Germanee Gerald ’13 Receives the 2025 Distinguished Young Alumni Award

Germanee Gerald’s immense talent and passion for styling led her to establish the GG & Co. Styling Firm in 2016. As the founder and CEO of the firm, she helps individuals meet their wardrobe needs and educate themselves on fashion and styling. 

She was made for this work. Each day, Gerald helps her clients not only with her talent for styling but also with her natural knack for team leadership, which has empowered her firm to prosper.

Gerald received the Wilson College of Textiles’ 2025 Distinguished Young Alumni Award in recognition of her professional achievements and alignment with the college’s core values. 

“Styling and helping people feel confident through what they are wearing truly makes me feel fulfilled, so to be recognized for the work I do and love means a lot to me.”

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized in this way by the Wilson College of Textiles,” Gerald said when she learned about this honor. “Styling and helping people feel confident through what they are wearing truly makes me feel fulfilled, so to be recognized for the work I do and love means a lot to me.”

Established by the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council (DYALC) in 2021, the Distinguished Young Alumni Awards program recognizes graduates under 40 who have made significant contributions to the textile industry and their communities. The DYALC works to promote the Wilson College of Textiles and the college’s fundraising arm, the North Carolina Textile Foundation, and foster engagement among young alumni.

Leading with purpose: The path to success

Like many college students, Gerald was unsure of her future when she was deciding what major to pursue at NC State. 

With a strong interest in the sciences, she initially planned to major in biochemistry and take over her family’s dental practice upon completion of dental school. Although enticed by the once-in-a-lifetime offer, Gerald reconsidered her options. She changed her major to fashion and textile management after being captivated by a fashion show on campus. After conversations with the Wilson College of Textiles’ Academic, Career and Student Services team, her mind was entirely made up. 

“I attended the African American Textile Society (AATS) fashion show for their end-of-year presentation, watching in awe,” she says. “At that moment, I knew I couldn’t wear scrubs my whole life and wanted to be a part of fashion in some way.  In my last freshman semester, bursting with curiosity, I knew I wanted to be a part of the Wilson College of Textiles.” 

Alongside her coursework, Gerald kept herself busy through her involvement in several student organizations within the college. To name a few, she served on the Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management (TATM) Student Advisory Board, worked as a Chancellor’s Aide, and advanced her leadership skills as president of the African American Textile Society. With this experience and professors’ assistance, Gerald obtained an internship at Kohl’s, which she shares was pivotal in proving herself and her drive to succeed in the industry.

“I came to the Wilson College of Textiles with a goal in mind, to make the most of it – because I had something to prove,” Gerald says. “The college’s resources and faculty were invaluable in my search for an internship as soon as I got to the college.”

After graduating in 2013, Gerald dove headfirst into working in the corporate world with her first role at Gap as a retail management program trainee. The guidance and constructive critique from her professors on project materials submitted to Gap helped her feel prepared and obtain a seat in the program. As she completed her rotations in the nine-month program, she utilized the skills and knowledge gained from the Wilson College of Textiles and excelled. The following year, she was promoted to a merchandiser for the company.

While succeeding in the corporate world in her role with Gap, Gerald began to reevaluate her career trajectory and goals. Like her significant pivot from majoring in biochemistry to fashion and textile management, Gerald decided to venture away from corporate America and start her own business. 

Embarking on a new journey as CEO

Driven by her passion and natural knack for styling, along with encouragement from her friends, Gerald founded GG & Co. Styling Firm in 2016. With a mission to help individuals meet their wardrobe needs and educate individuals about styling, she began seeking out her first clients. 

At just 24, Gerald secured her first major client, an executive who helped connect her with many other high-profile clients. Although the career change could be seen as risky, she felt confident in her abilities and passions. When considering what she wanted to do for the rest of her life, she knew that helping people with her talents was her dream job. GG & Co. Styling Firm has continued growing and thriving despite the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Withstanding the pandemic was one of my biggest accomplishments yet,” she says. “Although it was a trying time, being nimble and innovative led the company to experience significant growth in clientele and team expansion.”

Looking ahead to the future, Gerald is excited to see her firm continue to grow and reach new clients. With her personal goals in mind, she hopes to step back from leading the firm and allow her team members to lead it more independently. 

“I came to the Wilson College of Textiles with a goal in mind, to make the most of it – because I had something to prove. The college’s resources and faculty were invaluable in my search for an internship as soon as I got to the college.”

She remains connected with the Wilson College of Textiles. As a former member of the Dean’s Young Alumni Leadership Council, Gerald has provided invaluable insight and shared her experiences with Dean David Hinks in an effort to enhance the college’s alumni engagement and philanthropic endeavors. Her dedication to the college matches her commitment to inspiring and uplifting the next generation of textile leaders.

Gerald’s piece of advice to current students?  “Always keep pushing. Even when trials or obstacles come up, if you are determined and motivated enough, you can find a way to reach your goals and push your limits to get past the challenges.”