mission worth fighting for.