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From Lotion Challenge to Million-Dollar Brand: The Wild Rise of a Controversial Social Media Empire
Victoria Waldrip, better known as Woah Vicky, represents one of social media's most polarizing success stories. The Atlanta-born content creator turned a simple viral moment into a multi-million dollar personal brand, though not without plenty of controversy along the way. At just 25 years old, she's managed to build an empire that spans Instagram, YouTube, and even her own skincare line, proving that in the digital age, attention—positive or negative—can translate directly into cold hard cash.
**The Viral Moment That Started It All**
Her rise to internet fame began in the summer of 2017 with something called "The Lotion Challenge." The concept was exactly as bizarre as it sounds—Vicky and a friend attempted to eat spoonfuls of lotion on camera, gagging dramatically into a kitchen sink when they inevitably failed. While the original video has since disappeared from the internet, copies still circulate, serving as a time capsule of peak 2017 viral content. What seemed like a throwaway moment actually became her launching pad, bringing in an astounding 20,000 new Instagram followers per day at her peak.
**Building an Empire Through Controversy**
Vicky quickly learned that controversy keeps the lights on in the influencer economy. Her claims about her racial identity, particularly asserting she's 25% Black based on an ancestry test, sparked heated debates across social platforms. She's faced accusations of cultural appropriation and racism, yet these controversies only seemed to fuel her growth. When YouTube personality RiceGum called her out in a 2018 video titled "This Girl Must Be Stopped," it backfired spectacularly—the millions of views only amplified her reach and brought her even more followers.
**The Business Behind the Brand**
Beyond the drama, Vicky has shown genuine business acumen. Her Instagram account showcases a carefully curated lifestyle filled with luxury brands like Gucci, creating an aspirational image that resonates with her audience. She's monetized this influence through her company Woah Skin, YouTube vlogs, and countless brand partnerships. Her estimated net worth of $1.5 million reflects the very real financial success that can come from mastering the art of viral content, even when that content is divisive.
**Personal Life in the Spotlight**
Born to Steve Waldrip, a real estate developer, and Carla Johnson, Vicky was raised primarily by her mother in Atlanta. Her family dynamics add another layer to her story—her sister Stephanie is a successful fashion designer in New York with her own label, Waldrip NYC, showing that entrepreneurial spirit runs in the family. Vicky's dating life, including relationships with fellow influencers Deivys Nicola and John Gabbana, has provided additional content fodder. She's also appeared on reality shows like "Baddies East" and maintained friendships with other controversial young influencers like Lil Tay, creating a whole ecosystem of attention-grabbing content creators who feed off each other's notoriety.
