Alumni
Grad Founds Nail Wrap Collection During the Pandemic
Raised in California’s Bay Area and Central Valley, Ramonica Gee wanted to be an artist since she was a young girl. After graduating in 2000 with a Visual Communications degree from FIDM, Ramonica was hired as a design assistant at Pottery Barn and went on to work for major brands such as Levi’s, Dockers, and Red Bull before transitioning into healthcare recruitment and human resources. In late 2019, Ramonica fell in love with nail wraps, which quickly became a hobby after her husband was sent on a surprise deployment in early 2020. She eventually started her own small business, Designs by Ramonica, and her nail designs are currently sold in shops around the world.
What was your path to FIDM like? I had a representative from FIDM give a presentation to one of my classes in high school and was extremely impressed. Due to receiving a full-tuition academic scholarship, I attended a different college for my first year. I still yearned to attend an art college and after much deliberation, I decided to apply to FIDM to pursue a design degree.
How did FIDM help prepare you for your career? The education and support I received from FIDM was absolutely amazing. My educators were extremely knowledgeable and shared their valuable real-life experience with us. The Career Center and Alumni Association groups were also a huge part of my success in the industry.
How does it feel to see your designs sold in stores around the globe? It has truly been such an amazing experience to finally get back into design and doing what I love. I am thrilled when I see my designs in shops and “nailfies” with my designs that are shared in social media. I feel honored and proud that my designs bring joy to others.
Tell us about co-founding the Wrapped with Love Donation Fund: These dry nail polish strips have been an instant pick-me-up for many of us and we wanted to share the experience. We’ve been collecting donations from retailers and our group members to create care packages for individuals that could use a little happiness and joy at assisted living/skilled nursing facilities, domestic violence shelters, and transitional homes.
Anything else you'd like to share? I would not be where I am today without the tremendous support and love from my educators, mentors, family, friends, and customers. If you want something, set your goals and hold yourself accountable to achieve them. Each day is one step closer to where you want to be. Don’t wait for it to happen — make it happen!
Learn more on Facebook and Instagram @designsbyramonica.
Categories: Visual Communication Alumni
