So, back in 2013, Chloe Clem, this 2-year-old little girl, went totally viral. Why? Well, she made this super unimpressed face in the backseat of her mom’s car, and boom — “Side-eye Chloe” was born.
Fast forward 12 years, and her mom, Katie, is finally talking about how it all went down.
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At first, it was just a funny moment, but as Chloe grew up, Katie started feeling a bit guilty about it all. Here’s the lowdown on how that meme turned their lives upside down.
The photo that started it all
Katie was just taking the girls to Disneyland. I mean, what kid wouldn’t be hyped, right? But while Lily was bouncing off the walls with excitement, Chloe gave this confused, sideways look.
It was so not what you’d expect from a kid heading to the happiest place on earth, and that’s exactly why it blew up.
Chloe’s reaction went viral in an instant
So, while Lily was excited for like, two seconds, Chloe’s look lasted, and everyone went wild. Katie put both reactions on her YouTube, and while Lily’s moment fizzled out, Chloe’s side-eye?
That thing went insane. Like, out of nowhere, it was everywhere.
They were overwhelmed by the attention
At first, it was just fun seeing Chloe’s face pop up on memes, but then… yeah, it got real overwhelming. People would stop them everywhere. “Can we get a picture of her?”
It felt like they had zero space anymore, and clearly, it was a lot to handle.
They were suddenly famous everywhere they went
It wasn’t just at home either. Chloe was getting recognized all over the world. Once, in Brazil, they were totally swarmed by hundreds of people.
Chloe even ended up on billboards in São Paulo. It was just… crazy!
The meme helped them financially
But here’s the thing — this viral fame? It actually helped them a lot. The money they made from the meme helped cover bills, rent, food — everything. Katie says it was honestly a lifesaver for them.
Sponsorship deals followed the fame
Then came all the brand deals. They worked with Google and even sold the meme as an NFT for a whopping $74,000 in 2021. It was money that changed their whole situation.
The meme changed their financial situation dramatically
Katie’s not shy about how big of a deal it was. She says the meme gave them a shot at a better life. Suddenly, they didn’t have to worry about bills anymore.
They even saved up for Chloe’s future. It was life-changing, no doubt.
Chloe’s life is different now that she’s older
Fast forward to today, and Chloe’s 14 now. She’s not that little 2-year-old anymore, and it’s kinda funny. People don’t even recognize her as much, which is a relief for the family.
Chloe’s thoughts on the whole thing? “Sometimes it’s funny, but other times it’s just kind of strange.”
They worked hard to keep their daughters’ privacy
As Chloe and Lily grew up, Katie knew they needed to dial it back. They actually turned down some big opportunities, like when Disney wanted to feature Lily in a TV show.
Katie just knew it wasn’t the right call. “I’m so glad I listened to my instincts,” she says. No regrets there.
Katie now focuses on her daughters’ well-being
Katie says she’s a different mom now. She’s focused on making sure her kids have a normal life, not one driven by fame.
Anything they do online now is on their terms, not just for money or popularity. And she’s proud of how she’s handled things for them.
So yeah, it’s been quite the ride for Chloe and her family. But at least now they’re all about keeping things real and private. Gotta respect that!
