Trio finds Niche for Medical Scrub Business

To the average person, medical scrubs are predictable, unoriginal, and not known for their stylish look. For those who work in any medical field, it seems there are no other options besides dancing teddy bears or unflattering unisex fit. Why not stylish and comfortable scrubs, scrubs that are “upscale”?

When Dr. Christine Brown, an accomplished Mohs surgeon and dermatologist, began her private practice in Dallas she was looking for richer, more sophisticated scrubs. Scrubs that would give her practice a professional look and stylish approach. Dr. Brown was tired of finding only typical, cheap scrubs.

“I am an entrepreneur by nature, I began my own practice”. If Dr. Brown couldn’t find sleek, unique looking scrubs, why not create them? A dermatologist with a designing background makes a creative combination. Growing up around a mother who was a talented seamstress, Dr. Brown was constantly poring over pattern books and sewing her own creations. Her self-designed clothing and her sense of style won her the title of “Best Dressed” in high school.

“As a surgeon, I have to wear scrubs,” Dr. Brown states. Yet she didn’t like the idea of looking wrinkled and unprofessional like she had just come from surgery. She met two Highland Park sisters through her practice who have a private label clothing manufacturing company. Kerry Sowden Maguire and Crozier Sowden Kimzey were influenced by their mother Terry Crozier Sowden who had a flair for colorful fashion and had studied fashion at SMU. Kerry always had a passion for fashion. While shopping for a spring formal in high school, she couldn’t find the right gown. Kerry’s frustrated mother finally asked what was she looking for. Kerry then sketched her idea out and a fashion designer was born. After attending the University of Texas and receiving a fashion design degree, Kerry began her own line K’Sara. While attending UT, her younger sister Crozier (then a UT freshman), took a fashion class with Kerry. Crozier found fashion was a good fit as well. Crozier joined Kerry after graduation and they began C’est La Vie! in 1995. Who would have thought they would later add the design and production of medical scrubs to their successful catalog business.

Dr. Brown mentioned her desire for fashionable yet comfortable scrubs to them upon learning about their company. “We should do this because it hasn’t been done.” Her strong belief that there was a market, that she was not the only professional who insisted on stylish and sleek scrubs, motivated Dr. Brown to discuss her idea with Kerry. After researching currently available scrubs that lacked softness and weren’t the least bit chic, Kerry thought why can’t those in the medical field have nice looking scrubs?

Dr. Brown’s original concept was for sharper looking, more comfortable, better fitting scrubs—ones that were “upscale”. The name Upscale Scrubs only seemed appropriate for super-soft fabrics, stylish designs, and great fit. Now everyday Dr. Brown gets compliments on her scrubs. People always take notice and ask “are those scrubs?” With velvety faux suede that customers can literally wash and wear, attention to detail like twill tape accents and velvet ribbon, and exclusive one of a kind style, Upscale Scrubs offers scrubs that doctors used to only dream of. Dr. Brown brings her practical needs and fashion wants to the table as well as marketing ideas and networking. Crozier’s attention to detail and knowledge of production keep the line looking great, while Kerry’s drive to keep the financial side balanced for customers has helped Upscale Scrubs to be successful. You will find Upscale Scrubs on professionals in family practice and veterinarian offices, dental and cosmetic dermatology practices, spas and salons. Upscale Scrub’s current retail space is filled with chic and creative clothing in a nice layout and provides one-on-one customer service. It is also conveniently located near a medical district that includes Children’s Medical Center. Sales representatives are known to offer evening appointments for customers unable to come during regular business hours. Upscale Scrubs website, www.upscalescrubs.com, along with a catalog offers the complete line, women’s and men’s, as well as sale offers and other important information on the company.

Upscale Scrubs successfully offers scrubs for that medical professional who is proud of their career and wants to look as good as the service they are providing. Shopping online or in the Dallas store are not the only times you can see Upscale Scrubs—this fall you will be able to catch them on television as well. After seeing their unique scrubs on the web site, NBC decided Upscale Scrubs had the look they wanted for their new series Inconceivable that follows the lives of those involved in a fertility clinic. The company partners want “to see it on every medical person in the world!” By the looks of their success so far with returning customers, constant catalog requests, and the fall TV show, they may just get their wish.

Upscale Scrubs is located at 2603 Farrington Street, Dallas, TX 75207. Store hours are Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or by appointment.
To shop online or request a catalog, visit www.upscalescrubs.com.
Questions or comments? 1-800-816-2605 from 9 am to 5 pm with voicemail as well.