Kayla Lewis, known as Peaches Monroee, has repeatedly spoken out about not getting paid for popularizing her catchphrase. (GoFundMe/Kayla Lewis)
Viral star Peaches Monroee, who coined the phrase “on fleek,” is earning support from fans as she launches a cosmetics and hair line.
The Vine sensation, whose real name is Kayla Lewis, took social media by storm when she described her eyebrows with the complimentary term three years ago. Now, she has set up a GoFundMe to get her beauty line started.
Lewis, who noted she never received any compensation for the expression, created the GoFundMe on Feb. 19. Within a day, more than 400 backers had raised over $6,000 for her business, beginning a change in fortune for the Colorado native.
Since her Vine declaring, “We in this b—. Finna get crunk. Eyebrows on fleek. Da f—-” took off in summer 2014, the phrase “on fleek” has appeared on clothes and was used by brands like Denny’s. It grew so big that an Atlanta Chick-Fil-A manager included it on a list of banned words for his employees.
https://vine.co/v/MTFn7EPvtnd
“I came up with the phrase/word ‘eyebrows on fleek,'” Lewis wrote. “Everyone has used the phrase/word, but I haven’t received any money behind it or recognition.
“I want to start a cosmetic line and hair line, but I don’t have any money to do so. Maybe this can help me with my wishes and dreams. I am currently enrolled in college. I’m taking up nursing … but I also want to make sure I’m getting the recognition and money I deserve. Any amount can help.”
The 18-year-old, who hopes to raise $100,000 for her beauty line, has received many well-wishes from supporters.
Some hoped Lewis would make a profit and encouraged her to get what she is owed.
Others reflected on the impact of the famous line.
The public backing spread on Twitter, where many shared Lewis’ campaign.
https://twitter.com/iamwilliewill/status/833703225857626115
https://twitter.com/awrygrl/status/833395297917112320
Peaches Monroe's creation of the word "fleek" revolutionized pop culture and companies have capitalized on her. She deserves compensation pic.twitter.com/xyN3U0b1nU
— Kuh-Reem (@WTFKAREEM) February 21, 2017
Several users tweeted at comedian Ellen DeGeneres, who frequently rewards viral stars on her daytime talk show.
https://twitter.com/Guari1x/status/834039869022302208
good morning @TheEllenShow Star @peaches_monroee on your show and accredit her the coin she Deserves
— gay mom (@ParSelene) February 20, 2017
Others pointed out the hypocrisy of white teen Danielle Bregoli capitalizing on her viral stardom for saying, “Cash me outside how bow dah?” as Lewis sat penniless after creating her catchphrase.
https://twitter.com/WickedBeaute/status/833768362161364992
But yall keep asking why Peaches Monroe deserves compensation https://t.co/SQikuxSrgR
— The Last 🔝 (@JuSLIKEMIKE911) February 21, 2017
