- Overhead management is crucial: Pinky Cole revealed that her business overhead hit $10 million last year, emphasizing the need for financial discipline.
- The right team—and the right tools—create efficiency: Hiring strategically and leveraging the right systems can streamline operations and boost profitability.
- Tech stack optimization matters: Entrepreneurs must regularly evaluate new tools, track feature updates, and ensure they aren’t paying twice for the same solution.
The $10 Million Wake-Up Call: Pinky Cole’s Hard Lesson in Business Growth
Pinky Cole, the powerhouse behind Slutty Vegan, has built a thriving business with a cult-like following. But even the most successful entrepreneurs encounter tough lessons, and in a recent episode of Vault Empowers Talks with Brandi Harvey, she dropped one of the biggest truths about running a business:
“So my biggest lesson that I have learned, and I’ve never said this out loud, is you got to keep your overhead low. Do you know last year my overhead was $10 million? That is high. That’s a lot of money.”
For entrepreneurs, especially solo founders and small business owners, this statement is a gut check. High overhead isn’t just about payroll and rent—it includes everything from software subscriptions to operational inefficiencies that quietly drain resources.
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As a solo entrepreneur, I constantly have to ask myself: What systems do I need to facilitate consistency in building my audience? The answer isn’t just about adding more tools—it’s about making smarter decisions with the tools I already have.
Aces in Places: How Hiring Can Make or Break You
Pinky admitted that part of her financial challenge stemmed from early hiring mistakes:
“Before, I used to put bodies in spaces just because they had heart. But I need a little bit more than heart. I need talent. I need people who are talented, who are just as—if not more—smarter than me.”
This realization applies to more than just staffing—it extends to every system we build in our businesses. As a solo entrepreneur, my “team” isn’t just people; it’s also the technology I rely on daily.
- Am I using the right software to streamline my workflow?
- Am I paying for overlapping tools that provide the same function?
- Are there new features within my current tools that could replace another paid service?
In the same way that Pinky had to reevaluate her hiring strategy, we must regularly reassess our tech stack to ensure we aren’t bogging down our businesses with unnecessary expenses or inefficiencies.
Evaluating Your Tech Stack: Are You Paying Twice for the Same Solution?
One of the biggest financial leaks in any business—especially a digital-first one—is paying for redundant services. Software companies are constantly rolling out new features, and it’s easy to overlook updates that could eliminate the need for an additional tool.
For example:
- Project management tools like Notion, Asana, and ClickUp are constantly adding automation features that might make a separate automation tool redundant.
- Email marketing platforms now often include CRM functionality—so are you paying for a separate CRM you no longer need?
- AI-driven analytics tools may already exist within your website platform, making a standalone analytics subscription unnecessary.
Taking inventory of these features can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually.
Mastering the Tools You Already Have
Sometimes, the best solution isn’t adding another tool—it’s fully utilizing the one you already own. It’s easy to assume you need to purchase a new service when, in reality, your current tech stack already offers what you need.
Take a moment to explore:
- Are there underused features in my current tools that could eliminate the need for something else?
- Have I taken the time to master the software I already pay for?
- Am I paying extra for an additional tool when my current platform has rolled out a similar function?
Much like Pinky Cole realized that her hiring decisions needed to be more strategic, entrepreneurs need to be just as intentional with their technology. Efficiency doesn’t come from more tools—it comes from smarter systems.
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The Takeaway: Run a Lean, Smart, and Profitable Business
Pinky Cole’s story is a powerful reminder that business success isn’t just about making money—it’s about keeping it. Whether you’re managing multiple restaurant locations or growing an audience as a solo entrepreneur, the same rules apply:
- Keep overhead low—whether that’s payroll, software, or other recurring expenses.
- Hire (or use) the right systems—whether that’s people, processes, or technology.
- Evaluate your tools regularly—to ensure you’re not paying twice for the same solution.
Building a business is about consistency and sustainability, and that means constantly refining the way we operate. The more intentional we are about our spending—on both people and technology—the stronger our businesses will be.
