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

Hi Candace, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most critical factor behind my brand’s success is genuine,organic authentic storytelling. At 42, I’m not just a “fitness influencer” – I’m a testament to the idea that strength, transformation, and personal growth have no age limit. My ultimate goal goes beyond just my aesthetic goals; it’s about wanting to empower women to rewrite their own narratives of what’s possible.

I’m illustrating a lifestyle of commitment, resilience, and self-love. By documenting my fitness evolution, I working to build a community of women who see themselves reflected in my journey.

Through my work with multiple social media marketing agencies and brand partnerships, I’ve created a platform that says: “If I can do this at 42, looking like I’m in my mid-30s, so can you.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey into fitness and content creation is anything but traditional. At 42, I’m proving that reinvention and passion have no age limit. My story is one of continuous transformation – from overcoming personal challenges to navigating physical setbacks, like my knee surgery in July 2024.

The knee surgery could have been a roadblock, but instead, my recovery process was a journey in mental fortitude and physical resilience. Every rehabilitation session, every careful movement was a declaration: setbacks are not stop signs, they’re redirections. I’ve documented part of this journey, showing my followers that progress isn’t linear, and true strength is about getting back up.

In an advertising landscape that traditionally prioritizes youth, being selected to be an ambassador by brands like MiniBeast, TLF, and 1st Phorm is a powerful statement. At 42, I’m not just challenging age stereotypes – I’m shattering them. These partnerships aren’t just about promoting products; they’re about proving that authenticity, and marketability have no expiration date.

My background creating content for fitness and wellness studios in Tampa has been instrumental in building this journey. Each collaboration has been more than a transaction – it’s been a cultivation of my brand. Battling body dysmorphia, overcoming physical challenges, all while building a brand identity, balancing married/family life, work, and content creation, these challenges require constant self-reflection and determination.

What these brands recognize – and what I’ve worked to demonstrate – is that representation matters. When a 42-year-old woman can stand alongside younger influencers, showcasing strength, discipline, and marketable appeal, it sends a powerful message.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Tampa Bay Ultimate Visitor’s Week (Sober Edition)
Day 1: Downtown Tampa & Water Street

Morning: Breakfast at Oxford Exchange – a stunning restaurant/bookstore hybrid
Afternoon: Explore Water Street Tampa’s innovative urban development
Lunch: Armature Works – diverse food hall
Evening: Sunset walk along the Riverwalk

Day 2: Beach & St. Petersburg Day

Morning: A beach day at St. Pete Beach
Lunch: Fresh seafood at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
Afternoon: St. Petersburg’s Downtown, visit the Dalí Museum
Evening: Dinner at Il Ritorno
Night: some live music as Jannus.

Day 3: Nature & Adventure

Morning: Kayaking at Hillsborough River State Park
Lunch: Picnic with local provisions from Duckweed Urban Grocery
Afternoon: Busch Gardens for thrill rides and animal encounters
Evening: Fitness-focused evening activity or wellness workshop

Day 4: Cultural Exploration

Morning: Ybor City historic district walking tour
Lunch: Authentic Cuban sandwich at La Segunda Bakery
Afternoon: Tampa Museum of Art
Evening: Dinner at Ulele (Native-inspired Florida cuisine)
Night: Wellness-focused evening – perhaps a sound healing session or meditation group

Day 5: Fitness & Wellness Day

Morning: Sunrise yoga at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Brunch: Fresh, healthy options at Good Food Timing
Afternoon: An infrared sauna/wellness session at Sweatology
Evening: Sunset paddleboarding at Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Dinner: Clean, protein-focused meal at Fresh Kitchen

Day 6: Outdoor Adventures

Morning: Hiking at Lettuce Lake Park
Lunch: Local food truck rally
Afternoon: Explore Tarpon Springs’ sponge docks
Evening: Sunset bay cruise in Clearwater
Dinner: Greenbar Kitchen (Tampa) – organic, farm-to-table restaurant with extensive healthy options

Day 7: Final Day Celebration

Morning: Breakfast at Oxford Exchange
Late Morning: Shopping at International Plaza
Afternoon: MacDill Air Force Base Air Fest (if timing works)
Evening: Farewell dinner True Food Kitchen (International Plaza, Tampa) – offers clean, health-focused menu with many dietary options

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is multi-layered and begins with my husband, who embodies true partnership. While he may not fully understand the intricacies of social media, he understands what matters most – supporting my passion. Even when he sees my content as just “likes and attention,” he recognizes the potential for building a meaningful brand and community. His love manifests through unconditional support; if I’m committed to something, he’s committed to helping me succeed.

My local fitness community deserves immense credit, especially the women who approach me in the gym. Body dysmorphia is a real challenge, and there are moments when I’m incredibly hard on myself. But then a fellow gym-goer will share how I’ve inspired them, how my journey resonates with their own goals. These interactions are powerful reminders that our paths are about more than personal aesthetics – they’re about resilience, growth, and collective empowerment.

Most importantly, I’m building this journey for my daughters. I want them to understand that strength and beauty are not mutually exclusive. I want them to see that choosing your health isn’t selfish – it’s essential. By prioritizing my wellness, I’m teaching them a critical life lesson: you cannot pour from an empty cup. To truly care for others, you must first care for yourself.

My shoutout is to every woman who has ever doubted herself, who has struggled to see her own worth, and who is learning that strength comes in many forms. We are all works in progress, and that’s something to be celebrated.

Website: https://linktr.ee/thatsuncoastbabe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsuncoastbabe/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candace-dyches-5a926098/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatsuncoastbabe?lang=en

Image Credits
Sunny Collabs

Dave Pullis

Christopher Applegate Photography

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