Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Reatta Hall. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Reatta, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Taking the leap to become the franchise owner of Slutty Vegan Birmingham was one of the most significant and life-changing risks I’ve ever taken. Here’s the story:

In early 2020, I was working a stable job in the corporate world, but something was missing. I had a growing passion for the food industry and an unshakable desire to make a difference in my community. Slutty Vegan, founded by Pinky Cole, had already made waves in Atlanta, and I was inspired by her vision and the impact she was making. The idea of bringing that same vibrant energy and delicious, bold flavors to Birmingham started to take root in my mind.

The decision to leave my job and accept the offer to work as DistrictManager for SluttyVeganAtl was the best decision to start my journey. I became a valued piece of the business and was noticed by Pinky and the from there is when the opportunity arised from me to plant roots as the New owner of Slutty Vegan Birmingham. There were sleepless nights filled with doubts and concerns about whether the timing was right, and if the Birmingham community would embrace a vegan fast food concept.

Despite the uncertainties, my belief in the vision of Slutty Vegan and the potential for positive change in Birmingham kept me motivated. I took the plunge, leaving my corporate job and pouring my savings into becoming a franchise owner. The initial months were filled with intense planning, overcoming obstacles, and ensuring the restaurant would open its doors successfully.

Opening day arrived, and the response from the Birmingham community was overwhelming. The risk I took paid off as the restaurant quickly gained popularity, with lines out the door and a growing fan base eager to experience Slutty Vegan’s unique offerings. The support from the community and the positive feedback reaffirmed my decision and fueled my drive to continue pushing boundaries.

Looking back, taking the risk to become the franchise owner of Slutty Vegan Birmingham has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. It taught me the importance of following my passion, embracing uncertainty, and believing in the power of innovation and community. Through this journey, I’ve not only achieved personal and professional growth but also contributed to a movement that promotes healthier living and inclusivity.

This experience has reinforced my commitment to making a lasting impact and has set the stage for future endeavors that align with my values and aspirations.

Reatta, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Reatta Hall, the proud franchise owner of Slutty Vegan Birmingham, a vibrant and innovative plant-based restaurant that’s redefining the fast food landscape. My journey into the vegan dining industry began with a deep passion for plant-based cuisine and a desire to make a positive impact on my community.

How I Got into the Industry:

My foray into the vegan dining world was inspired by the success of Pinky Cole’s Slutty Vegan in Atlanta. I admired her bold flavors, cheeky branding, and commitment to social justice. This inspiration, combined with my background in the culinary business industry and my entrepreneurial spirit, led me to take the leap and bring Slutty Vegan back to Birmingham.

What We Offer:

At Slutty Vegan Birmingham, we offer a unique and exciting menu of plant-based creations that challenge traditional fast food norms. Bold and flavorful, our burgers are the star of the show. From crispy fries to decadent vegan shakes, we have something for everyone.

We aim to provide delicious and accessible plant-based options that cater to both vegans and non-vegans alike. Our goal is to promote healthier living, support sustainable practices, and create a sense of community through our food

What sets Slutty Vegan Birmingham apart is our commitment to bold flavors, cheeky branding, and community engagement. We believe in pushing boundaries and creating an inclusive dining experience that resonates with everyone. Our focus on innovation and authenticity ensures that every visit is memorable.

I’m incredibly proud of the positive impact we’ve had on the Birmingham community. Seeing our restaurant become a local favorite and receiving such enthusiastic support has been truly rewarding. I’m also proud of our efforts to educate and inspire others about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Main things to know about us is We’re not afraid to push the envelope with our creative and delicious plant-based dishes.

We’re deeply committed to engaging with and giving back to our community.
We continuously strive to innovate and stay true to our vision.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Let me take you on a journey of how I, Reatta Hall, built my audience on Instagram for Slutty Vegan Bham, with invaluable help from my business manager, Krisjana Turner.

It all started when I took over the franchise in Birmingham back in 2024. I knew that to make Slutty Vegan Bham a success, I needed to create a strong online presence. So, I dove headfirst into Instagram.

First, I focused on authenticity. I shared behind-the-scenes content, from the kitchen chaos to the final plated dishes. People love seeing the real, unfiltered side of things. I also made sure to engage with my followers. I responded to comments, DMs, and even reposted user-generated content. This made my followers feel valued and part of the Slutty Vegan family.

A significant part of this success was due to my incredible business manager, Krisjana Turner. Krisjana was instrumental in **filming needed content and ensuring we prioritized quality over quantity. Her keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence ensured that every piece of content we pushed out was top-notch.

Next, we leveraged visual storytelling. Instagram is a visual platform, so I made sure my photos and videos were eye-catching and appetizing. I used vibrant colors, close-ups of the juicy burgers, and fun captions to draw people in. I also used Instagram Stories and Reels to share quick, engaging content that kept my audience entertained and coming back for more.

Collaborations were key too. I partnered with local influencers and food bloggers to reach a wider audience. These collaborations helped me tap into new communities and gain credibility.

Consistency was crucial. I posted regularly, keeping a mix of content like menu updates, special promotions, and fun facts about veganism. This kept my audience engaged and looking forward to my next post.

Lastly, I didn’t shy away from promoting my brand. I ran contests, giveaways, and even live Q&A sessions to interact with my audience in real-time. This not only boosted engagement but also helped spread the word about Slutty Vegan Bham.

For those starting to grow their presence on Instagram, my advice would be:

1. Be authentic: Share your true self and your brand’s story.
2. Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and DMs, and repost user-generated content.
3. Use visuals effectively: Invest in good quality photos and videos.
4. **Collaborate**: Partner with influencers and other brands to expand your reach.
5. Stay consistent: Post regularly and keep your content fresh and exciting.
6. Promote your brand: Run contests, giveaways, and live sessions to engage with your audience.
7. Prioritize quality: Make sure your content is high-quality and reflects the essence of your brand.

Building an audience takes time and effort, but with authenticity, consistency, and a focus on quality, you’ll see your follower count grow.

Any advice for managing a team?

From the moment I took over the franchise, I knew that the heart of our success would be our team. So, I led by example. I showed up every day with passion and dedication, hoping to inspire my team to do the same.

Communication was key. I made sure we had regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins. This open line of communication allowed us to address any concerns before they became big issues. My team knew they could come to me with anything, fostering a culture of trust and transparency.

I empowered my team by giving them autonomy. Trusting them to make decisions and take ownership of their tasks boosted their confidence. They felt valued and motivated to contribute their best.

Recognizing and celebrating achievements was a game-changer. Whether it was a shout-out in a team meeting, a bonus, or a simple thank-you note, acknowledging hard work kept our morale high. We celebrated both big and small successes, making everyone feel appreciated.

I also provided growth opportunities. I offered training programs and new challenges within the company. When team members saw a clear path for advancement, they were more motivated.

Creating a positive work environment was essential. I encouraged teamwork, inclusivity, and respect. We balanced work and fun, organizing team-building activities and casual get-togethers to help everyone bond.

Listening to my team and adapting based on their feedback was crucial. Flexibility and adaptability helped maintain a positive and productive work environment.

In the end, a happy and motivated team is a productive team. Investing in their well-being and maintaining high morale has paid off in ways I could never have imagined.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.sluttyveganatl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sluttyveganbham?igsh=NnljNms4aWZqOHJz
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reatta-myers-765432101?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Image Credits

Image credits: panda szn studios