The Unexpected Turning Point

Pinky Cole, a 35-year-old CEO at the helm of a $100 million company, Slutty Vegan, recently revealed a remarkable story of how adversity became the catalyst for her entrepreneurial journey. In this narrative, we’ll delve into the pivotal moment when getting fired transformed her life.

From Bruised Ego to Bright Horizons

Losing her job for the first time five years ago left Pinky Cole initially upset and her ego bruised. It was a blow she hadn’t anticipated and one that could have easily derailed her. However, as we’ll see, this setback soon turned into something more profound.

The Birth of a Business

In an unexpected twist of fate, the crushing blow of unemployment evolved into a source of relief and newfound determination for Pinky Cole. She attributes her success today to this turning point, as it pushed her to wholeheartedly pursue her side hustle and transform it into a thriving full-time business.

The Rise of Slutty Vegan

What began as a side gig blossomed into Slutty Vegan, an Atlanta-based vegan burger chain now worth a staggering $100 million. With 11 locations spanning across Georgia, New York, and Texas, Slutty Vegan has taken the culinary world by storm, tantalizing taste buds with provocatively named dishes and garnering the praise of celebrities like Viola Davis and Spike Lee.

The Silver Lining

Despite the initial hardships and disappointment, Pinky Cole found a silver lining in her termination. As she reflects on that fateful day, she recalls Snoop Dogg dining at her restaurant, a sign that Slutty Vegan had incredible potential. This revelation led her to open her first brick-and-mortar location in January 2019, propelling her business to even greater heights.

Pinky Cole on Embracing Failure and Growth

Pinky Cole openly acknowledges her failures and setbacks, including the burning down of her first restaurant, a Jamaican eatery in New York, in 2016. She considers herself an “expert in failure” but has learned valuable lessons from her experiences, such as the importance of fire insurance and the significance of hiring a proper accountant for business taxes.

The CEO’s Evolution

Pinky Cole continues to evolve as a CEO, recognizing that she’s still learning the ropes. She recently settled a lawsuit with ex-employees over unpaid wages, an experience that emphasizes the need to address challenges head-on and grow from them.

The Importance of Courage

For those facing daunting setbacks, like being fired, Pinky Cole’s advice is simple yet powerful: take the first step. She believes in having the courage to initiate the journey toward recovery without needing to plan the next decade of your life immediately. By embracing bravery, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your desires.