5 Shocking Ways The 'Gorilla Glue Girl' Tessica Brown Turned Viral Disaster Into A Multi-Million Dollar Brand
The story of Tessica Brown, famously known as the "Gorilla Glue Girl," is one of the internet's most bizarre and unforgettable sagas, but her journey is far from over. As of late 2024, the Louisiana native has successfully parlayed a near-catastrophic mistake into a thriving business empire, proving that a viral moment—even a painful one—can be the ultimate catalyst for reinvention. This article provides the most current, in-depth look at Tessica Brown’s life, her shocking recovery, and the unexpected ways she has monetized her infamous incident, transforming from a viral sensation into a legitimate hair care entrepreneur.
The original incident, which occurred in February 2021, involved Brown using industrial-strength Gorilla Glue spray adhesive on her hair after running out of her usual product, Got2b Glued hair spray. The resulting rock-hard hairstyle left her scalp burned and her hair immovable for over a month, sparking a global wave of curiosity, sympathy, and controversy that continues to define her public persona today.
Tessica Brown: Full Biography and Viral Timeline
Tessica Brown is an American internet celebrity and entrepreneur who gained global notoriety for a severe hair mishap that went viral on the social media platform TikTok. Her story became a cultural phenomenon, highlighting the unpredictable nature of internet fame.
- Full Name: Tessica Brown
- Known As: The "Gorilla Glue Girl"
- Date of Birth: October 20, 1980
- Age (as of 2024): 44 years old
- Hometown: Violet, Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana
- Occupation (Pre-Viral): Teacher, owner of Tessica's Little Angels daycare, and director of the Dazzling Divaz dance team.
- Family: She is a mother and has a family who supported her during the ordeal.
- The Viral Incident: February 2021. Posted a TikTok video explaining she used Gorilla Glue spray adhesive on her hair.
- Resolution: March 2021. Underwent a free, four-hour surgical procedure by Plastic Surgeon Dr. Michael Obeng in Beverly Hills, California, to remove the adhesive.
- Estimated Net Worth (2024): Approximately $300,000, largely from her business ventures and media appearances.
1. The $12,500 Surgical Rescue and the GoFundMe Controversy
The immediate aftermath of Tessica Brown's viral video was a whirlwind of media attention and genuine concern. Her inability to remove the industrial-strength adhesive led to severe scalp irritation and hair damage, prompting a massive public response.
The Life-Saving Procedure by Dr. Obeng
After multiple failed attempts at home remedies, including using acetone, rubbing alcohol, and various oils, Brown flew to Los Angeles. There, she was offered a free, life-changing procedure by Ghanaian-American plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Obeng. Dr. Obeng, who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, used a custom-made solvent mixture involving medical-grade adhesive remover, aloe vera, olive oil, and a small amount of acetone to dissolve the polyurethane-based Gorilla Glue. The four-hour operation, which was estimated to cost $12,500, was a complete success, saving Brown from permanent hair loss and potential infection.
Donating the GoFundMe Money
During her ordeal, Brown started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her medical expenses, which quickly surpassed $23,000. After Dr. Obeng offered his services for free, Brown made the decision to donate the majority of the remaining funds. She publicly announced her intention to donate the money to the Restore Foundation, Dr. Obeng's charity, and to a family in her hometown of Violet, Louisiana, demonstrating a selfless act amidst her newfound fame.
2. Transitioning from TikTok Sensation to Hair Care CEO
Perhaps the most shocking twist in the "Gorilla Glue Girl" saga is Tessica Brown's transformation into a successful hair care entrepreneur. Instead of fading away, she leveraged her infamy to launch a product line directly inspired by her experience.
The Birth of 'Forever Hair'
Within months of her recovery, Brown became the CEO of her own company, launching the Forever Hair product line. This venture was a direct and brilliant response to her viral moment, offering users a safe, effective alternative to the products that led to her disaster.
The line focuses on high-quality, hair-friendly ingredients and includes several key entities:
- Forever Hold Hairspray: A nod to the original incident, this is a strong-hold hairspray that, unlike the industrial adhesive, is designed to wash out easily.
- Growth Oil: Formulated to help repair the damage and promote growth after her scalp trauma. It contains natural ingredients like pure avocado oil, black castor, and rosemary.
- Edge Control: Designed for styling, a common product for which she had originally intended to use the Got2b Glued spray.
- Moisturizing Shampoo: A sulfate-free, gentle cleanser to improve hair quality.
This business move cemented her status not just as a viral meme, but as a savvy businesswoman who turned a negative experience into a positive, profitable brand with a mission to help others avoid similar hair disasters.
3. The Lawsuit That Wasn't: Confronting Gorilla Glue
Early in the saga, there was significant discussion about whether Tessica Brown would sue the Gorilla Glue company. Legal experts weighed in, noting the company's product label clearly stated the product was not for use on hair or skin.
Acknowledging the Mistake
While Brown initially considered legal action, the situation never escalated into a high-profile court battle against the adhesive manufacturer. Brown and her legal team ultimately sent a cease and desist letter to a third party over an unauthorized song remix that used her voice. More importantly, Brown later publicly acknowledged her own error, stating that putting the Gorilla Glue on her hair was a bad idea and dispelling the notion of a major lawsuit against the company.
Gorilla Glue, for its part, issued a public statement expressing sympathy for Brown and reiterating that the product is an industrial-strength adhesive and should never be used on hair, skin, or body parts. This clear labeling and Brown's eventual acknowledgment of her mistake likely prevented a prolonged legal battle.
4. Extending Fame on Reality Television and Podcasts
Tessica Brown's 15 minutes of fame extended well beyond the initial incident. By 2024, she had strategically accepted roles and opportunities that kept her in the public eye, further solidifying her status as an internet celebrity.
From Glue to the Kitchen
One notable appearance was on the reality cooking competition show Worst Cooks in America. This move allowed her to showcase a different side of her personality—away from the hair drama—and connect with a new audience. Her participation in mainstream media demonstrated a successful transition from a viral sensation to a recognizable media personality.
Furthermore, her story continues to be a subject of public interest, with a dedicated podcast episode about the "Gorilla Glue Girl" saga being released as recently as November 2024, confirming the enduring relevance of her story in pop culture.
5. The Enduring Legacy: Cautionary Tale and Entrepreneurial Inspiration
Tessica Brown’s journey is a powerful modern parable about the dangers of extreme beauty hacks and the potential for digital fame to change a life overnight. Her story serves as a constant cautionary tale about reading product labels and the extreme strength of industrial adhesives.
However, her legacy is more about her comeback. By launching Forever Hair, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and business acumen. She took the ridicule and pain from her mistake and funneled it into a legitimate, helpful product, effectively controlling her own narrative and monetizing her trauma. The "Gorilla Glue Girl" is no longer just a meme; she is a mother, a teacher, and a CEO whose viral disaster ultimately paved the way for an unexpected and inspiring entrepreneurial success story.
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