Meet Charlynda Scales | Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlynda Scales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlynda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea for Mutt’s Sauce was born from a deep connection to my family and our legacy. My grandfather, nicknamed “Mutt,” created a unique, all-purpose sauce recipe that was a staple at our family gatherings. Before he passed away, he left the recipe to me, hoping I would one day share it with the world. Starting Mutt’s Sauce was about honoring his legacy, uniting people through flavor, and building something that brings our family’s story to life. It’s not just a business—it’s a way to carry forward a piece of him and bring joy to others in the process.

What should our readers know about your business?
Mutt’s Sauce is unique because it’s more than a condiment—it’s a story of family, legacy, and community. Our sauce, created by my grandfather, “Mutt,” is versatile enough for any dish and represents a blend of flavors that brings people together, which is a philosophy we live by in our business. One of my proudest moments was when we were able to bring Mutt’s Sauce to a military commissary, allowing us to honor Mutt’s legacy while supporting military families like ours.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. We’ve faced challenges, from cash flow struggles to understanding the nuances of product distribution. There were times we had to pause operations, but each setback taught us resilience and creative problem-solving. I leaned heavily on mentors and learned that it’s okay to ask for help, especially from others who have been through similar experiences.

One of the biggest lessons is to stay true to your purpose and values, no matter how tough things get. Mutt’s Sauce is about more than sales; it’s about family and honoring the legacy my grandfather left behind. I want the world to know that Mutt’s Sauce is made with love, authenticity, and a desire to bring people together. This journey isn’t just mine; it belongs to everyone who’s been part of our story, and I’m grateful for every step.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Dayton for a week, I’d want to give them an experience that shows the heart of this city—especially through its food, history, and incredible people. Of course, we’d have to start the week by visiting the 6888 Kitchen Incubator, where I’m proud to serve as Executive Director. It’s a special space built for food entrepreneurs to grow their dreams. We’d take a tour, meet some of the talented chefs, and maybe even get to sample a few products. Dayton has such a rich culinary scene, and the Incubator plays a big part in supporting that.

After a morning at the Incubator, we’d dive into Dayton’s incredible aviation legacy with a visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Walking among historic aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits really sets the tone for the city’s innovation.

Day two would be all about Dayton’s arts and culture scene. We’d visit the Dayton Art Institute to enjoy works from all over the world, and then we’d pop into the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, which combines science with fun—plus, they even have animals! That night, if there’s a show at the Schuster Performing Arts Center, we’d grab tickets. There’s something magical about seeing a live performance in such a beautiful venue.

Day three would be for outdoor adventure. We’d rent bikes and explore the Great Miami Riverway trails. Dayton has one of the best trail networks in the country, so we’d spend the day cycling and even kayaking along the river. In the evening, RiverScape MetroPark would be our spot for relaxing—sometimes they have live music, and there’s nothing better than watching the sun set over the river.

For food lovers, I’d dedicate a whole day to exploring Dayton’s culinary scene. We’d start with breakfast at Table 33 with its locally-sourced, chef-driven dishes. For lunch, we’d head over to Tony & Pete’s for mouth-watering sandwiches. And in the evening, we’d stop by Grist for a unique and savory Italian meal.

Next up, we’d explore Dayton’s deep history with stops at Carillon Historical Park and SunWatch Indian Village. Carillon lets you step back into Dayton’s innovation and inventions, while SunWatch takes you into a reconstructed Native American village. For dinner, I’d take my friend to Jay’s Seafood for fresh seafood in a historic building—Dayton’s mix of past and present is so well reflected here.

For a more relaxed day, we’d explore local markets and breweries. We’d start at the 2nd Street Market, a lively spot where you can find all kinds of local goods and artisan products. Later, we’d head to Warped Wing Brewing Company to sample some local craft beers. We’d end the day with dinner at Culture, Global Comfort Food, curated by Chef Dane Fly.

To round off the week, we’d spend a morning at the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm for some fresh air and beautiful nature trails. Then, we’d stop by America’s Packard Museum to marvel at classic cars, a hidden gem in Dayton. And for our last meal, I’d take us to Sueño—a restaurant that highlights the best of Mexican-inspired cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.

In Dayton, we have a little bit of everything—innovation, community, nature, and history. The 6888 Kitchen Incubator is just one piece of this city’s fabric, helping food entrepreneurs realize their dreams and bringing new flavors to our community. A week here would give anyone a true taste of Dayton’s heart and the people who make it so special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely—I would dedicate this shoutout to the incredible mentors, my family, and the veteran community who have stood by me and supported Mutt’s Sauce. Organizations like the Beavercreek and Dayton Chambers of Commerce, the Entrepreneur Center in Dayton, and Bunker Labs have been pivotal, offering resources and guidance that helped me navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. I also want to give credit to my mother and late grandfather, Mutt, whose values and dedication inspired me to build a legacy of my own. Without these influences, Mutt’s Sauce would have never become what it is today. And now, being a mother, my greatest inspiration is my son, David.

Website: https://www.charlyndajean.com

Instagram: charlyndajean

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlyndascales

Twitter: charlyndajean

Facebook: charlyndajean

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy7bIKrtwZP25XyLQND2yKg

Other: muttssauce.com
Facebook.com/muttssauce
instagram.com/muttssauce

Image Credits
charlynda scales