We’re looking forward to introducing you to Graceful Grady. Check out our conversation below.
Graceful, 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 any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes, I have three moments if I may — each one made me laugh or feel proud in its own way.
The first moment is just funny. When I meet people, I naturally look for dimples or a cleft chin — it’s kind of my thing. During a recent conversation with a guy, I asked if he had dimples or a cleft chin. He said he had a cleft chin, but I couldn’t see it because he had a beard. Then he told me a hilarious story about his wife. He said they had just welcomed their newborn baby, and when the doctor exclaimed, “Oh, he has a cleft chin!” his wife immediately said, “He does? Where did he get that from?” The husband laughed and told her, “From me!” She looked shocked because she had never realized he had one — she’d known him all this time with a beard. He actually had to pull out old pictures to prove it!
The second moment was more heartwarming. I approached a young lady one day because she had beautiful dimples. I told her so, and she said she never really thought about her dimples — the last time she remembered anyone mentioning them was when she was a teenager. I went on to tell her about National Dimples Day, the website, and the Instagram page. She couldn’t stop smiling and told me she’d never forget that day. She even said she’d never met anyone who started a holiday before and asked to take a photo with me to remember the moment. That really made me proud.
The third memorable moment happened at a sports bar before my Ravens game. A friend of a friend was saying how tough his week had been and that he and his girlfriend had just broken up. Jokingly, I said, “I don’t know about the work part, but as for the relationship — don’t worry, you’ve got a cleft chin.” He looked puzzled and asked, “What does that have to do with anything?” I explained who I was, told him about the holiday, and shared a few fun facts. His whole mood changed — he couldn’t believe there was an actual day celebrating dimples and cleft chins! The best part was when he went to The Dimple Store and bought a hoodie because it made him laugh. The hoodie read: ‘Cleft Chins are Sexy — No Ifs, Ands or Butts About It.’ That moment really showed me how something as simple as celebrating dimples can lift someone’s spirits.
Would you like me to tighten it slightly for Bold Journey’s word count (they usually prefer answers around 200–250 words per question), or do you want to keep the full storytelling version?
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Graceful Grady, and I’m the Founder and Chief Dimples Officer of National Dimples Day, celebrated every July 9th to honor one of nature’s most charming features — the dimple. What began as a fun idea to recognize something small that brings big smiles has grown into a global movement celebrating confidence, positivity, and individuality.
So that nobody feels left out of the Dimples Nation, we recognize all types — cheek dimples (20%), chin dimples (9%), back dimples (5%), Indian dimples, corner-mouth dimples, shoulder dimples, and even elbow dimples.
I also own The Dimple Store, the official store for National Dimples Day, and host The Dimple Report Podcast, where I spotlight incredible people who share that signature dimple charm — from actors and athletes to everyday individuals who inspire others. The biggest names to acknowledge National Dimples Day include Jennifer Garner and, most recently, Mario Lopez, who I hope to have on the show soon.
What makes my brand unique is that it’s not just about dimples — it’s about what they represent: authenticity, happiness, and connection. We’ve turned a simple trait into a lifestyle movement that celebrates diversity, beauty, and self-love.
I’m currently planning DimpleFest, a live annual celebration, and developing my newest and biggest project — the Dimples Open golf tournament. I’ve joined the Golf Tournament Association of America and continue reaching out to organizations and people like LIV Golf and Bob Parsons. My dream is to have players like Rory McIlroy (cleft chin) and Scottie Scheffler (dimples), both Masters champions, tee off for us. My ultimate goal is to make dimples one of the most recognized and joy-filled symbols in the world.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Oh wow, that’s a deep question. If I really think back to my early years, my first memory of feeling powerful came during my teens, around 13 to 16. As you can probably tell from my name, I’ve always liked to be different. So, imagine this — a kid in Baltimore asking his parents for a tall unicycle, like the ones you see in the circus! (laughs) I didn’t get the tall one, but I did get a regular unicycle, and I was determined to learn to ride it.
It took time, patience, and a lot of falling, but once I mastered it, I realized something important: power comes from persistence. Being able to do something that few others could — especially after so many people tried and couldn’t — gave me a real sense of pride and confidence. That feeling of mastering something challenging and standing out for it was powerful. And honestly, the admiration and curiosity from others just added to that sense of accomplishment.
That lesson stuck with me. It’s the same mindset I’ve carried into everything I do today — whether it’s launching National Dimples Day, The Dimple Report Podcast, or The Dimple Store. The confidence to stand out, take risks, and keep going no matter what started right there, with a unicycle on the streets of Baltimore.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
As a child, whenever I felt sad or scared, I leaned on my parents. At that age, you don’t have all the answers — so you naturally trust your leadership. For me, that was my parents. Their experience, reassurance, and the knowledge they shared always helped me see things differently and find a better outcome. Looking back, that trust built the foundation for how I handle challenges today — with faith, patience, and the belief that things will work out.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
That’s an easy answer — I’m committed to building and expanding the movement behind National Dimples Day, making it one of the most recognized and joy-filled celebrations in the world.
The belief driving me is simple: something small can make a big impact. What makes it even more special is meeting people of all ethnicities who light up when they hear about National Dimples Day. Their excitement and pride remind me why I started this movement in the first place.
Through projects like The Dimple Report Podcast, The Dimple Store, and the upcoming DimpleFest and Dimples Open Golf Tournament, I’m creating a global community that celebrates those values in fun, meaningful ways. I won’t stop until it becomes a major event, trust me on that!
No matter how long it takes, I’ll continue growing the “Dimples Nation.” My mission is to make dimples more than just something people smile about — I want them to represent unity, happiness, and the beauty of being yourself.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I made them laugh and smile. When I share something — whether it’s a story, an idea, or advice — it’s always meant to help someone become a little more successful or knowledgeable. My hope is that they remember it and actually do it. If I could leave people with more smiles and a few lessons that helped them along the way, that would mean a lot to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: nationaldimplesday.com and thedimplestore.com
- Instagram: @nationaldimplesday
- Other: support@nationaldimplesday.com
Image Credits
gofundyourself.show
