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Nicole Tram’s journey into beauty has always been personal. Drawn to hair, makeup, and nails from a young age, she saw them not just as skills but as a form of storytelling. Moving frequently forced her to constantly seek new services, often leaving her dissatisfied and a cause for experimenting. DIY quickly became her creative playground, and curiosity evolved into a career-defining path. After becoming a licensed manicurist, Tram expanded into teaching workshops and working for brands like ICEGEL, a Korean nail powerhouse.
Michael Lam’s path into beauty was different, he married into it. From the start, Lam and Tram approached the craft in almost opposite ways, but that contrast became the engine behind their success. Together, they envisioned a brand that blended artistry, functionality, and storytelling: Function of Vex.
From Idea to Launch
F-Vex began with curiosity, not a formula. Tram explored labs, overseas suppliers, and every piece of information she could find. They sent out samples of core products, using feedback to shape the brand. Risk-taking was essential, but Tram and Lam knew that once people tried the products, they’d fall in love.
Their first office was modest. Products were multifunctional, produced in small batches, and crafted with integrity rather than just profit. “If your bottom line is money, you can make the worst product with great branding,” Tram says. But for F-Vex, that was never the case; quality always came first. The original product line encompassed Nicole’s personality: bold, meticulous, and unapologetically creative. The packaging, branding, and tone celebrate the unconventional. It represents the skaters, punks, and creative misfits.
Building a Team and Letting Go
The first hire was a close friend, and the team has since grown with passionate, crafty people from nails, cosplay, and broader beauty backgrounds. Letting go of control became essential for the two of them, with perfectionism taking a backseat. Even their media buyer, experienced in both corporate and smaller brands, stayed because his input was genuinely valued. As Michael puts it, “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Collaboration is key to the brand’s success.
By designing with intentionality, F-Vex answers a universal question for artists: “Do I suck, or is it the product?” Reliable top coats and bases, often overlooked for flashy colors, allow customers to skip the setup and jump straight to the art itself. Results are faster, safer, and with less mess.
Launching a brand is never easy as it mirrors every personal challenge, from patience to collaboration. For Tram and Lam, Function of Vex has become more than a business, it’s liberation. It’s a space where they feel unhinged, humble, and unapologetically themselves.
Tune in below to hear more about the dedication that goes into building a brand. Check out our Instagrams here at @Readthetease and @volumeupbythetease.
