Today we’d like to introduce you to Brinda Oswalt.
Hi Brinda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey with Pastelli uniforms began at a trade show in Chicago back in 2009. I already knew the owners of the booth next to ours—we’d seen each other at shows for years. One day, I struck up a conversation with them and they showed me a catalog of stunning handmade uniforms, all crafted in Italy. They were considering becoming a dealer and bringing these unique uniforms to the USA.
At the time, my own job was in flux. My manager was retiring and it was clear that my position would be eliminated soon. Sensing a new opportunity, I reached out to the owner of the company looking to become the U.S. dealer for the Italian brand. I expressed my interest in working with them, and was soon hired as their sales manager. For about 18 months, we worked to introduce these beautiful uniforms to the U.S. market. The owner of the Italian company even came to New York City to train us personally. The uniforms, while gorgeous, were a challenging sell—they required ironing or dry cleaning, which limited their appeal at the time. Eventually, after about a year and a half, the company closed.
During that period, I became close friends with the owner of Pastelli in Italy. Together, we decided I would work directly for the Italian company to serve their U.S. customers. We even created a U.S.-based company together. Despite our efforts, these ventures didn’t pan out as we’d hoped.
In 2016, Pastelli and I mutually agreed to disband our U.S. company. That’s when I created my own business, Luxury Italian Pastelli Uniforms, to continue bringing Pastelli’s exceptional products to the U.S. and Canada.
Today, we sell worldwide through our eCommerce site. Pastelli has continuously expanded their styles and fabric options, always striving to meet the evolving needs of their customers—which helps me serve my own clients even better. Only two sets are made in Turkey; all other styles are exclusively made in Italy.
Pastelli Italy has been a fantastic partner, offering top-notch support and training. Since I began selling these uniforms, I’ve traveled to Italy twice for in-depth training and to strengthen our collaboration.
I’m proud to represent Pastelli and to share their craftsmanship and style with professionals across the globe.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Despite the challenges, we’re committed to making Pastelli a trusted name in healthcare uniforms. Our product’s quality and unique design are worth the investment, even if it takes time for clients to see that. We recognize that our extensive options can be overwhelming, and we’re working on streamlining the selection process to help customers make confident choices. Balancing competitive pricing with the intricacies of importing euro-priced products into the US, alongside taxes and duties, is tricky, but we’re doing our best to stay afloat without sacrificing quality. While not having a storefront leads to more returns, we view it as part of the growth process—not a setback, but an opportunity to improve and serve our customers better.
We’ve been impressed with Luxury Italian Pastelli Uniforms, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Pastelli, we take pride in offering beautiful and elegant scrubs and lab coats designed for every organization that wears uniforms—be it medical practices, dental offices, spas, or dental laboratories. Initially, our options were limited mostly to cotton fabrics that demanded intensive ironing or dry cleaning. However, over time, we’ve expanded our offerings to include a variety of fabrics, including wash-and-wear options, and now we also provide stylish scrub sets. This diversification has opened numerous opportunities, allowing us to present attractive proposals to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities with more competitive pricing.
Customer service is at the heart of what we do. We believe our customers deserve the best, which is why we go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional experience. I deeply value the relationships we’ve built over the years. For instance, I have a client from Saudi Arabia who insists on purchasing exclusively from us, simply because of the quality of our service. We also boast many long-term clients who have trusted us since 2009, dating back to when we operated under different company names.
The Pastelli brand embodies true high-end quality. It is a third-generation company based near Venice, Italy, staffed by skilled workers who craft every piece by hand on a room full of sewing machines. Our products are handmade in Italy, with careful attention to detail. We place special emphasis on developing exclusive fabrics like Levantine and Gabardine, produced entirely within our Italian facilities. These fabrics meet the stringent standards set by prestigious clients such as the Vatican, using specially formulated wash-and-wear cottons that uphold the highest quality standards. We select only the finest cotton threads, buttons, zippers, and snaps—each made in Italy—to ensure our products reflect luxury, durability, and craftsmanship.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
It’s easy to get discouraged, especially when things aren’t going your way or when help seems hard to find. But remember, you’re not alone. There are tons of small business owners and website creators who struggle with the same issues. Sometimes, the best support comes from online communities or forums where people share real experiences, not just sales pitches.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit when you’re stuck. I’ve found that reaching out—even in a Facebook group or community forum—can lead to genuine advice and even new friendships. You might be surprised how willing people are to help when you’re honest about your challenges.
Most importantly, give yourself credit for every step forward. Progress doesn’t always look like a giant leap—it’s often just a series of small, steady moves. Celebrate those, even if it’s just crossing one thing off your to-do list. You’re building something real, and that’s worth recognizing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luxuryitalianpastelliuniforms.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luxuryitalianuniforms/
