It is a well known fact that often utility necessitates invention. It is not until, due to some long-overlooked need that we have to “better this” or “tweak that” by 10% or so, which we are able to get to a superior product. When this happens, those of us behind the curve, put palm to head and simultaneously proclaim, “why didn’t I think of that?” Ahead of the curve on this one would be the owners of Halo Scrubs and The Scrub Shop at Al Ghawali Mall in Sharq.
Two budding entrepreneurs, Dr. Yousef Almuhanna and Shaima Behbehani, started with a simple concept from the medical world: why have Scrubs, that ubiquitous outfit found everywhere from the surgery theater at the hospital to the nurses station at your family practitioner, not evolved with the times around them? One would think that advancements in material technology, changes in widely available colors, to even local cultural norms (here specifically with women being more conservative than in other parts of the world), would have caused manufacturers to take notice and accommodate this on behalf of the buying public.
After seeing that this was not happening, Dr. Yousef and Shaima took it as their calling to do it themselves with the founding of both Halo Scrubs, and the store through which they sell them, The Scrub Shop. Their primary objective with the clothing line itself was to improve on the traditional design that we are all used to seeing. They saw a fundamental flaw in the fact that, due to the fabrics used, they were often too heavy and did not breathe well. Additionally, there were several design elements that they felt did not properly meet the needs of the modern day, multi-tasking medical professional. Their answer to this problem can be seen in the small details throughout the fabric. Additionally, they currently offer them in ten different colors—a far cry from the more commonly seen, one shade of teal that has been around for years.
The name of their brand itself is meant to be representative of the often-indefinable relationship that exists between doctor and patient. We as patients truly do rely on them as our guardian angels to help us when we might otherwise not know how or be able to do so for ourselves. Thus, as the halo is to the angel itself, so are the scrubs to the medical professional. This bold, yet humble assertion not withstanding, they also thought it might help the patient feel more comfortable—a subtle reminder of the healthcare professionals angelic role in their patients lives.
Less you think this article is only for doctors or those in the healthcare field, they also have a variety of other related products that even the layman can appreciate. From baby onesies with funny medically related slogans on them, to ties that have the eye chart printed on them, there is a variety of humor at hand. Also, should you need a gift for that friend of yours in the medical field, there are additionally other fitting items as well (cuff links, etc.). Beyond this, let us not forget how comfy scrubs are to sleep or lounge around the house in. If you have not tried it, and currently are thinking that I am crazy for even suggesting it—try them, then let’s talk. I personally had to pick up a pair while I was there just to have something to sleep in through summer. Trust me.
With additional services provided to their customers free of charge including tailoring (not to mention the ability to try them on), this place definitely sets itself apart from its online competition. Though they have now been open for about one month, they say the response thus far has been amazingly supportive. The owners themselves are the ones working at the shop and enjoy the first hand interaction with their customers that this allows them. So, feel free to stop by for a coffee with them, give them your feedback on their line, and get the low down on the next launch for Halo Scrubs and the other products they plan to bring into The Scrub Shop.
The Scrub Shop is located at Al Ghawali Mall in Sharq. Reach them by phone at 2232 0777, online at www.thescrubshopkw.com, or follow them on Twitter or Instagram: @thescrubshopkw.
