Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Erin Grimm of Honolulu

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Erin Grimm. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Erin, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
What continues to amaze me most about what I do isn’t just creating jewelry, it’s the stories that come with it. Over time, I’ve learned that my customers come from so many different walks of life, each carrying their own unique journey. What’s been most surprising is how often they share those personal stories with me, letting me in on why a particular piece means so much to them.

Whether it’s honoring someone they love, marking a special season of life, or holding onto a memory, it’s incredible to see how one piece can hold such deep meaning. Those moments remind me that what I create goes far beyond jewelry — it becomes a part of someone’s story.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erin Grimm, and I’m the founder and creative director behind The Dainty Forces, a handmade jewelry brand built to honor and celebrate stories of strength, love, and service.

As a military spouse, I’ve seen firsthand how a simple piece of jewelry can hold powerful memories. Whether it’s a reminder of a loved one, a moment in time, or a season of strength. That’s what inspired me to start The Dainty Forces: to create jewelry that’s not just worn, but felt.

Our pieces are crafted to celebrate stories of love, service, and resilience, often created in collaboration with nonprofits and organizations close to our hearts. What makes our brand special is the heart behind every design; everything is created with purpose, giving customers a way to wear something meaningful and deeply personal.

Right now, I’m focused on growing our impact through collaborations, expanding our collections, and continuing to create designs that reflect the incredible communities that inspire us every day.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The person who saw me clearly before I could see myself has always been my husband. From the very beginning, he’s believed in what I do, not just because he loves me, but because he truly sees the potential in my work, even when I don’t. What’s so special about him is the way he steps in when things get hard. I tend to take the long road and figure things out the hard way, but he’s a problem solver. He’s the one who looks at what I’m struggling with and finds ways to make it easier, more efficient, and less overwhelming.

His ability to see the bigger picture has made a huge difference in how I run my business every day. He’s not just my biggest supporter. He’s a quiet force behind the scenes who helps me keep moving forward.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Some of the most defining moments in my journey have come through struggle. Those seasons have taught me lessons that success never could. When everything is easy, it’s simple to keep moving forward, but when things fall apart, that’s where the real growth happens. I’ve learned that suffering isn’t something to run from; it’s something to learn from. I truly believe in failing upward because every setback has pushed me to get better, think differently, and create stronger foundations for my business. Success is the reward, but the hard moments are where the transformation happens.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is absolutely the real me. I’ve learned that showing up authentically in life and in business will take you so much farther than trying to be someone you’re not. The heart behind what I do is very real. I care deeply about my business, the people who support it, and the customers who trust me to create something meaningful for them. My business wouldn’t be anything without them, and I never take that for granted.

When you genuinely care in your personal life, that same energy naturally flows into your business. It shows up in how you speak to people, how you create, and how you show up every single day. I think that’s something customers can feel: that it’s real, it’s personal, and it’s built with heart.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
When I think about what I’m doing today that won’t fully pay off for 7–10 years, it’s learning to let go of doing everything myself. For so long, I’ve worn every hat in my business because I care so much about every detail. But as I continue to grow, I’ve realized that real, lasting growth isn’t something you can achieve alone.

By taking the time now to build systems, delegate, and trust others, I’m laying the groundwork for a business that can thrive years down the road. It’s not something that shows immediate results, but it’s a long-term investment in sustainability, growth, and creating something bigger than just me.

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