Tyla-Simone Crayton, Sienna Sauce

What was your inspiration behind Sienna Sauce?

My favorite wing place closed and I tried to recreate their sauce, but ended up coming up with something so much better. My inspiration behind Sienna Sauce is that I wanted to share something that I made and loved with the world. It’s like nothing I have ever tasted.

How did you know it was time to launch this as a business?

I made the sauce for a party and many people asked, “where do they get the sauce?” That's when my mom gave me the green light to take my creation, bottle it, and share with the world.

Tyla-Simone sharing her story at a local event

What is the reason behind the name “Sienna Sauce?”

Sienna sauce was first bottled in the Sienna Plantation area of Missouri City, Texas. It was the subdivision where we lived.

Were you always making sauces? 

No, tangy was the first sauce I ever made. 

What brought you here?

My favorite wing place closed and I tried to recreate their sauce, but ended up coming up with something so much better.

Any surprises or key learnings?

I learned that entrepreneurship takes patience, persistence, and the ability to constantly adapt to change. Since growing my business I have seen how fast change can happen. Last year, I went viral and went from packing 50 orders a day to 250 orders a day. That’s why it is important to have a good team and when orders slow, have patience and persistence. Anything can change in an instant . 

What’s the #1 skill you think entrepreneurs need to succeed?

The willingness to learn and understand that you can’t do everything alone and that you don’t know everything. It’s important to know that it is OK to seek help and ask questions.

Tyla-Simone speaking with a group of young students. 

What’s been the biggest challenge when founding Sienna Sauce?

The biggest challenge has been ensuring we provide reasonable shipping for customers, while making our packing efficient. We have come a long way since we first started, and have lowered damages significantly. 

What is your superpower?

My superpower is inspiring the youth and showing them that entrepreneurship is an option. 

This is important because the education system is set up to teach you to work for other people and not yourself.

Tyla-Simone speaking with a female student.

What’s your kryptonite?

My kryptonite is adjusting to change.  That is why it is important for me to have a schedule. When managing school, work, family, and volunteering.

Do you have any unusual routines or habits? 

I drink a glass of orange juice every morning.

Do you have any other hobbies/things you like to do? What do you geek out about? 

I love to listen to music and write songs in my free time. I can’t live without my AirPods or Beats headphones.

Who is someone that has changed your life and why?

My mom changed my life by allowing me to follow my dreams and supporting me on this journey. She also taught me that entrepreneurship is a privilege and generational wealth is important.

Tyla-Simone and her mom, Monique

If you could give yourself one piece of advice when you were first starting with the sauce, what would it be?

Trust your gut. Taking risks is OK, giving up is not an option.

What’s been your experience as a female entrepreneur? 

In a male dominated industry, respect is very important. My advice would be stay true, push through, and let your presence be known. You will get more "no’s" than males in your industry, but keep pushing.