We recently had the chance to connect with Misty Akers and have shared our conversation below.
Misty, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Absolutely. One of the most important areas where I choose not to act fast is hiring. I believe strongly in the philosophy of “Hire Slow and Fire Fast.” While it may sound harsh at first, it’s really about protecting our culture and our team. A rushed hiring decision often creates bigger problems later — you risk losing customers or even valuable team members if the wrong person is brought on. Many businesses or managers may hire out of desperation to fill a gap, but that usually leads to even more issues. For us, I would rather have an empty spot than the wrong person. Taking the time to make sure we’re bringing in the right people has been one of the most impactful decisions for the health of our business.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Misty Akers, co-founder of The Candle Pour, Tampa Bay’s first custom candle experience. My husband Dennis and I opened our first location in Hyde Park Village in 2019, and since then we’ve expanded to Oxford Exchange and St. Petersburg, with Sarasota opening soon. At The Candle Pour, guests can choose from over 100 premium fragrance oils and endless combinations to create candles and home products that are uniquely their own.
What makes us different is that we focus on creating memories beyond the product. We specialize in bringing people together, engaging them in the process, and making sure the experience is the best part of their day. Beyond our shops, we’re proud of the way we’ve connected with our community, partnering with organizations like Moffitt Cancer Center, the Children’s Cancer Center, and local families in need. Looking ahead, we’re excited about franchising and sharing The Candle Pour experience with new communities while continuing to stay rooted in giving back.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed you were supposed to know exactly what you wanted to “be” when you grew up—doctor, lawyer, athlete, teacher, actor. That was always the question adults asked, and most kids seemed to have an answer. But the truth is, very few people actually know that at 10 years old… or even at 25. I certainly didn’t. I would have never guessed the career path I’m on today.
I think we’re pushed to choose a direction too early, especially when entering college at 18. You’re asked to declare a major, map out your future, and lock into something before you’ve really experienced enough to know what you do or don’t want to do. The result is that many people end up in industries or jobs they don’t love, but feel stuck in because “it’s what they chose.”
What I’ve learned over time is to keep an open mind and trust my gut more than a set path that I—or someone else—chose for me. There is nothing wrong with not knowing what you want to do as a child, or even as a young adult. My career path has been full of unexpected turns, and while I sometimes questioned whether I was “doing what I was supposed to be doing,” those pivots ultimately led me to something that feels right. I also know many people who make shifts in their 30s and 40s because they haven’t yet found their true passion—and that’s not a failure. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to change direction, and the journey can be just as important as the destination.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is public speaking. It’s something I’ve struggled with my whole life, and I dodged a lot of opportunities because of it—sometimes even in small group settings. There were moments I knew I had something valuable to contribute, but I stayed quiet, and times I wanted to share my story but let that fear hold me back.
It even influenced the path I chose in college, avoiding majors that required public speaking classes. Looking back, that’s somewhat of a regret. I was always envious of people who could get up and speak so naturally—just being themselves without overthinking that an audience was watching. Their nerves didn’t get in the way, and their message came across more clearly. For me, it always took a conscious effort, and my nerves often clouded what I wanted to say.
That said, it’s also something I’ve worked on and grown through. Over time, I’ve become more comfortable, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. I still get nervous, but I’ve learned how to work through it. What once felt like a setback has also been a teacher, pushing me outside of my comfort zone and reminding me that growth often comes from taking on the things that scare us most.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
That answer is easy—Dennis. He is the most pure-hearted person I’ve ever met, and I feel so blessed to have him as my husband, the father of our two children, and my business partner. He shows the same kindness and selflessness at home as he does with our team and customers. So much of his time is spent doing for others, and he never expects anything in return.
What I admire most is how his character shows up in every part of life. At The Candle Pour, he leads by example—treating our team with respect, making customers feel valued, and always putting people first. His heart and humility set the tone for everything we do, and that’s a big part of why our business feels the way it does.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
One thing I regret is not learning a second language. I wish I had more guidance and encouragement when I was younger to learn and truly use another language. In the U.S., we tend to live in a bit of a bubble, but as I’ve traveled I’ve realized just how useful and powerful it is. I admire those who can speak more than their native language and envy the doors it opens—whether for travel, connecting with more people, or even in business. I know it’s never too late, but it’s something I truly wish I had started earlier and built into my life along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecandlepour.com
- Instagram: @thecandlepour
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mistyakers/
- Twitter: @thecandlepour
- Facebook: @thecandlepour
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-candle-pour-st-petersburg?osq=the+candle+pour
- Youtube: @thecandlepour2818
Image Credits
Dennis Akers
