Workin’ It (Part 2) 2009
Chef/Owner, Bristen’s Eatery
Carleen Haughton, owner of Bristen’s Eatery in Crown Heights, Brooklyn was born in Kingston, Jamaica and migrated to the United States in 1984. She graduated from Hofstra University with a BS in Economics and Finance, and worked on Wall Street for 18 years. After 9/11, Haughton “decided it was important to do what I was passionate about.” In 2007, she graduated from The Institute of Culinary Education and opened Bristen’s Eatery. Haughton is committed to keeping prices affordable, while also using the best ingredients from local farmers and other local businesses. The menu includes hearty dishes such as omelettes, French toast, pancakes, generously stuffed paninis and burgers. Bristen’s is also dedicated to the community and working with youth. Her goal is to maintain a safe place for people to exchange information, have community meetings, play dates or just chat.
The Rest of the Best Of 2009’s Red Hot Entrepreneurs
Misti D. Graham
President of MDG Marketing Group
As consumers, gays and lesbians tend to be brand-loyal, educated, and have more disposable income (at least some of us!) than the average American. So we’ve become a coveted consumer demographic. When a company wants to reach this market, they often turn to Misti D. Graham. President of MDG Marketing Group, Graham saw the power behind the $712 billion gay and lesbian consumer market segment, and founded a company whose mission is to “educate her clients on such topics as gay and lesbian buying power, economic influence, lifestyle interests and travel habits, in a way that reflects compassion, caring and consideration for their diversity.” Graham, a Phoenix-based out lesbian says, “we not only ‘talk the talk’ but we definitely ‘walk the walk’ when it comes to knowing the LGBT market and
their habits, trends and choices.”
