FACES of Flint & Genesee Business: Thelma Isabelle, Honewa Scrubs Apparel
September 2, 2025
As a registered nurse, Thelma Isabelle knew a thing or two about scrubs. After getting her nursing license, she worked for a few years at Hurley Medical Center, then worked in private clinics until she decided that the 9-5 wasn’t for her.
“I sat down with myself and said, ‘What can I do to have my own thing, my own business?’” said Isabelle. “I am a nurse, and I know about scrub uniforms. I got a mentor to help set up my business and went from there.”
Now, Isabelle owns Honewa Scrubs Apparel, where she sells scrubs in her storefront on Linden Rd. in Flint, through her online store, and at trade shows, selling directly to businesses. Over the years, she has learned how to adapt to the demand and focus her efforts where they’re needed.
“A lot of the focus in the beginning was on that storefront,” says Isabelle. “Now that I have been doing so well with B2B, I focus there and then keep items that will sell in the store.”
Fortunately for Isabelle, in Michigan, many businesses or hospitals don’t require certain colors or brands for their nurses and other staff, so she is able to have a larger selection with more styles and colors. Something that she has intimate intel on as an RN.
“I can sit here on my computer and find different manufacturers and order it and see how it feels on me,” says Isabelle. “You have to make sure you don’t buy too much that won’t sell, or that you don’t order enough and have to pray they don’t mind ordering when you get there.”
It’s a hard business, but something that Isabelle has enjoyed for the last three years.
What is one of your favorite moments?
Visualizing the store. I knew when I started my website that it would be fine and dandy, but the storefront was the goal.
Why is Flint & Genesee the best place to start your business?
I would say you don’t know what you don’t know, but I feel taken aback by the number of resources for small businesses here in Genesee County. The education you get on business from places like the Flint & Genesee Chamber, Metro Community Development, and the East Michigan APEX Accelerator is amazing. APEX walked me through, step by step for my SAM for government contracting and helped me become a certified woman-owned business. When I needed a small loan, I was able to get that through Metro. Being able to network at monthly Chamber Luncheons is where I found many of my clients that I still have now. The resources in Genesee County are unbelievable.
What is your business philosophy?
Taking care of people who take care of people. The uniforms I sell are priced right, and I don’t compromise on style. When I was a nurse, it cost so much. I just want to do right by people.
Outside of work, what do you like to do?
I really am a homebody, but I could go to Bordine’s Nursery and be there all day long with mom, flower shopping.
How are you involved in the community?
We’ve partnered with Mott Community College to give one of their nursing students a free uniform when they graduate. I am also working on setting up a small scholarship for a student who is paying for school out of pocket. I graduated from Mott, and I remember having to go to the bookstore and put money down for books that financial aid didn’t cover, so I want to be able to give a little something.
Why did you decide to join the Flint & Genesee Chamber?
I started to attend monthly meetings before joining, and found that the networking you get, there isn’t a price on that. You pay $20 a month for a meal, but what you get out of that far exceeds it. I’ve gotten clients, met people, found businesses I never knew existed, and (other businesses) I could support, too.
What advice would you offer someone looking to start a business?
First and foremost, you have to have a mentor. You don’t know what you don’t know! You have to be out there and be seen. Get involved with the Chamber, and get on the Flint & Genesee Business Bridge. It all helps you.
For more information on Honewa Scrubs Apparel, visit honewamedicalapparel.com.