Yard Inspired: Pinky Cole’s Unique Advice
"I Hope You Fail" sounded like a pretty pessimistic thing to say until this Clark Atlanta University alumna and million-dollar business owner uttered it. Pinky Cole, CEO of Slutty Vegan, has quickly become a serial entrepreneur inspiring millions of HBCU students worldwide. Her business can be found in locations all across the United States, including New York, Texas, and Georgia. The hard work she has put in over the past few years has been highlighted on platforms and publications such as The Washington Post, People Magazine, Essence, Time, and even various news stations. She began her journey as a vegetarian in 2007 and a vegan in 2014, inspired by her mother's vegetarian journey. However, this wasn’t the only thing that influenced her. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Pinky Cole had a different acquired taste that would take her quite a while to adjust to the food scene in Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended college. Now, her plant-based restaurant has been, since 2018, a safe haven for herself, vegetarians, and non-vegetarians across the country. At just 35 years old, Pinky is committed to her entrepreneurial journey, exposing others to new ideas of being great in numerous ways.
In an effort to inspire others and spread her greatness, Pinky dropped by the university that made her a campus queen to share encouraging words with students. During a commencement speech for the 2022 graduates of Clark Atlanta University, Pinky used her platform to say the key words “I hope you fail.” These words drove her to success as she learned that the journey of failure should be credited for the achievements she has made throughout her career so far. She brought these words to students, in addition to giving them all LLCs to start their own businesses. These words are now the title of her very first publication, "I Hope You Fail," an exceptional book that highlights her journey to becoming the successful businesswoman she is today.
Following her book release, the author returned to her alma mater once again for Homecoming season to further develop the minds of the next generation of CEOs. Clark Atlanta was not the only college where the book made an appearance. Pinky's penned performance also reached the yards of other HBCUs, including South Carolina State and Savannah State University. Prior to giving students 100 free copies of the book and signing it, Pinky, along with her husband, Derrick Hayes, who is also a business mogul, offered advice to young entrepreneurs at the university through a fun, engaging game called American Sesh.
Hayes, a business owner and entrepreneur, developed Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, which has also been a success in the food industry. He too has been recognized for his endeavors through platforms like Time, Forbes, Essence, and more. With that being said, it is only right that the two collaborate to provide students with a lifetime of information surrounding the business world. American Sesh entails the participants brainstorming a million-dollar business concept and collaborating to build the idea in a way that they believe consumers would enjoy. Six students left the session with unforgettable expertise to take their ideas to the next level.
The entrepreneur continues to bring a new approach and light to entrepreneurship. Through her accomplishments, she is a true representation of what it means to use HBCU experiences to become the person you desire to be. Whether you are pursuing business, film, music, or medicine, Pinky Cole can be a constant role model and a reminder that you can do anything in life! We cannot wait to see what is next for the HBCU alumna and how she continues to use her platform to help more students thrive!