Do The Thing! Your Pivot Can't Wait

In this empowering conversation, Dr. Vanessa Gavin-Headen shares how 25 years as a Long Beach family physician led to a bold pivot into fashion—launching Valmasi, a scrub line intentionally designed for curvy women and bodies that don’t fit “off the shelf.” She breaks down real-world fit challenges (“D cup,” waistbands that shift, not enough room in back), the meaning behind the Valmasi name (almasi = “diamond”), and the next horizon—from a men’s line for “dad bods” to athleisure. Along the way, she explains how AI is changing medicine for good or bad, the upside of patient care. She offers practical startup resources for anyone looking to pursue fashion designer path. Her north star: have faith, follow the path laid out for you, and “do the thing.” Let's get polished!