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
Talonya Geary
Co-Owner/Executive Director, FlawLes
An established DJ, music producer and entrepreneur, Talonya Geary always knew that entertainment was an integral part of the lesbian community. Questioning the current standards and visibility available to the lesbian community, her decision to introduce the FlawLes brand into the world of event production and promotions is no surprise. With sophistication and forward-thinking design, Geary and co-owner, Wendy Ochoa, created a place for lesbians to connect, learn and grow into women unencumbered by society’s expectations and to be able to thrive and live their lives to the fullest. Geary says that even on hard days she remembers that, “Every day is another opportunity to remind people to live a life with absolute purpose, while I remind myself along the way.” One of San Diego’s most successful lesbian ventures, FlawLes has expanded its brand to include the FlawLes.com website, the quarterly FlawLes Magazine, FlawLes TV (an online television show) and continues to grow event promotions all around the world.
