We caught up with the brilliant and insightful I’geal (che’rie) Turner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
I’geal (Che’rie), thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Starting Mommy Scrubs was a significant risk for me—both personally and financially. The decision to launch this business stemmed from a deep desire to serve others, particularly the healthcare professionals I’ve seen struggle with the same challenges I faced as a working mother. The need for accessible, pump-friendly scrubs was clear, and I knew it was a gap in the market that had to be addressed.
Bootstrapping my business has been a major financial risk, especially during times of economic uncertainty and rising costs. However, I believe in the vision and the mission behind Mommy Scrubs, and I know that taking calculated risks is often part of the journey toward fulfilling a greater purpose. My husband has been an incredible source of support throughout this process. His belief in my dreams, and unwavering encouragement as we navigate the challenges of bootstrapping, has been invaluable. I am forever grateful for his partnership. Additionally, my family are my biggest cheerleaders and I am very thankful for them.
While the financial aspect of starting a business is daunting, I believe our investment—both monetary and emotional—will pay off. Already, I am seeing the fulfillment of my God-given purpose through the work I am doing to support lactating healthcare professionals. And regardless of the financial outcome, I am thankful to be pursuing a dream that aligns with my mission to serve others.
Taking risks is an essential part of living out your purpose. Many people shy away from risk because of fear or uncertainty, but I believe those who choose to take the leap often find the greatest rewards. Whether or not this venture succeeds financially, I am confident it is leading me in the direction I am meant to go.
As a mother, wife, Occupational Therapist, and mompreneur, I want my children to see that risk-taking is not only about business success—it’s about pursuing your passions, being brave, and never giving up. They are watching me juggle these roles, make sacrifices, and work tirelessly to bring this dream to life. And in doing so, I hope they learn that you don’t have to be one thing—you can be many things.
Are you scared? Do it scared. Are you nervous? Do it nervous. Just take the risk, and keep moving forward.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
First and foremost, my faith is at the core of everything I do. I am a proud wife to an aviator, Sammy, and a mother to two wonderful children, Trae and Madi, who are my constant motivation. My journey into business began with the personal challenge of balancing my professional life as an Occupational Therapist and my commitment to breastfeeding my children. This experience led to the creation of Mommy Scrubs, a line of accessible, pump-friendly scrub tops designed specifically for healthcare workers who are also mothers.
I am so proud to be the only woman of color in this space, which gives me a unique and meaningful position within the market. As a Black-owned business, I offer an authentic and diverse perspective that resonates deeply with customers who are seeking to support businesses that reflect their values and backgrounds, especially women of color who are fighting to sustain their breastfeeding journey. Mommy Scrubs features an innovative snap design that ensures extra security, offering peace of mind during busy workdays. This added feature ensures no wardrobe mishaps—no more stressing over unexpected reveals or discomfort. It’s just another detail that sets me apart from the crowd. What sets me apart is my personal connection to the problem I’m solving. I understand the struggles firsthand, and I’m dedicated to creating solutions that help working mothers thrive. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, and I carry that purpose into everything I do—whether it’s through my product, my work in the community, or my role as a volunteer in my church’s medical ministry.
Mommy Scrubs was born out of a real need I encountered during my own breastfeeding journey. I struggled with the time-consuming and often uncomfortable process of undressing multiple times a day to express milk while working in a hospital setting. I saw a gap in the market for a product that could support healthcare moms in this balancing act—one that could help them feel comfortable and maintain professionalism while pumping at work. That’s when I decided to create a line of scrub tops that would make the experience more accessible and convenient.
I have a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University at the Houston Medical Center, and I’ve been practicing as an OT for 10 years. Throughout my career, I’ve found deep fulfillment in helping others live their best lives—whether that’s assisting patients with rehabilitation or supporting my fellow healthcare professionals, especially mothers, in balancing the demands of their careers and families. I’ve been fortunate to serve at Baylor Scott & White Heart Hospital–Plano, a nationally ranked facility, for over six years. My schedule, which allows me to work weekends, provides a great work-life balance, ensuring I can be present with my family during the week. Thanks to the incredible support of my employer, I was able to earn an Essentials Management of Business Certificate from Cornell University last year. The program gave me the critical skills and insights I needed as I prepared to launch Mommy Scrubs.
Starting Mommy Scrubs has been both challenging and rewarding. I am incredibly proud of what I have built from the ground up, despite facing personal struggles such as postpartum depression and anxiety. Those experiences, while difficult, shaped my resilience and empathy, which I bring into my work today. My mission with Mommy Scrubs is to serve fellow healthcare workers—particularly mothers—who are navigating the delicate balance of career and motherhood.
I’m also committed to growing and scaling Mommy Scrubs. My vision is to see the brand in hospitals, retail stores, and eventually in major retailers like Target. I recently completed the WEDallas cohort through The DEC Network, and I’ve also had the honor of being selected as a StartHER grant recipient, which allowed me to participate in their business program. These invaluable opportunities have been essential for networking and fostering business growth—especially as I navigate the journey of being a new business owner. I’m currently working through the Dallas Mavericks Business Assist Program, having been selected as one of the top 100 businesses from over 600 applicants. This opportunity is helping me hone my business skills and increase brand awareness, despite the challenges of growing a new business.
At the end of the day, I want my work to inspire others—particularly the next generation. I am living the dream of my ancestors, and I strive every day to create a lasting legacy. I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know that Mommy Scrubs is more than just a product—it’s about creating a community, empowering others, and serving with a solution that was born out of real-life challenges.
I believe in the power of community, service, and faith, and I’m excited about the future of Mommy Scrubs as I continue to learn, grow, and push forward in this journey.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
This question reminds me of a grad school professor who reminded us on the first day of class that having a good heart was not enough, we had to have ASK…the right Attitude, the right Skills AND Knowledge. In addition to the technical expertise, I agree that traits like compassion and empathy are essential for success. Occupational therapists often work with people in vulnerable or challenging situations, so having the emotional intelligence to truly understand and connect with patients can make a big difference in their recovery process.
Integrity is key, too—especially when treating clients who may be in pain or recovering from surgery or illness. You’re not just helping people regain physical abilities, but also supporting them in regaining confidence and independence in their daily lives. Practicing at the top of your license, continuing to learn through certifications, and sharpening your communication and documentation skills are also excellent strategies to elevate your practice.
In terms of time management and efficiency, those are critical, too, especially in busy healthcare settings. Balancing patient care with documentation, meetings, and administrative tasks can be a challenge, so having solid organizational habits is vital for staying on top of things.
To sum up, I think a combination of professional expertise, emotional intelligence, and effective time management practices would be the biggest drivers of success in the field of occupational therapy.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back, I might have chosen to be an optometrist. I’d own and operate my own eye clinic, called Brown Eyed Girl. I’ve always loved reading, and I think helping others see and improving their vision would have given me a real sense of purpose. Plus, it’s a profession that’s more solitary, which would suit my introverted side. I could totally see myself in forensic psychology. With my natural knack for paying attention to the details, solving puzzles, and analyzing clues, I think I’d have been a great fit for that field. Plus, having a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology definitely gives me a solid foundation for it. Alternatively, I could have gone down the path of a Crime Scene Investigator or Detective—getting to piece together mysteries and bring justice to light sounds like a thrilling challenge!
On top of that, I’ve always dreamed of becoming a published author, whether it’s children’s books or adult fiction short stories. Writing lets me escape, and I’d love to share that experience with others one day. I am truly grateful to be an Occupational Therapist, a profession that allows me to educate, serve, and empower others as they work to regain strength and independence in performing their most important daily activities. It is both fulfilling and inspiring to help individuals rehabilitate and return to the occupations that matter most to them. I am fortunate to be in a field where I can not only do what I love, but also make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. On a lighter note, if I could pick my dream job, it’d definitely be Vanna White’s gig on Wheel of Fortune. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get all dolled up every night, cheer contestants on, and subtly solve the puzzles along the way? (By the way, I’m a huge Wheel fan, and one day, I hope to be a contestant myself! Check out my virtual audition pic!) Or maybe I’d opt for something a bit more flavorful—like being a judge on a cooking show. Even better, though, would be snagging Guy Fieri’s job! Picture this: cruising across the U.S. in a convertible, eating mouth-watering dishes at local hotspots, and documenting it all for the world to see. Hey, it’s okay to dream, right? 😄
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mommyscrubs.com
- Instagram: @mommy.scrubs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mommyscrubs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherie-turner
Image Credits
@majorsphotography_dc (Instagram)