The Creator Of 'On Fleek' Wants Your Help For Her Next Creative Endeavor

The phrase "on fleek" has lived a life similar to most all Black slang. It was born of a preternatural creativity and sense of humor, shared widely throughout the internet, co-opted by brands and capitalized upon (without a cent going to the creator of the phrase, of course) and then deemed "over" by a non-black writer, just like that. But, unlike a lot of popular, widely co-opted Black slang, "on fleek" has a traceable origin: One very famous vine.

You may not have seen the vine that started it all, but you've probably said "fleek," heard it in passing, or seen the constant stream of selfies with the hashtag #onfleek or #browsonfleek. 

The creator, 18-year-old Kayla Newman (a.k.a. Peaches Monroee) watched her creation spread like wildfire, but received none of the money, recognition, or entertainment deals that her white teenage counterparts often do after going viral. Now, Monroee is on to new creative pursuits. Recently, she took to GoFundMe to share her vision for a new cosmetic and hair extension line and to ask for help crowdfunding the project:

Some of you may know me as Peaches Monroee but my name is Kayla Newman. I’m 18 years old I live in Georgia. I moved here from the South Suburbs of Chicago. I am currently enrolled into college my major is nursing. Back in 2014 I came up with the phrase/word “Eyebrows on Fleek” on a 6 sec video on a app called VINE. Everyone has used the phrase/word but I haven’t received any money behind it or recognition. So it brings me to say that I want to start a cosmetic and hair extension line; But I don’t have any money to do so. Just so everyone can know my plans, with this money I plan on starting a website, get this project on legal papers with a good team of lawyers, etc and making sure my dreams come true as far as this “Fleek” thing. I feel like this is my second chance and I will not mess this is up. I know this is going to take hard work and dedication. But I do want to sell beautiful products to the beautiful people in this world. I know this can help me with my wishes/dreams. So if you can donate that would be lovely, any amount can help. Thank you!

As of now, Monroee has raised $12,000 of her $100,000 goal.