Denisha Cotton of The Vegan Hero

My decision to become an entrepreneur stems from a reflective personal journey. After losing my father and brother to health-related issues, I embarked on a mission to transform my lifestyle and find a greater purpose. Inspired by my newfound passion for veganism and a desire to create healthier alternatives to the dishes I grew up with, I launched my business.

My goal is to introduce more plant-based options to the Sherwood community and its surroundings, hoping to make a positive impact on people’s health and well-being.

As a woman entrepreneur, securing the necessary capital to kick-start my business has been a major challenge. However, I refuse to let this obstacle hinder my progress. Instead, I’ve adopted a resourceful approach, focusing on producing high-quality products on a smaller scale until sufficient capital is generated to scale up my business operations.

This journey has taught me the invaluable lesson that setbacks can lead to new opportunities, reminding me that everything unfolds according to a divine plan.

Founder and CEO of Amazon.com, Jeff Bezos, once wisely said, “I knew that if I failed I wouldn’t regret that, but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.” This sentiment holds profound truth for any aspiring woman entrepreneur. My advice is simple: embrace the courage to embark on new ventures fearlessly. Too often, we confine ourselves to familiar paths, hesitant to explore uncharted territory such as starting a new business. However, being an entrepreneur offers a unique sense of liberation and accomplishment, knowing that you’ve initiated something of your own creation. Don’t let fear hold you back; instead, embrace the journey of entrepreneurship with open arms.

In the next five years, I envision my business thriving, with establishments in neighborhoods across the state. My goal is to provide healthier choices to communities all over, promoting wellness and sustainability. Additionally, I aspire to contribute to women’s empowerment by actively mentoring and supporting aspiring female entrepreneurs. I aim to create opportunities for women to thrive in the business world, fostering a culture of empowerment, leadership, and success.

Through my own journey and experiences, I hope to inspire and uplift other women, helping them realize their full potential and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.