Paula Deen is making a comeback.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the former Food Network chef's new company, Paula Deen Ventures, has received an investment between $75 million and $100 million from Najafi Cos., a private-equity company, which owns BMG Music Service and the Book-of-the-Moth Club.

Jahm Najafi of the Phoenix-based company has stated, "Our investment allows the Paula Deen brand to expand their relationships and the partnerships that are already in place, and support those partnerships on a go-forward basis."

Steven Nanula, chief executive of Paula Deen Ventures, has revealed that the company is in the process of talking with TV networks, retail chains and other possible partners.

The Food Network, which fired the chef in June of last year after she admitted to using a racial slur in a videotaped court deposition, is rightfully not being considered.

Deen had explained to The Wall Street Journal via e-mail that she is gaining confidence from the "hundreds of thousands of folks who signed up on Facebook's 'We Support Paula Deen' page," which seems to be growing day by day.

The TV personality has said, "Hundred of thousands of my fans sent me messages of love and support. I hope one day that everyone can have the opportunity to know who I am, as my family, friends and fans do."

According to Brian Warner, managing editor of celebritynetworth.com, Deen was already worth $10 million when the scandal hit, which means that Najafi is relying heavily on the chef's seemingly loyal fan base.

Najafi has stated to The Wall Street Journal that, "The most important thing to remember is that her fan base is rabid. Her Facebook fan base has more than doubled in the past year. The Paula Deen brand is alive and well."

We're going to have to wait to see if her fan base will save her from the humiliation she brought on herself last year.