Picture this: the rich aroma of fine cigars swirling in an elegant lounge, a room filled with laughter and the hum of meaningful connections. Now, imagine that this scene is orchestrated by a woman—a mother, a wife, a visionary—who’s not just participating in this male-dominated industry but redefining it. Meet Candace Ford, the powerhouse CEO behind LLC Cigars (Ladies Love Cigars) and the wife of retired NBA player TJ Ford. Candace is proving that where there’s smoke, there’s undeniable fire—especially when it comes to her inspiring entrepreneurial journey.
Candace’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. In honor of phenomenal women entrepreneurs across the globe, we’re thrilled to celebrate this Houston-based trailblazer who’s carving out a space for women in the luxury cigar market, a space historically more welcoming to men. Her brand, LLC Cigars, does more than offer a premium product; it challenges traditional cigar culture, inviting both men and women to enjoy a sophisticated experience rooted in Dominican craftsmanship.
“Women can own luxury. We can be at the forefront of industries that weren’t necessarily built with us in mind,” Candace shares and she certainly owns her space in the industry.
From Courtside to the Cigar Lounge
Candace’s journey began in a different spotlight. As the wife of an NBA player and a devoted mother, she knew how to juggle responsibilities and maintain her individuality. But she wanted more than to be defined by those roles; she wanted to leave her own mark. Inspired by a passion for luxury and an eye for overlooked opportunities, she set her sights on the cigar industry—a world where women have often been seen as accessories, not connoisseurs.
“Starting LLC wasn’t just about cigars; it was about breaking barriers and creating something that spoke to me and other women who want to embrace a bold, luxurious lifestyle,” she explains.
And LLC Cigars does just that. Every cigar is a testament to craftsmanship, blending rich flavors and a touch of elegance that appeals to aficionados and curious newcomers alike. Candace’s brand offers more than a product; it delivers an experience—one that encourages women to light up, relax, and own the room.
More Than a Brand—A Movement
Candace’s impact extends beyond the cigar itself. By reshaping perceptions and fostering inclusivity, she’s inspiring other women to step into spaces where their presence is scarce. LLC Cigars has become a lifestyle brand that’s all about empowerment, luxury, and unapologetic boldness.
“I want women to feel confident and celebrated, whether they’re at a boardroom table or enjoying a cigar in a lounge,” she says.
This November, Candace took LLC’s mission to the next level when LLC Cigars hosted an exclusive branded suite at Usher’s Houston concert, creating a space where influencers, cigar enthusiasts, and women entrepreneurs were able to connect and celebrate in style. The event set out to blend music, luxury, and empowerment seamlessly, and Candace was right at the center, showcasing her brand’s ethos while elevating others.
Lighting the Way Forward
Candace Ford is more than an entrepreneur; she’s proof that women do not have to play by the rules of outdated societal norms placed on them. By stepping boldly into the cigar industry, she’s igniting change and empowering women to own their spaces, their experiences, and their ambitions. LLC Cigars isn’t just about cigars; it’s about breaking glass ceilings and embracing a world of possibilities.
As formerly male dominated spaces are being disrupted by bold business women, we honor brave women like Candace Ford so let’s raise a toast—or perhaps a cigar. Because where there’s smoke, there’s a story worth telling, and Candace’s is one that continues to inspire and amaze.
Keep Up with Candace Ford of L.L.C. Cigars:
@llcigars
Photo Credits: Courtesy of L.L.C. Cigars
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