INTERVIEW: Pinky Cole Talks 'Slutty Vegan' Bankruptcy, Bounce-back, Entrepreneurial Lessons + More

Pinky Cole, founder of Slutty Vegan and star of the upcoming season of *Real Housewives of Atlanta*, opens up about her journey through bankruptcy, business restructuring, and personal resilience in a candid interview on *The Breakfast Club*. She recounts the emotional and financial toll of losing her company, facing $20 million in debt, and the difficult decision to file for bankruptcy after buying back her business. Despite public scrutiny and personal challenges—including a strained marriage during her professional downturn—Cole emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system, staying true to one's purpose, and using adversity as a catalyst for growth. She shares how the bankruptcy process, though painful, became a tool for reinvention, allowing her to clear her business's past and rebuild with a stronger foundation. Now, with seven active locations and over a dozen franchises in the pipeline, she’s leveraging her visibility to inspire entrepreneurs, especially Black women, to embrace vulnerability and persistence. Her story is one of transformation, authenticity, and the power of resilience in the face of public failure. Cole also reflects on the lessons learned from her experience: the dangers of personal guarantees, the importance of separating personal and business assets, and the need for entrepreneurs to build a 'coat of armor' against betrayal. She discusses the emotional toll of being publicly scrutinized, including creditors changing locks on her property and false headlines, but emphasizes her unshakable self-worth and commitment to protecting her legacy. Her upcoming reality show, launching April 5th, is not just entertainment but a platform to share her truth and serve as a testimony for others. With a new focus on financial literacy through a partnership with Earn Your Leisure, she’s turning her pain into purpose, proving that failure is not the end—but a powerful beginning.