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
Niki Cutler
Owner, dykesinthecity
Co-created by trendsetter Niki Cutler, dykesinthecity (DITC) as a form of self-expression and a fashion statement for gay women nationally and internationally, DITC has grown from a “made up social group” in Baltimore, Maryland, to a lifestyle clothing company. A former teacher and counselor, Cutler always knew she wanted to do something to change the world. She says, “I knew that teaching just didn’t feel like the end all to me. I began this company quite by accident and it has become the world changing piece to the puzzle of my own life.” Ever expanding and evolving with dyke culture, now in its sixth year, DITC sells their line at festivals from coast-to-coast, traveling to around 30 different cities from May through October. Cutler also takes pride in the fact that almost all products are made in America and some from recycled materials, without compromising quality. Visit ditc.net for more information.
