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
Jennifer Pritchett
Founder/Owner, The Smitten Kitten
Jennifer Prichett is the founder of the Smitten Kitten, a progressive sex toys retailer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Smitten Kitten specializes in hand-made, high-quality, environmentally friendly and non-toxic toys and ethically made pornography for an empowering sex life. Pritchett describes herself as “a lesbian identified bisexual, mother, sexual assault survivor, pleasure activist, entrepreneur, and sex educator!” Prichett has made her personal politics her life work, while also making measurable change for herself and the seven people she employs. The Smitten Kitten was the world’s first non-toxic sex toy shop and continues to lead the industry through its non-profit program, the Coalition Against Toxic Toys. After experiencing unbearable sexual orientation harassment, Prichett resolved to integrate her personal feminist politics and dedication to social justice activism in her daily work. Her commitment to that ideal has allowed her to stay true to her philosophy, “Do right by yourself, by your employees, by your community, and by the environment.”
