Erin Grimm: Founder of The Dainty Forces Co.
Erin Grimm is from sunny Daytona Beach, Florida. She traded in her hometown’s ocean views for another coastal city in the Florida Panhandle—Pensacola. She made the move to attend school, and while she was there, she met her now-husband, who was stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. That moment was her first connection to the military community—one that would later influence her career in a meaningful way.
While stationed in Hawaii, Erin worked as a diamond sales specialist for over three years. In late 2022, she decided to pursue a career in her degree field, but shortly after starting what she thought was her dream job, she was let go due to budget cuts. “I didn’t have a plan or a vision and felt completely lost about what my next steps should be.” What Erin didn’t realize at the time was that this setback would become the very thing that launched her into her own business.
As she reflected on her time in fine jewelry, she remembered how much she loved helping people tell their stories through the pieces they wore. “To me, jewelry is more than just metal—it’s a moment, a story, a meaning, she shared. “I knew I wanted to create something that made a difference.”
The Birth of The Dainty Forces
Born out of the passion for creating meaningful, everyday jewelry, The Dainty Forces Co. officially launched in 2023. And behind that was a desire to support the military community. The mission at Dainty Forces is to create delicate and high-quality pieces that tell your story and remind you that you are a force to be reckoned with, whether that’s as a military spouse or service member or someone who loves intentional jewelry.
Each piece is handmade using gold-filled and sterling silver materials, so it can be lived in and loved for years. Beyond the craftsmanship, Erin’s heart for giving back is woven into her business. She participates in local markets and collaborates with nonprofits, donating a portion of proceeds to support military families and causes close to her community in Oahu, Hawaii.
The Dainty Forces Co.
“I want people to know that Dainty Forces is more than jewelry—it’s about connection, support, and celebrating the moments and people that matter most.”
Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone
Erin shares one of her latest accomplishments that serves as encouragement for anyone starting a new business or taking a leap. Less than a year into running her business, Erin and her husband were at a local market when she heard about a business cohort hosted by the YWCA. At first, she didn’t feel confident enough to sign up.“I kept thinking I wasn’t ready, and trying something new felt scary.” With a bit of encouragement from her husband, she took a chance on herself and joined the program.
The program even offered the opportunity to pitch her business, “which completely terrified me,” Erin admitted. “Public speaking is not my favorite, but I decided to push myself.” And that internal push put her into the final round, and she won in her category. Her story is such a powerful reminder about how growth lives outside your comfort zone. “Sometimes believing in yourself just a little can lead to your proudest accomplishments.”
The Heart of Resiliency
At the foundation of Erin’s resiliency lies the ability to learn how to adapt and find purpose, even when life has its setbacks and doesn’t go as planned. For Erin, losing what she thought was her dream job was a huge setback at that time. This forced her to slow down and reflect, but it ultimately bloomed into the start of her new business, Dainty Forces. One that not only fulfills her creatively but also allows her to support her community.
Her Advice? Lean into your why.
Give yourself grace during the hard moments and focus on things that truly matter. Focus on a mission bigger than yourself and keep moving forward, connecting and supporting your community and military families along the way.
Erin’s story is a testament that what looks like failure can sometimes be the exact thing that propels you toward your true calling. Her journey also carries an encouraging reminder: you don’t have to feel ready to take the next step.
Do it scared. Do it even when you think you’re not ready. Just do it.
To learn more about Erin and The Dainty Forces Co., use the links below:
