Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to SASCHELLE MANDOZA. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, SASCHELLE thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
A life changing risk I took came at one of the most vulnerable times in my life, while I was going through breast cancer treatment. In the midst of facing the unknown, grappling with pain, fear, sickness, and fatigue, I made a decision that would alter the course of my life. I started my candle business called Journey’s Quote Candles and began sharing my personal stories with the world by self publishing my first book balled Unforeseen Struggles of Life.
The idea for the candle business came during treatment, in a moment of reflection. I was seeking peace and comfort in the small things like being able to get the chance to wake up another day. Writing inspirational quotes became a form of therapy. But more than just creating something with my hands, I wanted to pour meaning into every product. I started making soy-based candles and wax melts, each infused with a quote that carried strength, hope, or inspiration (names of some of my candles). These weren’t just candles to me, they were little beacons of resilience. I took a leap, invested time and energy I barely had, and launched the business from my home, not knowing if it would succeed, but knowing I needed it to heal.
At the same time, I took an even more emotional risk: I began writing about my journey. I had always kept alot to myself and just handled it internally, but something shifted. I wanted my story to help someone else who might be silently struggling. I poured my experiences, my pain, my faith, and my hope into my first book, Unforeseen Struggles of Life. I shared the raw truth of what it felt like to battle breast cancer, certain life experiences that made such an impact, from facing uncertainty but still finding reasons to push through and smile. Publishing that book was nerve wrecking because it meant being transparent in a way I never had before, but it was also freeing. It connected me to so many people who said my words gave them strength.
That dual risk of starting a business in the storm and telling my story without a mask, has completely changed my life. It’s opened doors, built a community, and given me purpose beyond my own survival. It’s shown me that sometimes, the biggest risks are the ones that are born from pain and they often carry the most powerful rewards.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Saschelle Mandoza, and I’m an author, teacher, entrepreneur, and breast cancer survivor. My journey into this work is deeply personal and rooted in resilience, purpose, and a passion for helping others heal, grow, and find hope even in their most challenging moments.
My entrance into entrepreneurship and writing came during one of the most difficult periods of my life—my battle with breast cancer. Out of that struggle, I birthed my first book, Unforeseen Struggles of Life, a collection of short personal stories and poems designed to uplift others facing life’s hardships. Writing became both a form of therapy and a mission to inspire others. Through that experience, I discovered how powerful sharing my story can be—not just for myself with helping me get through it, but to help others who are walking similar paths.
As a teacher, I’ve always been passionate about educating and encouraging others, and that naturally extended into the businesses and platforms I’ve created. I also create homemade soy-based candles and wax melts, each paired with customized affirmations meant to uplift and comfort. We offer products for women, men, and even a spiritual line including Sage Spirituality Boxes. Every product is designed with intention, inspired by my personal journey and my desire to bring light into others’ lives—literally and metaphorically.
Currently, I’m working on a breast cancer warrior’s workbook, designed to guide survivors through reflections, inspiration, and healing from the perspective of someone who’s walked that road herself. I also offer a yearly inspirational planner with monthly quotes and I take pride in creating tools that not only organize life but also speak to the soul.
What sets me apart is the authenticity and heart behind everything I do. I share my life, my battles, and my victories, and turn them into something that can not only help but serve others. I believe in building a community full of healing and knowing when life takes a turn we never expected, we can rise stronger, wiser, and more compassionate than before.
I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made—whether through a candle that brought peace to someone’s day, a story that gave a reader hope, or a resource that helped a woman through her cancer journey. Everything I create comes from a place of love, purpose, and deep understanding.
To anyone considering supporting or collaborating with me, I want you to know this: My brand is rooted in real life, real struggles, and real triumphs. I’m here not just to sell a product, become a big name or teach tiny humans, but to light a path for others through hope, healing, education, and empowerment.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
started Journey Quote Candles during my breast cancer journey. Creating candles with inspirational quotes became a way to bring light and encouragement to myself and others going through tough times. To get the business off the ground, I launched a GoFundMe campaign and was deeply moved by the support I received. The fundraiser helped cover some of the initial costs, but I was also blessed to receive additional support from my father and my current boyfriend, who both believed in my vision and wanted to help me bring it to life. Their generosity, along with the love from my community, made it possible for me to purchase supplies, design custom scents, and launch my first collection. This business is not only a reflection of my healing journey, but also of the people who stood by me and helped me build something meaningful.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I knew life would never be the same, but nothing could have prepared me for the battle ahead. My body, my mind, my spirit and my all were pushed to the edge.
I endured multiple surgeries after having both of my breasts removed, monthly injections at Winship Cancer Institute, rounds of medication, and side effects that made everyday life feel like survival. I lost a significant amount of weight and at times, I honestly felt like I was dying. I looked in the mirror and barely recognized myself. There were days I couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, and could barely move. My energy was gone. My spirit felt broken.
But even in the darkest moments, something in me refused to quit.I fought through every wave of pain, every tear-stained night, and every moment of fear. I leaned into my faith. I held onto hope. I kept reminding myself: This isn’t the end. This is just part of the journey.
And then, in February 2025, after everything I had endured, I rung the bell. That sound marked more than the end of treatment — it was the sound of victory, survival, and unshakable resilience. It said: You made it. You fought like hell, and you made it.
I am a breast cancer survivor.
Yes, the road nearly broke me, but it didn’t. I stand today not just healed, but transformed. Stronger. Braver. Wiser. And I share my story to remind others: Even when it feels like you’re dying, there is life and light on the other side of pain. Keep going. Keep fighting. Because one day, you’ll ring that bell too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amzn.to/4jV9d9y
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceo_saschelle
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/journeysquotescandles
Image Credits
Morning Call