The teen responsible for giving the internet one of its favorite phrases has launched a GoFundMe to start her own hair and makeup company.
Please support my GoFundMe campaign: https://t.co/3b0C73Zuhf @gofundme pic.twitter.com/zgcHlwhCVz
— Allure ✨ (@peaches_monroee) February 19, 2017
Peaches Monroee, now 18 and whose real name is Kayla, went viral when she used the now-ubiquitous “on fleek” in a Vine back in 2014.
The GoFundMe has earned more than $6,000 in one day, but that’s nowhere near its goal of $100,000. If that figure seems hefty, consider the far reach of Monroee’s influence. “On fleek” is now part of our vernacular and has appeared everywhere, from Ariana Grande’s vines to IHOP ads. But Lewis has never seen any profits.
In a 2015 interview, she told Fader, “I gave the world a word. I can’t explain the feeling. At the moment, I haven’t gotten any endorsements or received any payment. I feel that I should be compensated. But I also feel that good things happen to those who wait.”
Many are supporting Monroee’s campaign on Twitter.
if everybody who ever said "on fleek" gave Peaches a dollar she'd meet her goal a dozen times over. #PayPeaches https://t.co/gvT9Hf0nmz
— dale gribble (@MauiMescudi) February 19, 2017
If "On Fleek" was or is in your regular vocab rotation, u def should contribute to the campaign for the young sista who gave it to us. https://t.co/DTLFovxEG6
— Down4MyDEIs (@divafeminist) February 19, 2017
Peaches is the creator of the term On Fleek. Show her some love since she was never properly compensated for the wave she created. https://t.co/36CiGx3XQ4
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) February 20, 2017
People like the Damn Daniel kids & the Cash Me Outside girl get sponsorships & Ellen appearances but the black originators get nada.
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) February 20, 2017
I've literally seen On Fleek t-shirts in the window at Forever 21 & and in Nordstroms & this Peaches girl hasn't seen a dime from her wave.
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) February 20, 2017
Support @Peaches_monroee's GoFundMe and help right a wrong and support a real wave creator.
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) February 20, 2017
Monroee, who is currently in school for nursing, states her commitment to working hard to make her dreams happen, saying “this year will be different” on her GoFundMe page.
Peaches Monroee/Gofundme
In an email to the Cut, Monroee expressed her desire to help others. “My plans for the hair line is [to] make sure people enjoy/learn about hair extension, also I want to expand, by reaching millions of people. Also, with the cosmetic line, I want to bring out my creative side. I want so many young ladies and women to feel even more beautiful.”
May we all be inspired to feel a little more “on fleek.”