Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Mendoza.
Hi Diana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The idea of Never Alone Candles started right at the start of the pandemic. As everyone came to grips with quarantine life, I already knew what this type of life was like. I am a two-time breast cancer survivor and I am an expert at quarantining when going through cancer treatments twice in my life. The world was in a severe panic about COVID-19, how they were going to get the next roll of toilet paper and what type of bread was going to be baked. At that moment, I was too pre-occupied with an upcoming CT scan I had scheduled to make sure I was still cancer-free. It was during this time as I lit my white candles that I became aware that no matter how dark the darkness is, the light of one candle conquers. It was then that I understood I have never been alone in my journey of 15 years of fighting against cancer because there has always been someone else who has been through this challenge. On April 8, 2020, two life-changing events happened my CT was negative, and Never Alone Candles was born. By September 1, 2020, I had my online store up and running.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Never Alone Candles is my 5to9, my side hustle, my passion, my purpose in life. I operate a direct response media agency as my 9to5 and so the struggle is trying to manage my time between both businesses and still be present for my family. When I started the candle business, I made the decision to start and not fall into the rabbit hole of perfectionism. I believe messy is sexy and starting is thriving. I have updated the website twice and even changed my candle labels 3 three times already. As I have grown and gained more clarity I have been able to pivot to truly provide my original vision of the business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Never Alone Candles is a uniquely curated hand-poured candle business invoking inspiration, hope, connection, and belief that oneself is truly never alone. The candles are made with luxurious coconut wax, crackling wood wicks, and unforgettable scents. Each candle is named after a positive attitude. I believe that having a positive attitude in my darkest drop to your knee moments has changed the course of my life. Additionally, from the inception of this small business, I wanted to give back to the community and be a business with compassion. I give back 10% of every sale to Young Survival Coalition which is a breast cancer organization that provides help to those diagnosed under the age of forty. Not only am I doing a happy dance when I get a sale but I do a full-on salsa dance when I get to make the monthly donations to YSC. I am most proud that I didn’t allow my perfectionist personality to keep me from just beginning this business. I am living the words I teach my 20-year-old and 8-year-old daughters to simply put themselves out there one day at a time. That through the light all is possible. As you light a candle from Never Alone, I want every one of my customers to know that their light, their uniqueness, their dreams are needed in this world.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I would need another 3 pages for all the important lessons I have learned in my life! The most important lesson I have learned is that it’s your birthright to create the life of your dreams. We each carry a creative spirit and purpose that is worthy to be seen. As I have hit the valleys of my life, I always go back to this. In regards to my small business journey this past year by far my biggest lesson to understand is that you are allowed to pivot when needed. That nobody cares if your business is not perfect. Customers just want to connect with you and your brand in the most authentic way.
Pricing:
- $24 for a candle
Contact Info:
- Email: info@neveralonecandles.com
- Website: www.neveralonecandles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neveralonecandles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neveralonecandles/
Image Credits:
Photo Credits are Nicole Caldwell Photography
