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Pinky Cole Gifts Equity to Loyal Slutty Vegan Team
May 5, 2025, 9:51.00 pm ET

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Photo: Pinky Cole/Sterling Pics

In a moving appearance on The Tamron Hall Show, Slutty Vegan founder and CEO Pinky Cole made headlines once again—this time for gifting 1% equity each to two of her longest-serving employees, Taaj Parks and Angel Barnwell. The emotional moment played out live on national television, as Cole publicly honored the women who stood by her through the brand’s most difficult days.

“When the lights were off, they stayed. When the doors closed, they showed up anyway,” said Cole. “Taaj and Angel were there when I had nothing left. And now that I’ve bought my company back, they deserve to own a piece of what they helped save.”

Both women remained by Cole’s side during a turbulent period that saw the company temporarily shuttered and Cole fighting to reclaim ownership. Their loyalty and resilience were not only recognized but rewarded, as Cole ushers in a new era for Slutty Vegan—one built on shared ownership, legacy, and community.

The equity gift is part of the brand’s comeback campaign, #BackLikeINeverLeft, which includes limited-time menu items, surprise giveaways, and a renewed focus on empowering the people behind the brand. It's also not the first time Cole has changed lives—last year, she gifted a longtime team member her own Slutty Vegan location.

“This is what it means to build something bigger than yourself,” said Cole. “If I win, we all win.”



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