How generosity helps Pinky Cole Hayes win in business

Aisha “Pinky” Cole Hayes, founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan, has made a name for herself in the restaurant industry. If you ask her, she’ll tell you that it’s also because of her generosity that goes beyond her personal desire to succeed. Since opening his first casual food chain restaurant, Slutty Vegan, in Atlanta, Georgia, Cole Hayes has raised $25 million in Series A funding, opened 14 stores across the U.S., and raised his vegan burger company to $100 million. We have grown it into a large-scale company. work. Along the way to millions, Cole Hayes expands her philanthropy and media portfolio by gifting franchises and her platform, American Sesh, to historically black colleges and universities and former employees. has been built.

Cole Hayes, the face of Slutty Vegan and the brains behind the operation, stays grounded by being honest and transparent about who she is as a woman and a business owner. I am. However, she gained a new level of clarity and experienced a new sense of freedom in her life.

“I haven’t always been clear. That lack of clarity stems from worrying about what people think about me, how I show up in the world, and what I create. I’ve always been a people pleaser. Pleasing people is important in a consumer-facing business, but it’s also held me back. Being authentic is another layer that excites me every day, because no matter what happens, I’m always able to approach my work with a different level of mental clarity. Because it remains true, money can’t buy it,” Cole Hayes said.

core community

In addition to being clear about their boundaries and business decisions, Cole Hayes helps small business owners and entrepreneurs get the knowledge, access, and support they need to be effective. We are steadfast and unwavering in our support.

Cole Hayes’ tendency to give and share freely is evident in her attendance at community meetings and sharing business tips on social media and with her more than 1 million followers on her media platform, American Sesh. Masu. Most recently, she and her husband (and fellow restaurateur) Derrick Hayes took to the stage at REVOLT WORLD in Atlanta, Georgia to help other entrepreneurs unlock the secrets of building a business from the ground up. .

Cole Hayes’ mother, who is of Jamaican heritage, also appreciates her core values ​​of uplifting others.

“My mother was a really dedicated person. I didn’t even realize that she was teaching me how to go out into the world and how to be a steward, a lender instead of a borrower. In business. “As a successful entrepreneur, I have a moral responsibility to support people who look like me and are seeking opportunity,” said Cole Hayes. And she said that’s something she doesn’t want to bend. “I don’t think that’s ever going to change. That’s why not many people like me make it this far. I don’t take that for granted. I’m going to be in rooms that a lot of black women don’t get to be in. Now you can enter the room and welcome others. And I’m very strategic and intentional about it. ”

On any given day, she advocates for small business owners who are struggling to stay in business by spreading the word. And it has been proven effective. In fact, 42% of Black-owned businesses were discovered through word-of-mouth marketing, according to a 2021 study by Dynata.

When asked what motivates her to act as a leader, Cole Hayes said it’s the responsibility that comes with access, and that she has worked hard for it.

“I’m touching the helm of a multi-billion dollar garment, but I have a different level of access. If I was fumbling around with that access, I wouldn’t have gained access like I did. It affects everyone who strives and prays and works. It keeps me motivated because I have people who believe that I will continue to succeed,” Cole Hayes said. “So my business decisions are no longer just about Pinky and what’s best for Pinky. It’s about what’s best for the culture. I just sell burgers and fries and it’s about what’s best for the culture. “My actions will impact the way people view Black-owned businesses.” ”

Show love and balance publicly

Running a multi-million dollar business and being a servant leader is not for the faint of heart. That’s why Cole Hayes puts her spirituality, her husband, her children, and her family at the center of everything she does.

As a businesswoman, she trusts her intuition when making decisions. She also leans towards the most important relationships in life and business. It’s her relationship with her husband, Mr. Hayes, CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteak. Together, they are recognized as a power couple within the restaurant industry. In recent months, the Hayes have acquired residency in Las Vegas and signed a contract with the National Basketball Association’s Orlando Magic team.

“I don’t know what he did to deserve the same, but he has dreams like me, wants to win like me, and is an underdog like me. He’s a guy who feels like he has to prove himself to the world, just like I do. But he’s also a passionate guy, like me,” Cole Hayes said.

She hopes that by publicly expressing their love, they will inspire others to win in business with their partners. And she is grateful to be able to live and do business with Mr. Hayes. “Some people think it’s difficult because within the industry we’re in two different food genres. It’s easy. He makes meat and I make vegan food, but we both have the same Have a goal. When you find someone who thinks the same way as you and enjoys it, it becomes a safe place to be, even when you don’t agree. So, I want to meet someone who I can have children with. I’m grateful for that and everything we’ve created together.”

Cole Hayes, a mother of three, loves spending quality time with her family and experiencing important moments with her children as they reach milestones.

Creating Equity and Building Black Wealth

A 2017 report by Prosperity Now and the Institute for Policy Studies on Black community wealth through 2053 surfaces from time to time. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the topic of projected median income for Black Americans of $0 is resurfacing.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, Black-owned businesses own 3.5 million businesses and employ more than 1.2 million people, but Cole Hayes holds a high position within a publicly traded company. I believe that some people and those with access can help counter the 2053 predictions.

“I think private equity firms are at the helm of the future of black wealth. If the powers that be at private equity and investment firms weren’t so predatory, black entrepreneurs would be able to raise capital for their businesses. Sell ​​your company and create generational wealth,” Cole Hayes said. But she said one of the challenges that can arise is when Black people don’t keep the door open for each other. “Investors like us often go through so many peaks and troughs before we get to the top that we cool off. And when we cool off, at that point, it’s about ourselves. When it comes to yourself, it’s less about opening the door for others and more about holding your own space so they don’t lose it.”

So how do black founders sustain themselves?

“We need more people who are intentional about creating wealth for Black people. The more spaces I go into, the more people I can bring in. Right now, 15 people or 20 Pinky Cole Hayes, the problem can be solved. But those who intend to increase their wealth are unlikely to get into a place where there is a large amount of money to give it back. ” Cole Hayes said.

Despite this, many would attest that she is doing her part.

confidence is key

When Cole Hayes walks into a room or has a conversation, confidence takes the lead.

“Confidence goes a long way. Even if I were broke today, I know I have my own personality and confidence. I can walk into any room like I own it.” said Cole Hayes.

She implores women looking to start or take their businesses to the next level to go against the grain and take charge of their future by acting boldly and politically.

“This game (business and entrepreneurship) was not designed for us. But now that we know it’s not designed for us, we take it seriously and We have an opportunity now, more than ever, to own, to own, to control. Because we have the opportunity to change things,” Cole Hayes said.