Mutt’s Sauce owner, Charlynda Scales, tells about her military experience and how she took a family tradition to start a company that is changing her future. She continues to serve in the Reserves, recently became a mom, and is running her growing company, Mutt’s Sauce.
This episode is sponsored by Nomades and Insure the Heroes Inc.
Charlynda Scales is a TEDx speaker, brand ambassador, Air Force Veteran, social media influencer, and the founder and CEO of Mutt’s Sauce, LLC, a company that makes “the sauce for every meal.” Mutt’s Sauce was the Grand Prize Winner of Bob Evan’s Farms’ 2017 Heroes to CEOs Contest.
In this episode, Amanda chats with fellow Air Force veteran, Charlynda Scales. Charlynda shares her journey to joining the military and her experience as a female service member.
Growing up, service was a part of Charlynda’s family culture. Every generation had at least one person who served. After her cousin who served in the United States Marine Corps got hurt, the baton passed to Charlynda. She filled out an ROTC application form on a whim. Much to her surprise, she received a full scholarship to the college of her choice – on the Air Force’s dime.
Starting ROTC
Charlynda was a freshman at Clemson on September 11, 2001. She tells us how that terrible event shaped her time in ROTC, and ultimately, her time in the military. She walks us through her role as a service member and shares some encouragement for anyone who feels like their job isn’t very important. Sometimes you feel like the work you are doing isn’t important because it isn’t the out in the front or even overseas fighting the fight. But every job in the Air Force is important for the mission and the mission can’t happen without everyone doing their part.
Mutt Sauce
We also hear how Charlynda started her company (Mutt’s Sauce, which is so good!) and what motivated her to make the transition from active duty to reserves. She keeps it real for us and talks about how it was hard to hang up her uniform (if only temporarily). And she also fills us in on some of the challenges that come with life as a Reservist. She serves as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) in the Reserves which is a different type of service than the typical one weekend a month two weeks a year. Instead, she backfills different positions for various lengths of time.
And lastly, we hear all about what’s coming up next for Charlynda, as well as hear her encouragement and words of wisdom to fellow women who are considering taking the leap and pursuing a career in the military. This episode is full of information and rock-solid advice, so you definitely don’t want to miss it! After you listen, make sure to find Charlynda on social media so you can keep up with her and all things Mutt’s Sauce!
Listen to the whole episode here.
Connect with Charlynda:
Mutt’s Sauce website: www.muttssauce.com
Mutt’s Social Media: @muttssauce (Twitter, Instagram),
Charlynda Scales website: www.charlyndajean.com
Charlynda Social Media: @charlyndajean (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
Mentioned in this episode:
7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Joining the Air Force
Related Episodes:
From the Navy to the Air Force – Episode 15 (IMA)
Helping Others After Service – Episode 44 (Reserves)
From the Navy to Entrepreneurship – Episode 27
Would you like to be a guest or know someone who might want to share their story for the Women of the Military Podcast? You can sign up here and I will be in touch with you shortly.
Do you want to support Women of the Military? Check out my new Patreon site and become a monthly supporter!
Are you interested in becoming a sponsor for Women of the Military Podcast, check out my sponsorship package here.