The Latest with Loren LoRosa: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Mind the Business: Tyra On The Body Guard Remake/ Pinky Cole Speaks On Business
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Host: Lauren LaRosa, with guests Tanisha and Patrick

Introduction

In this episode of "The Latest with Loren LaRosa," host Lauren LaRosa delves into two significant topics shaping pop culture and the business landscape: Tyra Banks' commentary on the remake of The Bodyguard and Pinky Cole's candid discussion about her experiences running the rapidly growing Slutty Vegan empire. Additionally, the episode features insightful perspectives from motivational speaker Wallow, enhancing the conversation around supporting Black businesses.

Tyra Banks and The Bodyguard Remake

Lauren initiates the discussion with the recent news surrounding Tyra Banks and her remarks on the upcoming remake of the iconic film The Bodyguard. She expresses skepticism about Tyra Banks' suggestion to cast Taylor Swift in the leading role, highlighting cultural and emotional disconnects.

Key Points:

• Tyra Banks' Commentary: Tyra Banks appeared on Jenna and Friends, discussing the potential remake of The Bodyguard. She proposed Taylor Swift as a fitting lead due to her business acumen and commercial success. Lauren notes:

  "Tyra Banks got on this platform and she said, I think it'd be Taylor Swift because of the business and commerce, art. She would freaking sell like crazy." (05:15)

• Lauren's Perspective: Lauren disagrees with Tyra's casting choice, arguing that Taylor Swift lacks the emotional depth and cultural significance that Whitney Houston brought to the original film. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in portraying such a beloved story.

  "I'm a black girl, and it was Whitney Houston as a black girl, Kevin Costner as a white man. What if we flipped it and it was Taylor Swift and Idris Elba?”* (07:30)

• Cultural Impact: The original The Bodyguard is not just a film but a cultural milestone featuring Whitney Houston's legendary performance and her hit song "I Will Always Love You." Lauren underscores the challenge of replicating this magic with a different lead, stressing the unique chemistry and legacy Whitney left behind.

  "If you don't know about the movie the Bodyguard, ... Whitney Houston in this film. For me, watching her singing this movie, you can't talk to me about a movie soundtrack after this because it wasn't just songs... It was Whitney Houston during this film." (09:00)

• Industry Insights: Lauren speculates that Tyra Banks' suggestion may be influenced by her connections within the industry, such as director Sam Wrench, who has previously worked on Taylor Swift's high-profile projects. However, Lauren remains unconvinced that Taylor Swift can capture the essence required for the remake.

Pinky Cole on Business Challenges and Resilience

Transitioning to the business realm, Lauren brings attention to Pinky Cole, the dynamic force behind Slutty Vegan, a brand that has burgeoned into a $100 million enterprise with 14 locations across major cities. Pinky Cole recently opened up about her struggles in maintaining and restructuring her business.

Key Points:

• Business Upheaval: In an interview with Earn Your Leisure, Pinky Cole revealed that she had to sell and subsequently buy back her business to restructure it effectively. This candid admission showcases the volatility and challenges inherent in scaling a successful venture.

  "Yesterday, Pinky from Slutty Vegan posted a video on April Fool's Day announcing that she lost her business and had to buy it back." (12:00)

• Entrepreneurial Lessons: Lauren emphasizes the importance of understanding the backend operations of a business. She draws parallels between running a business and managing a personal career, highlighting skills such as project management, organization, and financial oversight as critical for sustained success.

  "Being an entrepreneur is harder than working a job for somebody. ... All of that flips. Sometimes it is the most nerve-wracking thing ever, ever to be the face of anything." (16:45)

• Hayes Hospitality Group: Pinky Cole and her husband Derek Hayes are launching Hayes Hospitality Group, aiming to create a conglomerate that supports various Black-owned businesses through shared resources and collaborative efforts. Lauren likens this initiative to what major brands like LVMH do for luxury labels, providing essential support and infrastructure to foster growth.

  "Hayes Hospitality Group ... bringing together a bunch of different business owners ... use each other's resources. That's amazing." (22:30)

• Community Impact: Lauren commends Pinky Cole's transparency and resilience, noting that her experience offers valuable lessons for other entrepreneurs, particularly within the Black community. She underscores the necessity of building robust support systems and emphasizes that success often requires vulnerability and adaptability.

Wallow's Perspective on Supporting Black Businesses

The episode also features Lauren's insights on a viral video by Wallow, a motivational speaker and New York Times bestselling author, addressing misconceptions about supporting Black-owned businesses.

Key Points:

• Authentic Support: Wallow challenges the notion that businesses should be supported solely based on ownership, advocating instead for evaluating the quality and consistency of the business itself.

  "Stop doing that. Support me because I got a black business. Is your restaurant clean? Is the food good? Do you got consistent cooks? Is the material your good?”* (18:49)

• Lauren's Response: Lauren aligns with Wallow's message, agreeing that support should be grounded in the merit of the business rather than solely its racial identity. She appreciates Wallow's eloquent delivery and the emphasis on excellence and consistency.

  "When I retweeted this, I say, yo, I feel every word he's saying. And I'm a business owner now." (19:15)

• Empowerment and Accountability: The conversation reinforces the idea that while supporting Black-owned businesses is crucial, it should be based on genuine quality and service. This approach promotes accountability and encourages entrepreneurs to strive for excellence, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

Conclusion

In this episode, Lauren LaRosa adeptly navigates the complexities of pop culture and business within the Black community. From critiquing high-profile casting decisions to celebrating the resilience of Black entrepreneurs, the discussion offers valuable insights and fosters a deeper understanding of the interplay between culture, business, and community support.

Lauren wraps up the episode by highlighting the importance of authenticity, resilience, and strategic collaboration. She encourages listeners to engage with the content, share their thoughts, and stay tuned for upcoming live conversations and bonus episodes featuring Charlamagne Tha God.

"When you listen to this, tweet me, Instagram me, screenshot it, let me know you tuned in." (End)

This episode serves as a compelling exploration of contemporary issues affecting both the entertainment industry and Black-owned businesses, providing listeners with thoughtful commentary and actionable insights.