Pinky Cole, the visionary founder of Slutty Vegan, has once again demonstrated her commitment to giving back to the community. On The Sherri Show, her foundation surprised Make My Cake, a local bakery in Harlem, with a generous donation towards her business.
Make My Cake, a family-owned bakery in Harlem, has long been a go-to spot for New Yorkers looking for delicious cakes, cupcakes, and classic soul desserts. Aliyyah Baylor, a cake artist and community advocate, owns the bakery, which is well-known not only for its delectable treats but also for its dedication to spreading joy through baking.
Earlier this month, the family-owned bakery had to seek help from the community by launching a GoFundMe to help it carry out its mission, which reaches outside exclusively making cakes, pies, and puddings.
Speaking on The Sherri Show about her plight, Aliyyah Baylor shared how gentrification and a city shutdown, including location changes, opened the former thriving business to face challenges, including high production costs and skilled labor shortages.
“In 1995, I took a home business that my mother Joan started in 1975. It took on a life of its own. But facing gentrification, we were displaced twice. Finding a new location in 2020 and getting a small amount of funding just three weeks before the city shutdown halted our production. The pandemic shut down our ability to continue for over a year.”
She continued, “And of current, I had to give my business a lifeline. I launched a GoFundMe to give myself some breathing room so that I can put forth some strategy and hope to gain strategic partners in this industry that would get me beyond this step. Because my business is a legacy, and it has life.”
In response, Pinky Cole assured Ms Baylor of her support, including a $10,000 check on the show.
“Imma be honest with you,” Pinky began. “I found you on social media because everybody tagged me to your page. God is gonna restore everything that the world has taken from you. I want to be able to bless you and your business because I know how hard business can get. I know the days that you want to throw the towel in.”
“And because of that, I want to offer a donation from the Pinky Cole Foundation for $10,000 for you. And I want you to know that it’s not just money that I want to give to you. I want to offer mentorship to you. And also, I’m going to give you one month of a publicist for free to continue to get your brand out,” Pinky Cole added.
The Pinky Cole Foundation has been actively involved in various initiatives to empower women, support education, and promote social justice.
