Entrepreneur, wife, mother, and cultural force, Pinky Cole Hayes is stepping into a new chapter as one of the newest cast members of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta. Known for building a brand that extends far beyond food, Pinky has always centered authenticity, and according to her, reality TV is simply an extension of that truth.
“My personal life has always been a part of the brand,” Pinky shared in an exclusive interview with Johneri’O Scott of The Black Wall Street Times.
She continued. “That’s why people fell in love with what I built, they love me.”
Bring authenticity to reality television
For Pinky Cole, joining RHOA isn’t about reinvention, but amplification.
After publicly navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, including restructuring her business, she sees this platform as an opportunity to inspire on a larger scale.
“Entrepreneurship is a beautiful thing despite the hard times,” she stated. “Now I just get to show that on a bigger stage.”
Viewers will meet the woman behind the brand
This season, viewers will see more than just Pinky the businesswoman; they’ll meet Pinky the personality.
“I’m really funny. I’m an idea machine,” she said. “Even in the middle of arguments, I’m thinking of business ideas.”
Alongside her humor and creativity, audiences will also get a glimpse into her family life, including her marriage to fellow successful entrepreneur Derrick Hayes, the founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks.
The couple married in June 2023 and share three children: D Ella, born in 2021/early 2022; Derrick Hayes Jr., born in July 2022; and David Asher Hayes, born on December 12, 2023.
Pinky Cole finds her place in the cast
As the franchise heads into season 17, Pinky believes that what makes this time around unique is its depth.
“Everybody is going through their own stuff,” she explained. “People are going to connect with different women for different reasons.”
That emotional relatability, she says, is the “true strength” of the cast.
Joining an established group, however, came with its surprises. Pinky recalled her first “this is real” moment as watching an intense argument unfold at the table.
“I’m like, do I need a microphone? This is a whole talk show!” she laughed.
As the founder of the vegan fast-food franchise Slutty Vegan, Pinky used her CEO intuition to navigate the new dynamics of spectacle that have become synonymous with RHOA.
“Every group needs a voice of reason,” she expressed. “Someone who can bring maturity to uncomfortable conversations.”
Confident and self-assured, Pinky describes herself as “a force all by myself.”
While her energy may not be for everyone, she embraces its impact.
“People are either going to be intimidated or inspired.”
With signature wit, she summed up her current chapter with a tagline: “Bankrupt on paper, but my mouthpiece a country club bar”, a reflection of both resilience and reinvention.
A new level of growth
Beyond the glamour and drama, Pinky opened up about the quieter, more challenging moments of her journey.
“I know what it feels like when nobody’s clapping for you,” she revealed.
Using the metaphor of a seed growing in darkness, she described how her toughest seasons ultimately led to growth. For aspiring entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed, her advice is simple but powerful: “Breathe.”
She emphasized that entrepreneurship is deeply spiritual and requires mental clarity.
“We’re always moving, always thinking, but we don’t sit and breathe,” she said. “When your mind is clear, everything changes.”
As Pinky Cole enters this new space, one thing is certain: she’s not holding back. And in doing so, she continues to inspire others to embrace their journey, fully and fearlessly.
