We were lucky to catch up with Krisette Kho recently and have shared our conversation below.
Krisette, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Growing up in the Philippines, I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices my parents made to give my brother and me a better life. They worked tirelessly so we could attend good schools and have opportunities they never had. Those early years taught me the value of hard work, gratitude, and service. In college, I joined a medical mission trip to another third-world community, and that experience changed me. Seeing the lack of resources in underprivileged healthcare facilities yet witnessing the compassion and resilience of those who worked there, gave me a deep sense of purpose. It made me realize that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping people in the healthcare field.
That moment of clarity became the foundation for starting Buhay Collective. What began as a simple idea to donate scrubs to under-resourced healthcare facilities grew into a brand built around purpose and community. Every piece we create carries that same mission—to support, uplift, and give back to healthcare workers worldwide. Over time, I’ve learned that purpose doesn’t always arrive in one big moment—it’s cultivated through the small acts of service, empathy, and gratitude that connect us to others. Buhay became more than a business; it became a way to continue that mission of care I first felt during that medical mission trip, and to honor where I came from by giving back to those who remind me why I started.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a healthcare professional with over ten years of experience, I’ve spent countless hours in scrubs — and I know how much comfort, function, and confidence matter during long shifts. While sewing masks for donations during the pandemic, I started thinking deeply about how scrubs could be reimagined. I had always been particular about the brands I wore, paying close attention to the fabrics, fits, and details that made a difference. That’s when the new idea for Buhay Collective was born — to design scrubs that move with you, combining flexibility, durability, and a polished, timeless look. Our goal has always been to create more than just a uniform; we want to help healthcare workers feel confident, comfortable, and proud of what they wear every day.
What makes Buhay special is its heart. We began as a scrub donation initiative to support underprivileged healthcare facilities in need, and that mission still drives us today. Beyond selling online, we love connecting with our community in person through pop-up events —networking, hearing stories, sharing laughs, and celebrating the people who care for others. This month, we’re especially excited to pop-up at three events on October 11, 12, 18, and 24, where we’ll showcase our latest collection. All details are updated on our socials @buhaycollective!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, curiosity, and empathy. Resilience helped me push through uncertainty, from learning how to start a brand from scratch to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Curiosity fueled my desire to constantly improve our scrubs and understand what healthcare workers truly need. And empathy kept me grounded, reminding me why Buhay exists: to give back and create something meaningful for others.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay open to learning and to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, listen to your customers or community deeply, and stay connected to why you started. That clarity will guide you through every high and low.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge we’re currently facing is standing out in an industry that’s become increasingly crowded with established scrub wear brands. Many of these companies have large marketing budgets and wide distribution, which can make it difficult for a smaller, purpose-driven brand like us Buhay Collective to compete for visibility. But what sets us apart and what keeps us grounded is our why. We believe that by leading with purpose and creating meaningful relationships with our community, we’ll continue to stand out in a market where heart and impact truly matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Buhaycollective.com
- Instagram: Buhaycollective
- Facebook: Buhay Collective
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