Influential Woman · Hagar Guitars LLC
Candace Hagar
Owner | Administrative & Business Operations Manager, Hagar Guitars LLC
Hanceville, AL
Her Story
About Candace
Candace Hagar is the Owner and Administrative & Business Operations Manager of Hagar Guitars LLC, a family-owned custom guitar business founded in Hanceville, Alabama, in 2024.
Without a traditional background in the guitar industry, Candace took the initiative to turn her husband Craig’s talent for building guitars into a growing business. She established the company, obtained the necessary business licensing, created and manages the company website, built its social media presence to more than 3,000 followers, and oversees customer communication, quotes, invoicing, marketing, and day-to-day business operations.
While Candace manages the business side of Hagar Guitars, Craig specializes in the craftsmanship behind each instrument. Their guitars are individually built using a combination of CNC technology and hands-on craftsmanship, with careful attention given to each customer's specifications.
Candace built the business while also caring for her grandmother and continuing her own education, earning her GED and a phlebotomy certificate. She credits perseverance, determination, and her belief in Craig’s talent for helping her continue moving forward through challenges.
Today, Candace is focused on growing Hagar Guitars, reaching more customers, expanding the company's capabilities, and securing the equipment and resources needed to take the business to the next level.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Candace
01What do you attribute your success to?
Perseverance and believing in what we were building. I believed in my husband's talent and the quality of the guitars he creates. Even when things were difficult, I kept working to turn that talent into a business and refused to give up.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to never be afraid to ask questions. No one starts out knowing everything, and asking for help or guidance is how you learn and grow. I've carried that with me as I've learned how to run and grow our business.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself and don't let someone else decide what you're capable of. Don't be intimidated by entering an industry where you may not see many women in roles like yours. Find what you can contribute, work hard at it, and don't be afraid to make your own place in the industry.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of our biggest challenges is helping customers understand the time, craftsmanship, and investment involved in a truly custom-built guitar. At the same time, that gives us an opportunity to show musicians the difference between a mass-produced instrument and one built specifically for them. As we grow, expanding our equipment and production capabilities will allow us to take on more opportunities while maintaining the quality and personal attention behind every Hagar guitar.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family, integrity, perseverance, and treating people with respect are the values that matter most to me. I believe in standing behind what we do, being honest with our customers, and continuing to work toward our goals even when things don't go as planned. I also believe success means more when you're building something alongside the people you love.
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