By: Sarah Morton
Mindy Lin, the founder of Damsel in Defense, is on a mission to change how women approach personal safety. Inspired by her own experience and a drive to make protective tools more accessible and user-friendly, Lin launched Damsel in Defense to address a significant need in the market. Her story began during college when her father gave her a large pepper spray for protection. “I’ve always understood the importance of personal safety and body boundaries,” she recalls a lesson that would shape her journey into the self-defense industry.
Years later, as part of a large mom’s group, Lin noticed that few women carried protection. When asked why, she discovered it was often because personal safety products were either hard to find or aesthetically unappealing. “I realized that so few women were carrying protection because #1 it wasn’t easily accessible and #2 it wasn’t aesthetic at all,” Lin explains. Seeing an opportunity to fill this gap, she decided to create products that were “accessible, affordable, and adorable,” hoping to empower women with tools that they would feel comfortable carrying and using.
Lin started selling her products through in-home gatherings, drawing on her background in direct sales. She knew from experience that women needed the products and the confidence to use them effectively. “We started selling the products out of living rooms and then progressed to larger events like Christmas Shows and Runner’s events,” she shares. These intimate settings allowed women to learn about self-defense in a supportive environment. As Lin notes, “Every event I attended, at least one woman would always approach and share her story and thank us for offering what we were.” This personal connection has propelled the business forward, and today, many women have joined her cause, empowering themselves and others in their communities.
Product development at Damsel in Defense is a careful process that balances functionality with fashion. Lin emphasizes that each product must be effective and easy to use. “Quality assurance is very important to us,” she says, adding that she personally tests each new stun device and that her husband has even tested their pepper spray twice. This commitment to quality is backed by a lifetime warranty and an incident replacement policy, helping customers feel secure and supported with their purchases.
One standout feature in Damsel in Defense’s product line is Shield Technology, which lets users alert pre-set contacts in an emergency. “Creating and keeping distance from the attack is the greatest way to do that,” Lin explains, highlighting the importance of prevention. Shield Technology sends real-time alerts to contacts, providing a layer of security and reassurance for the user.
Photo Courtesy: JOPR
Lin’s mission with Damsel in Defense extends beyond personal protection. Her goal is to leave a legacy of empowerment, aiming to make Damsel in Defense a household name synonymous with safety and confidence. “My lifelong goal is to leave this world safer than I found it,” she shares. Her vision includes establishing Damsel in Defense as a premier choice for parents sending their daughters off to college or equipping themselves for day-to-day safety.
Beyond her products, Lin’s work also funds two international rescue homes dedicated to helping young girls escape sex trafficking. Damsel in Defense provides comprehensive support through these homes, from counseling to skills training, to help survivors build new, empowered lives. “To this day, over a thousand girls have been rescued and given hope,” Lin says proudly, reflecting on her company’s lasting impact.
As Damsel in Defense grows, Lin focuses on her core mission: creating a safer world through empowerment and practical solutions. With her dedication and vision, she is transforming personal safety into a daily practice that resonates with thousands of women nationwide.
Published by: Khy Talara
