From Nurse to Entrepreneur: How Katherine Dixon Built OliveUs Apparel
Nurses know scrubs. They wear them every day, work long hours in them, and rely on them for functionality. But what happens when scrubs don't quite meet the necessary standards for comfort, practicality, or even style? For Katherine Dixon, a nurse and now entrepreneur, this revelation sparked the creation of OliveUs Apparel, a scrub company designed with nurses in mind.
If you’ve been curious about starting your own business or want to learn how innovation grows from collected nursing experiences, read on for Katherine’s inspiring transformation from nurse to entrepreneur.
The Spark: A Nurse's Innovation
Katherine Dixon’s passion for nursing started early. At the tender age of six, she could be found on the playground armed with Band-Aids, antiseptic cream, and a desire for patient care (even if it meant wishing for an accidental trip or two). By the time she entered high school, her creativity began to branch out into fashion. Katherine designed her own formal dresses, learning sewing by trial and error.
Her dream of becoming a nurse remained, reinforced by years of working and volunteering in healthcare environments. As her educational and professional nursing career took shape, Katherine began to notice inefficiencies in scrubs that most would overlook. Where could her stethoscope go when not in use? Why weren’t fabrics tailored to move fluidly with a nurse’s demanding shifts? Why were scrubs either stylish or functional, but rarely both?
While working as a bedside nurse, Katherine began tinkering with designs, initially improving scrubs for herself. Her first major innovation? A stethoscope holder seamlessly integrated into the scrub waistband, keeping it off her neck, away from potential chemical burns, and properly hygienic.
What started as a small project for her own use soon grabbed the attention of fellow nurses. Before she knew it, coworkers asked for these improved scrubs, and Katherine realized she had stumbled upon an untapped market.
Blending Fashion and Functionality
Katherine’s talent for creating began long before scrubs entered the picture. Her background in sewing and designing formal wear gave her the tools to rethink how scrubs could be both stylish and practical.
One of her first challenges involved sourcing materials that checked all the right boxes. Many scrubs on the market are made with harsh, chemically-treated synthetic fabrics that break down quickly and can irritate the skin. Katherine prioritized safe, durable, and stretchable materials that would endure 12-hour shifts without compromising comfort. After thorough testing and collaboration with third-party labs, she selected BPA-free, PFA-free nylon-spandex blends.
On balancing aesthetics and function, Katherine explains, “I wanted nurses to look and feel good. These aren’t just work uniforms; they’re tools to help you perform better while maintaining professionalism and comfort.
The Educational Foundation
Katherine's extensive nursing education was key to designing scrubs that cater to healthcare professionals. Starting with her BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and advancing to her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), Katherine specialized in emergency medicine and family practice.
This expertise shaped how Katherine approached her designs. She knew the rigors of ER work firsthand, how pockets were essential for storing tools on the go, how fabric durability mattered most with constant washing, and why comfort couldn’t take a back seat during long shifts.
OliveUs Apparel was the result of years of practical experience and personal use case development.
Taking the Leap from Bedside to Business
Transitioning from a nurse practitioner role in the emergency room to full-time entrepreneur was no easy feat. After six years in bedside care, Katherine made the difficult decision to leave in November 2022, dedicating her focus to OliveUs Apparel.
“I had no formal business background when I launched,” Katherine admitted. “I started learning everything from scratch. Manufacturing, marketing, even patents—I dove in headfirst.”
Building a business comes with challenges. From losing an initial manufacturing deposit to sourcing ethical production partners in the middle of a pandemic, Katherine met countless setbacks. However, her persistence prevailed, and she leaned into resources like small business centers, mentorship networks, and her nursing community for support.
Her advice for aspiring nurse entrepreneurs? Identify solutions for your pain points and connect with communities that can help you grow. “Don’t be afraid to start small! I began sewing scrubs in my bedroom,” she shares.
OliveUs Apparel: Not Just Another Scrub Company
What sets OliveUs scrubs apart in a sea of other brands? It’s the attention to detail that only someone with nursing experience would think of.
Here are just a few standout features of OliveUs Apparel scrubs:
- Patented Stethoscope Holder: Practical and hygienic, it keeps your stethoscope securely in place and off your skin.
- Revolutionized Waistband: Redesigned to evenly distribute weight and prevent discomfort.
- Premium Fabrics: Skin-safe, stretchable, and durable, designed for daily use without sacrificing comfort or safety.
- Thoughtful Pockets: Katherine considered what nurses actually carry during shifts and strategically added storage options.
Katherine envisions future innovations, including additional fabric options for varying price ranges, more flattering styles, and expanded size inclusivity.
Advice for Aspiring Nursepreneurs
If you’re a nurse looking to branch into business, Katherine’s story offers a wealth of advice:
- Start with What You Know: Use your nursing experience to identify challenges and create solutions.
- Reach Out for Support: Utilize local business development resources like SCORE and small business networks.
- Test Your Idea: Whether it’s a side hustle or passion project, begin small and refine before scaling.
- Leverage Your Network: The nursing community is vast and collaborative. Network with other healthcare entrepreneurs to share learning experiences.
Katherine also emphasizes that entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. It requires self-motivation, learning a whole new skill set, and overcoming obstacles. However, she encourages nurses to explore other creative outlets like writing, consulting, or training as pathways to fulfill their passions.
The Future is Bright for Nurse-Led Innovation
Katherine Dixon’s story is proof that nurses are uniquely positioned to drive innovation in healthcare. OliveUs Apparel began as a personal project and has grown into a brand making waves in the industry, proving that passion and expertise can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Katherine’s entrepreneurial spirit inspires us to think bigger. If you’ve been dreaming of a side project or business idea, take her advice and start laying the groundwork.
