The REVOLT Summit in Los Angeles went down on Oct. 25 – Oct. 27 and it was definitely the place to be for aspiring entrepreneurs, and movers and shakers. Taking place at The Magic Box at The Reef in downtown L.A., the three-day event was the one place where today’s hip hop generation went to shoot their shot and put their best foot forward in hopes of obtaining the future of their dreams.
The REVOLT Summit consisted of a number of different daily panels that spoke on how aspiring industry businesspeople can make the right moves in their careers, why it’s important to invest in themselves, where to get inspiration from, how to lay the foundation for their dreams, owning our culture, supporting one another, and so much more.
However, one of the most exciting features that the event had was the REVOLT Pitch Competition. During this affair, five young entrepreneurs had the chance of a lifetime to pitch their companies to some of the most successful businesspeople in the industry for the chance to take their company to a whole other level. The judges were Maha Ibrahim, Rachel Springate, Chris Lyons, and Anthony Tucker. And the winner? It was none other than Sienna Sauce’s Tyla-Simone Crayton.
Due to her win, the 16-year-old CEO was rewarded $10,000 to go toward her entrepreneurial moves. In honor of her pitch competition success, REVOLT TV spoke to the young businessperson about her company, what inspired her to create it, her future goals for Sienna Sauce and more.
Check out our interview with the entrepreneur below!
Tell us about what makes Sienna Sauce so special.
I created the first flavor at 8 years old, which is the Tangy flavor. The Tangy flavor is also no high fructose corn syrup and gluten-free. This sauce can also be used as a glazed, dip, barbecue, marinated, and pour. It can be used in meat, seafood and vegetables.
What inspired you to create the product?
My favorite wing place closed and I tried to recreate their sauce, and ended up coming up with my own, which is the base Tangy. My mom is an entrepreneur and has allowed me to have a voice, and follow my dreams. She has always had my back.
As a 16-year-old entrepreneur, what are some obstacles you’ve faced to launch and promote your business?
I’ve had obstacles of managing my time between school, my business, clubs, organizations, and my social life. I love what I do, so it keeps me going every day to know that I am creating a legacy for my kids. The great part is you can ALWAYS learn something new in business.
Is Thanksgiving season, or holiday season in general, a busy time for you? Do orders get hectic?
Well, this is our second holiday season as a company. But, last year during holiday season, the company was just starting, so sales were average. So far this holiday season, we have gotten large personal orders that we don’t usually get throughout the year.
What are three words that describe your product?
Universal, healthy, delicious
What advice do you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially ones around your age?
It is never too early to follow your dreams. You don’t have to wait until after college or high school. Find someone who is doing what you want to do and follow them. [Always] ask questions. Use your smart phones for smart things!!! (social media/Google)
What are your 2020 goals for Sienna Sauce?
To get in more stores nationally, expand our distribution program, and allow more entrepreneurship opportunities. Create more working capital to use to boost our brand and get in everyone’s faces.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about your company?
Our company loves our customers and we pride ourselves in making sure everyone who tries our sauce is satisfied from the beginning to the end, and can’t stop licking their fingers. Sienna Sauce will be a household name and will be bigger than Heinz Ketchup.