model employee

Iconic Houston modeling agency names longtime star to lead search for America's freshest new faces

Tabitha Pagel Garcia is Page Parkes' newest partner.

Photo courtesy of Page Parkes Corporation

Houston's iconic modeling agency with celebs such as Angelina Jolie, Channing Tatum, Brooke Burns, Alexis Bledel, Hilary Duff, and more on its resume has a longtime face stepping up to find the next big thing.

Page Parkes Corporation announced Tabitha Pagel Garcia as its newest partner and creative leader. Garcia has spent nearly a lifetime with Page Parkes' renowned company; she started modeling at the agency at age 12 and working there at age 18 as a personal assistant to Parkes.

Garcia, who is known for her keen eye for talent, has risen steadily up the ranks to role that includes partial ownership of the 40-year company.

“Being partner with Page Parkes is something I have dreamed of since I was 18 years old," Garcia noted in a statement. "I have wanted to create and help others in this industry since I began modeling with the company when I was 12. To see my dream turn into reality is beyond words.”

"Working for and with women at Page Parkes Corporation is a blessing. We cultivate and support strong women and their goals in life. To be able to partner with Page and keep this legacy alive is a dream come true.”

Parkes herself entered the industry as a newcomer who boasted, like Garcia, a keen eye for talent and future stars in the unlikely places. She honed her talents at the American School for Fashion Merchandising in Switzerland and eventually launched a fledgling agency that is now a corporation and a Houston household name. (Many here know the charismatic founder — and her company — simply as "Page.)

“We are so honored to have Tabitha be recognized for the hard work that she has done, and continued to do through out her 27 years at Page Parkes," Parkes added in a statement." She is undoubtedly a hard-working, undeniable force, and we are so excited to see where she takes the organization in the years to come.”

UNIFORM UTOPIA

Luxury scrubs brand FIGS opens first Texas location in Rice Village

Photo courtesy of FIGS

FIGS will open its new Rice Village Community Hub on December 6.

Healthcare apparel company FIGS is opening its first brick-and-mortar store in Texas with a new Community Hub in Rice Village. The retail space is designed to serve both as a store and a gathering spot for the city's healthcare community.

The Rice Village location opens this Saturday, December 6, with a public grand opening event on December 13 from 6 to 8 pm featuring giveaways, music, food, and drinks from local vendors. Joining outposts in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York City, the Houston location is the fourth Community Hub for the company and the only location in the South.

The store will carry the full range of FIGS products, including scrubwear, loungewear, and accessories. It will also host events and programming focused on healthcare topics, offering visitors opportunities to meet and share experiences.

At the new FIGS boutique, shoppers will find the Color Clinic, offering scrubwear in core colors with rotating seasonal options. The store also has a Customization Station, which provides embroidery for names, titles, practice or hospital logos, and local icon options available only at Community Hubs. Personalization is also available for scrub caps, outerwear, and accessories.

FiGS The new FIGS store will offer a Color Clinic and Customization Station to let shoppers personalize their FIGS uniforms. Photo courtesy of FIGS/Instagram

The brand, founded in 2013 by Heather Hasson and Trina Spear, is known for fashion-forward medical uniforms made from a proprietary fabric with four-way stretch, antimicrobial technology, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle resistance. Hasson and Spear began selling directly to healthcare workers in Los Angeles-area hospital parking lots before growing their presence as an online retailer.

CEO and co-founder Trina Spear believes Rice Village was the perfect choice due to its proximity to the Texas Medical Center. She said the company wanted a space that supports Houston healthcare professionals and gives them a place to shop and connect.

"Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, and we are honored to bring a FIGS Community Hub to this city. This space is designed to serve and celebrate Houston healthcare professionals," said Spear. "Our Community Hubs create opportunities for customers to not only shop in a way that never previously existed, but to connect with each other and with FIGS on a deeper level."

FIGS Community Hub, 5515 Kelvin Dr., Suite 130, 77005

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