Slutty Vegan owner Pinky Cole is the queen of giving back to her community. The successful restauranteur has established scholarships at her alma mater, Clark Atlanta University and even surprised students by paying their tuition. The mother-of-three also provides mentorship and support to small business owners. Cole created the Group Economics Experiment, calling upon the community to help other Black-owned businesses grow. When the Slutty Vegan founder heard that one such business was in trouble, she immediately took action.
Just Move Supplements is a health and fitness brand owned by the husband and wife team.
Kieara LaShae and Kevin “KP” Price. The company offers vegan supplements such as protein powders, pre-workout drinks, and vitamins. Earlier this month, co-owner Keaira LaShe took to social media to share some sad news: their business was in trouble.
“We have come to a fork in the road with our business, and even though it’s doing great with sales and things like that, unfortunately, we have made some decisions in the past or had some hiccups in the past that have hurt us.”
@keairalashaemusic I owe it to you guys to share this… 💔 @Just Move Supplements ♬ original sound – Keaira LaShae
During the pandemic, they encountered supply chain challenges that slowed down sales. Despite this, they decided to retain their employees rather than resort to layoffs. As a result, the company has accumulated debt it has yet to recover from.
“I don’t want to sell my business because I know that if we do, they will change everything that we worked so hard for,” LaShae said as she fought back tears.
LaShae said that she would soon have to “take a break” if she did not raise the funds needed to keep the business afloat.
Followers chimed in to offer their support, and many of them tagged Pinky Cole. Our good sis hopped on Instagram with a call to action.
“ I am on here because I just saw a video that really just pissed me off. And what pissed me off is the fact that I am tired of seeing Black woman entrepreneurs having to face the realization that you might have to close your doors,” the business mogul said.
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Cole pointed out that minority businesses are less likely to secure the needed resources. According to a survey conducted by Goldman Sachs, 10,000 Small Businesses Voices, minority-owned companies are less likely to secure business loans, and when they do, they often receive less money and pay higher interest rates.
In the third installment of her Group Economic Experiment, Cole asked her followers to purchase products or make a donation to help the struggling business reach its $200,000 fundraising goal.
Cole’s supporters stepped up to the challenge; they offered financial support and flooded LaShay’s comment section with words of encouragement.
In less than 24 hours, the company raised over $100,000. LaShay cried happy tears as she expressed her gratitude to Pinky.
“@pinkycole your heart is pure and I’m grateful for you.”
Days later, Cole reported that the company raised a whopping $230K, allowing it to keep the doors open.
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Through her Group Economics Experiment, Cole has supported other Black-woman-owned businesses, such as Mess In a Bottle and The Sistah Shop, which exemplifies the power of sisterhood and community.
If you would like to support Just Move Supplements, here are a few recommendations. The Sweet Potato Pie protein powder is a delicious sugar-free sweet treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your waistline. The Sour Watermelon watermelon pre-workout powder gives you that much-needed boost of energy and tastes like a cross between an apple and a watermelon Now-N-Later. If you want to try the mushroom coffee that’s been all the rage, Just Move Supplements have you covered. Try their newly launched Just Shrooms Coffee.
AUNTIE sends well wishes to Keira LaShay and her family. May this Blackass Business continue to flourish.
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