First-Time Mom Pinky Cole Relies on Village to Continue Living Her Dreams
Without her village, Pinky Cole wouldn’t be able to do what she loves.
A few months ago, the 34-year-old founder of the famed Slutty Vegan empire welcomed her first child with fellow restaurateur Derrick Hayes. Hayes has two daughters from a previous relationship.
The couple named their daughter D Ella Hayes, a unique way to make her a junior.
On Valentine’s Day, Cole posted a pair of stunning pregnancy images to announce that she is expecting her second child.
“We are both so very busy growing our food empires, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love without our village.”
Pinky Cole, Founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan
Cole, who rose to fame after her vegan junk food restaurant took off in 2018, is enjoying life as a new mom but understands her support system is key to balancing life as a working mother.
“I am so fortunate to have my mother and Derrick’s mother, as constant support in our household,” Cole told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. “We are both so very busy growing our food empires, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love without our village.”
Since its inception, Cole has opened four Slutty Vegan restaurants in the greater Atlanta area. Cole started the business out of her former two-bedroom apartment, serving up burgers on a food truck via Instagram orders. Now, the famous Slutty Vegan bus also tours in cities around the country, giving everyone a chance to enjoy vegan burgers and other plant-based speciality sandwiches.
Cole is also the owner of Bar Vegan, which features cocktails and vegan munchies. Hayes is the owner and operator of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks.
Though he isn’t vegan, he supports his partner’s plant-based lifestyle and her decision to introduce it to their baby.
Baby D is fully vegan. Her mother described her as a calm baby who is smart, funny and a joy to be around.
“Everyday we learn something new about her and it brings us closer together,” Cole said