We were lucky to catch up with Candace Dyches recently and have shared our conversation below.

Candace, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I believe I would have started my creative career sooner, but with a different educational path. My parents, coming from humble beginnings and limited formal education themselves, believed in a traditional path to success. They saw a four-year college degree as the surest route to financial stability and a better life – a perspective born from their own experiences and the wisdom of their generation. However, this well-meaning but narrow focus on conventional academia meant that alternative educational paths, such as trade schools or specialized creative programs, were inadvertently overlooked, which I now realize might have provided me with more hands-on experience and diverse opportunities earlier in life.

My journey into the creative field began in 2020, at that time, I was at a crossroads in my life and career. I was looking for a way to bring more creativity and passion into my everyday life. I had an interest for social media but hadn’t yet found my niche. The global pivot towards digital platforms presented a unique opportunity for me to dive into content creation, particularly in the beauty space as a UGC (User Generated Content) creator.

In 2021, my creative journey took another turn as I rediscovered my passion for fitness. This wasn’t just a return to physical exercise; it was a transformative experience that reshaped my content and personal brand. Integrating fitness into my creative work allowed me to connect with a broader audience and my personal approach to self-care and empowerment. This blending of beauty and fitness content opened up new opportunities in the crowded digital space.

Looking back, I realize that this timing was both fortunate and challenging. I was at a point where I began to understand the importance of self-expression, self-care, and physical well-being, which became fundamental to my content. The beauty, skincare, and fitness industries became outlets that allowed me to connect with others while building something uniquely mine. However, had I been exposed to and explored creative fields earlier, perhaps even through a more specialized educational path, I might have gained valuable skills and experiences sooner.

Starting earlier could have given me more time to grow alongside the evolving social media landscape. The industry was (and still is) constantly changing – platforms evolving, trends shifting – and having more time to adapt and establish myself could have been beneficial. Additionally, an earlier start might have allowed me to build my community over a longer period, potentially leading to even stronger connections and a more established presence in the field.

That being said, I acknowledge that the experiences I have gained before starting my creative career have been invaluable. They’ve shaped my perspective to how I create my content. Starting when I did, I was ready for a new chapter and eager to channel my creativity into something meaningful. Despite challenges, social media created a unique environment where people were seeking authentic connections, which aligned perfectly with my goals as a content creator.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Of course! My name is Candace Dyches, and I’m a UGC creator and fitness model with a passion for health, fitness, skincare and haircare. My journey into content creation began in 2020, and shortly thereafter began collaborating with brands to create authentic, engaging content that would resonate with their audiences. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with brands in the beauty, fitness, and lifestyle industries, helping them grow their online presence through thoughtful and strategic content.

As a fitness model and UGC creator, I offer a unique blend of content that spans across beauty, fitness, and lifestyle niches. My services include:

Fitness Modeling: I collaborate with brands for photoshoots, and promotional events related to fitness/health/wellness and activewear.

UGC Creation: I produce authentic, engaging content for brands, helping them connect with their audience through relatable, real-life product showcases and experiences.

Social Media Content: I create and curate content for various social media platforms, sharing fitness, beauty hacks, and lifestyle insights.

Brand Collaborations: I partner with brands that align with my values to promote products and services in an authentic, engaging manner.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and connection. In an industry that often feels overly polished or curated, I believe in showing up as myself — imperfections and all. Whether it’s sharing my fitness journey, promoting a brand I truly believe in, or creating engaging content for my clients, I strive for a genuine connection with my audience. I pride myself on understanding both the creative and strategic side of content creation, which allows me to craft content that’s not only organic and genuine but also aligned with a brand’s goals.

I value the authenticity of my relationships with my followers. I’m also incredibly proud of the partnerships I’ve built along the way, especially with brands that align with my values of health, fitness, and overall well-being.

For anyone learning about me or my brand for the first time, I want them to know that my goal is to inspire and empower others. Whether I’m creating fitness content, working on beauty campaigns, my mission is to help others feel confident and strong in who they are. I approach every project with the same dedication and passion, and I’m excited to continue growing my brand while connecting with new clients and audiences.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Absolutely! One of the biggest challenges I think non-creatives might struggle to understand is the emotional and mental investment that goes into being a creative. Whether you’re creating content, designing, writing, or managing social media, it’s not just about following trends or making things look good; it’s about constantly coming up with new ideas, experimenting, and putting a piece of yourself into everything you do.

For me, content creation isn’t just a job — it requires vulnerability, as you’re often sharing parts of your life, thoughts, and experiences with the world. And with that comes the pressure to maintain authenticity while staying relevant, which can be mentally draining at times. There’s also a constant push to evolve and keep up with trends while staying true to your own voice and vision. That balance is something I think non-creatives may not fully realize when they see polished end products.

Another aspect that’s often misunderstood is the unpredictability of success. As a creative, there’s no linear path to “making it” or “going viral.” Some projects take off while others, despite your best efforts, don’t get the response you hoped for. It can be difficult to keep pushing forward, but that’s part of the journey. You have to be okay with the highs and lows, knowing that consistency and passion may pay off in the long run.

Lastly, many people assume that creativity is something you can just turn on or off, but in reality, creative blocks are real. There are days when inspiration doesn’t come, and that can be frustrating, especially when you’re working on deadlines or expectations are high. Inspiration can also strike at any moment – during a morning run, in the middle of the night, or while doing mundane tasks. This means that as a creative, my mind is always partially engaged with my work. It’s not uncommon for me to suddenly pause in the middle of a conversation or activity because an idea has surfaced. Learning to manage that, while staying motivated, is an ongoing process.

So, if I could offer any insight to those outside the creative world, it would be to recognize the amount of dedication, persistence, and self-reflection that goes into creative work. It’s more than just “making content” — it’s an ongoing, evolving process that takes a lot of heart.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, there is definitely a mission that drives my creative journey. At its core, my goal is to inspire self-empowerment, especially among women in their 30s and 40s. Through my content, whether it’s fitness, lifestyle, or social media campaigns, I want to show that progress, not perfection, is what leads to true fulfillment.

I also aim to break down the barriers around fitness, showcasing that strength; both mental and physical, can be achieved at any stage in life.

Additionally, I am driven by the idea of offering value, supporting a sober lifestyle, or lifting up the voices of others who share similar passions. My work is about fostering community, encouraging self-love, and embracing the uniqueness of each journey.

Ultimately, my creative journey is about empowering others to embrace their individuality and confidence through wellness, creativity, and storytelling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/thatsuncoastbabe
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsuncoastbabe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatsuncoastbabe/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candace-dyches-5a926098/

Image Credits

Sunny Collabs

Dave Pullis

Christopher Applegate Photography