The name Kayla Newman may not ring any bells at first mention, but “on fleek,” the phrase she turned viral in 2014, definitely does. Kayla, otherwise known as Peaches Monroee, is the young woman behind the simple but powerful two words that swept social media and changed the way we describe our eyebrows. Kayla’s 6-second Vine left a lasting imprint on pop culture and fashion, too. Rappers and singers like Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Christina Milian, and more did not hesitate to hop on the train and use her phrase. The same goes for big companies like Forever 21, IHOP, and Taco Bell, just to name a few.
Her words have been used to advertise and sell music and countless products, and it seems like the only person not profiting from her success is … the creator of the phrase herself. But now she's taking matters into her own hands by developing a hair and makeup line inspired by “on fleek." And she plans to do so with your help.
Kayla recently launched a GoFundMe asking for help from the worldwide web to fund her new beauty venture. She's currently amassed $12,520, but the pop culture influencer has set a goal of $100,000 in order to get her line up and running. I recently chatted with Kayla to see how she feels about her new venture and why it’s finally time for her to fully own “on fleek.”
Teen Vogue: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Kayla Newman: I'm 18, I'll soon be turning 19, and I’m currently enrolled in college. My major is nursing. I have a bubbly personality and like to have fun, but I'm also a hard worker.
TV: You came up with “on fleek” and it instantly went viral, but as you’ve mentioned, you never got the credit. Society is notoriously horrible when it comes to stealing and not giving proper credit. How do you feel about brands, celebrities, and just people in general using your phrase?
KN: Honestly, when I saw celebrities using “on fleek,” I felt good. It showed me they actually do pay attention to young people. I was kind of disappointed when I saw brands taking and using the phrase, but I knew my time would come.
TV: Looking back, is there anything you would've done differently in the aftermath of your Vine going viral? For example, would you have been more aggressive and persistent in calling out your words being stolen without compensation? Or were you never that preoccupied with that aspect of it to begin with?
KN: I would definitely have made sure I was more aggressive if I had known that the video would blow up to be this big. I would have had a team of lawyers with me as well. I’m currently trying to trademark my phrase.
TV: After you launched your GoFundMe, a few people were calling you things like “entitled,” simply for wanting to be paid for something you single-handedly turned into a phenomenon. Why do you think you're getting so much hate? There's no denying the cultural impact you've had, and it's lasted for a while now.
KN: I believe I'm getting so much hate from people because they weren’t the ones in the spotlight. I look at it like they're miserable themselves. At the end of the day, they can say what they’d like, but it’s not going to change my goal nor my mind. I still have the same goal. I’ve stayed focused because I know I have a goal that I’m going to make happen, regardless of what others say.
TV: What types of beauty products are you hoping to sell in your upcoming line? Is there a message you’re trying to send?
KN: I want to create a hair and makeup line that is multicultural. The makeup products I’m thinking about right now are eyebrow pencils, eye shadows, and, eventually, a foundation. I’m still working on the style and branding, though, and I haven’t officially come up with any names yet. I want to send a message that everyone can enjoy makeup and be “on fleek.” I want people to use my products and feel good about themselves. I would consider that to be my impact on beauty.
TV: Are there any YouTubers, celebrities, or makeup artists that you look up to beauty- or hair-wise?
KN: I don't really have anyone that I look up to, but I love NeNe Leakes, Nicki Minaj, and Beyoncé’s hairstyles. I also love Sir John, the makeup artist. I watch a lot of YouTube tutorials, which is how I started getting more engaged with makeup and the different personalities you can have while wearing it. I’m very fond of this one particular YouTuber, MsAaliyahJay — I watch her all the time. I feel like her tutorials help me out a lot.
TV: Is there any advice you want to give other black girls who are just trying to create and be successful while doing so?
KN: The advice I would give to someone who is trying to become successful is to always have a plan. I'm trying to be successful, but I’m also a full-time college student, so it can be tough. Also, follow your dreams and don't let anyone bring you down. And always meditate; you have to have your mind mentally prepared for whatever comes your way.
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