Valmasi Scrubs

This Black Nurses Week, we’re highlighting the Black nurses that make the world go round and further the mission of Valmasi.

Meet Erica Norman, Registered Nurse and Valmasi muse. Her support in this effort to create more curvy-inclusive scrubs does not go unnoticed. Every fitting, photo shoot, and conversation reminds us why Valmasi exists: to further the conversation and expand our horizons.

Thank you, Erica!

August 1, 1879.

Mary Eliza Mahoney graduated — the first Black professional nurse in the United States.

She spent 15 years proving she belonged in that hospital before they let her train. Then she spent her career making sure other nurses didn't have to wait that long — she even co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN), an organization for Black nurses who weren't being seen by the larger nursing associations of her time.

I think about the shape of that a lot. Not the scale — I'd never compare scrubs to what she did. But the shape: doing the work in a space that wasn't built for you, then building something so the next person doesn't have to.

Nurses have spent long enough making their bodies fit the uniform, instead of the other way around.

Happy Black Nurses Week. Especially to the ones still making room for who comes next.

This week we honor the hands that have shaped modern medicine, the brains that understand the challenges of healthcare more than anyone yet shows up and continuously saves lives.

The Black Angels are more than history, they exemplify the best of Black nurses everywhere—determined, courageous and undefeated. This Black Nurses Week, we celebrate your choice of career by celebrating YOU 💜 Valmasi is there for those willing and able and we are so grateful to have our Black nurses be our partners on this journey.

Two worlds, one me. 🩺👖