Look Who's Back?! 5 years later...

After 5 years I'm back to posting on KZbin. Can you believe it?! Here's why I took a break and what I've been up to while away.
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Let's keep in touch!
Instagram | / chescaleigh
Twitter | / chescaleigh
Facebook | / chescaleigh
TikTok | / franchesca_leigh
Website | franchesca.net

[@PopCultureDetective]

Welcome back! Good on you for taking a break to heal. It's so important for creative folks to take care of ourselves.

[@chescaleigh]

As a longtime fan of your work that means a lot

[@PopCultureDetective]

@@chescaleigh Your work has been tremendously influential for me and my video essays too :)

[@Popfilia]

Omg now where have you been?!

[@RakelDaNell]

OG content makers need to hold YT to the fire!

[@NomadicIslanders]

!!!

[@OsQuinneOsGwynneOsRobynne]

Girl I missed you so much. I cannot overstate this enough, you absolutely were the first step of deradicalizing me after graduating high school. You tangibly, literally changed my life for the better in a way you will probably never know. You have my support so, so much. I swear the racist and sexist scuz that insults you IS a good sign, even though you absolutely don't deserve that harassment, and KZbin SHOULD intervene. A LOT of social justice youtubers get largely ignored by the alt-right crowd, not because they aren't radical leftists or minorities, but because they weren't capable of deeply affecting the racists in a way that forced them to reflect to the point that they lasted out in anger that they actually REALIZED themselves they were being racist. I know that sounds odd, but my abusive, white-supremacist ex I had for over 15 years quite literally admitted to me this is why he sent hate comments to you. Again, if I hadn't watched your content in college, I might have fallen into his belief systems, and stayed in abusive relationship for another decade. It took several years for the change to truly be made, but content like yours, and again, yours was the first I came into contact with, saved my life, and I am not exaggerating. Seriously, WHATEVER you do next, I'm so excited to see it. Have a lovely day girl.

[@chescaleigh]

Wow. Thank you for these kind words. It means a lot. I’ve actually had a number of people who’ve harassed me reach out to me in recent years to apologize which has been quite surreal. The “anti-SJW“ era really radicalized a lot of people I’m so glad to hear you didn’t fall into it & that my work played a role in your education. I wish KZbin had done more to protect myself and other creators, but I’m so thankful that I had a great support system offline & have never relied on KZbin as my sole source of income. I’m excited to be back & so appreciate all the love

[@Brandon-lw1wx]

So you’re a radical communist.

[@jonyoon]

🎶 Look who's back, back again. Franny's back, tell a friend. 🎶

[@6Tbone]

DECODED is Award Winning Stuff !!! YOU ARE AMAZING !!!Thank You sharing your WONDERFUL VIBE !!!

[@RakelDaNell]

Absolutely LOVED seeing you on Superstore. That show was absolute gold.

[@Camille4Real]

She's SOOO friggin pretty! 🥰 Sorry that all those things happened, but happy that you made it through!

[@chescaleigh]

Thank you love

[@alfalfa2155]

What a surprise, it's great to see you again!! I subscribed in 2012 or 2013 after "shit white girls say to black girls" and I ended up learning a lot from your videos during a really formative period in my life. I don't really follow any platforms besides youtube but I popped in on your twitter from time to time and I was happy to see your successes over the years! It's so so well-deserved and I know you will see even more in the future.

[@vikiskull]

What a pleasant surprise.

[@Grillmaster33]

Chescaleigh it is so great to see you back and thanks for sharing. I'm not sure if you remember me, but I was one of the earlier KZbinrs but had also given up for a number of personal reasons. Please continue to share. At this point, I'd love to continue to hear about the your life ventures.

[@chescaleigh]

Yes! Of course I remember you! I remember you had to take a break due to health stuff, so glad to know you’re fighting the good fight! Hope all is well w you, more content to come

[@IgnoranceAverse]

Are you still alive? Wow! The content on Instagram is so creative and hilarious, and writing for Janelle Monae's Oscar performance was insane. You've been extremely successful outside of KZbin.

[@JohnThurner]

We're all just as chronically online, just in different neighbourhoods. Welcome back to KZbin!

[@AnxiousGary]

You were one of the first youtubers I started following. Wishing you the best with everything!

[@Shamazya]

Nice to see ya back! Got recommended your second most recent video, as of now, and was like 'That's a name I haven't seen for a while, I wonder how Chescaleigh's been back?' Lo and behold just a couple of days! Glad the algorithm picked up some traction for ya!

[@BrittNicole88]

So glad you’re back on YT! I’ve been following your IG but this is OG! Love you!!!!

[@hanniflowers]

Wow! You really unlocked some pathways in my brain back in the day, glad to see you again

[@chescaleigh]

More to come!

[@lastraysofsun]

It's so nice to see you back on KZbin! Always love to see you/your name popping up in media when I wasn't expecting it but as a very longtime subscriber it's really exciting to have you back here again.

[@jm2307]

Something im coming to terms with is how often we are welcomed into spaces that simultaneously won’t protect us. Spaces that will always test us to see how little they can give us in return for our efforts. It’s hard to see things like that coming until we are immersed, but we need to know when enough is enough & things need to change. Glad to see you’re back on your own terms, doing what’s best for you!

[@Whos_That_Lady_Music_Show]

So glad that you're back. Love your wall background, it reminds me of your dreadlocs tutorial videos. I too cut my locs and took some time off. Sorry to hear about your experiences with YT. So glad that you took some time off/self-care. I'm rooting for you and keep your head to the sky. Hugs!

[@jameshillsjr5759]

Welcome back!

[@steverichards7605]

Welcome back! No apologies necessary... sorry you've not been treat uniformly well. I look forward to hearing more from you!

[@midheaven_mimi]

Congrats on all your accomplishments lady!! It’s only up from here!! So glad you’re back ❤🫶🏾🎉

[@ellieisanerd]

Excited for more longer length content here. I've always enjoyed your stuff.

[@leblanc8014]

Welcome back! You are still beautiful in every way! ❤

[@Speilbilde]

Welcome back!! I am not on any other social media so I am happy to see all your tiktoks here. Just moved into a new place so I looove seeing your refurbs, your style is beautiful. 😊

[@sweetlooweeze]

Yayyy! You’ve done so many epic things! Excited for that wallpaper

[@sandanista2002]

Welcome back. I followed your hair videos religiously. I had locs. Also cut them off, but started regrowing two months ago 😊 I’m so sorry you went through all that harassment. I hope this platform does better by you going forward.

[@bethjono]

So nice to see you here! It was like a special treat to see you pop up on Superstore after being a subscriber of yours for so long. Looking forward to seeing what you do next!!

[@hnygirl979]

So glad to see you and know that you are ok! I knew you had been doing great things but was unaware of the personal changes in your life. I am cheering you on, because greatness is your destiny. Love you, Ches! 💞

[@chescaleigh]

Thank you so much!

[@aroyd6212]

welcome back here! I've been loving your tiktoks (the songs kill me haha) I hope youtube welcomes you back how it should

[@stevensteven5144]

Not the dog checking out because YOUR life was too much! I’m sorry but that made me laugh.

[@tomika1003]

I’m so here for the wall paper. Welcome back to KZbin.

[@marcusbearr]

Literally an icon!!! You’ve been missed ❤🎉

[@sxt4447]

It’s so good to have you back ❤

[@blaquecat81]

Welcome back to YT! 🎉 Loved Decoded (even showed a few episodes to my students as discussion for an anti-racism class). It's unfortunate that you weren't supported at a time when you needed protection. But so happy to see that you're flourishing again. Love the wallpaper designs! 🤩

[@peardrop7840]

Welcome back :) been really enjoying your songs that you’ve been putting out and I’ve liked what you say and do since back in the days of the 2010s.

[@eneodu3755]

What a pleasant surprise ❤. I've missed you on here

[@alexwashington8845]

I’d love to see videos of your wall paper making process! There’s not a ton of content on KZbin about printmaking! And welcome back!

[@peardrop7840]

Yes!

[@dreygbn]

Hello queen, i following you for years. Your oldest contents about your locs is why i firstly followed you. (in France we don’t really have enought representation of black women and wearing locs. So it was such a nice discover for me to found you). But i discovered more than a black woman with locs, i discovered too, a entrepreneur, a kindness person, a woman with integrity, a role model for those who need to be inspired. I am glad you are still doing your thing despite all you have been through. And i hope your exemple will serve all the black woman on social platforms who are dealing with racism. ❤

[@NaruyashiaZ]

So excited you’re back on KZbin. Been following you on everything so I’m very happy to see your return to and deeper dives into long form content again. You’ve been doing some really interesting discussions on para social relationships on your other platforms and I think it would be cool for you to do a deeper dive on that topic. Having been a fan of yours since I was in high school back in the early days of KZbin I used to have to remind myself that I don’t actually know you (in an irl way) so it’s a dynamic and topic that I find particularly interesting

[@BeatJunkie47]

cannot WAIT to buy your wallpaper!

[@slickandslaycious6579]

Im😢happy you did what you needed to do for you! And KZbin should wisen up and take care of their contributors! 💜💜💜

[@fb33787]

Thanks so much for sharing your truth, it was healing❤️ also happy to see you venture into new horizons💐🫶🏾

[@WhenInDoubt_Pink]

so happy to see you here!!!!

[@abibatushobowale]

Welcome back! Glad to see you here!

[@macadelic22]

Glad youre back! I never knew about the Black History, For Real podcast. Definitely going to check that out. Looking forward to your future content on YT!

[@firewordsparkler]

Omg welcome back to KZbin! I've been loving your insta/tiktok content!

[@SierraSky]

Welcome back!!! So pleased to see this video. Thank you for posting

[@birdiewolf3497]

Thank you for your work on the iCarly reboot!! I know you were there for the first season, and the show was literally one of my fav sitcoms to come out! I rewatch it all the time! But yeah glad you are back on KZbin. It is the biggest streaming platform. I know I spend most of my time here. It will be nice to have you back in the rotation!

[@denispal]

miss you so much dear Chesca! your friend since your LJ

[@chescaleigh]

Aaaaaw hi! Thanks for being in my corner all these years ❤

[@didistutter100]

I’ll always visit your corner of the internet. U an OG fr!

[@JaySean53]

What’s crazy is that your first video I ever watched was the ACV rinse when I first started my locs. Now seeing you return and have a new identity with such an even more powerfully vibrant energy is amazing! I recently cut my locs when my wife and I found out we have our first child on the way, and it felt incredible. Looking forward to seeing more content on this platform, as well as what the future holds for you!

[@divinemsm716]

Welcome back, sis! So good to see you again! 😊❤

[@RakelDaNell]

Wow! Your story has come full circle in some powerful ways. Stay up, queen. You're blessed.

[@PumkinSeedandSpice]

Love to see you back on YT!! I have a future video question: As an up and coming graphic designer myself, can you give any insight on navigating the industry and finding your niche especially when it comes to the use of AI being more implemented as a new tool for designers?

[@zinja0830]

What a pleasant surprise! I’ve been loving the Lemme Fix It pod and the shorts. Welcome back!

[@NicoleWhitehall]

Welcome back! 🎉 I’m so sorry that you went through all of that with no support from KZbin. So glad you were able to step away for own mental health. I’ve been so inspired by your decor content on TikTok. I’d love to hear more about your wallpaper line and any other graphic design or decor related projects!

[@AliciaRenee554]

Welcome back! 🎉 Keep your beautiful head up! You were talented, are talented, and will always be talented!

[@Lww122]

loved seeing you! glad you took time for you- you're more than the content you create. looking forward to your next chapter!

[@iamEatingRight]

What a pleasant surprise to see you here! I have been following you on other platforms but it's nice to hear from you in a longer format. I'm here for whatever you have to share and say 😊

[@ManyMonstersMedia]

CHESCALEIGH!!!!!!!!!!!!! missed you!!!

[@marshacarney1127]

Just knowing your back is good enough for me

[@ImaniTolliver]

Yay! So glad you’re back! Just be yourself, beloved. There’s so much to explore, right?

[@lefthvnded]

Glad to see you back! I think I started following your journey when you did the loc petal tutorial, and all these years (and other platforms! your book! Decoded! TV!) later, having you come back to the 'tube is nice. I will also say, I recall seeing you at a concert and approaching you before I had done my "how to approach people you see online in real life without being awkward" homework, and you handled it graciously, so thank you. I'd love for you to talk about how you transfer your creativity across mediums on this channel, you've done so much and it'd be cool to see your thought process.

[@chescaleigh]

aw i'm always thankful and flattered when people say hi!! thanks for the love and the content suggestion! lots of people want to hear more about my creative process which i think could be a great lil series

[@LadyT0429]

Welcome Back! I follow you on Facebook, definitely miss your videos!

[@TheOmniwatt]

Great to see you doing well and breaking new ground. So much to celebrate and I hope the right doors continue to open for you!

[@theaudiobookaficionado]

i'm not on tiktok or instagram so i havent seen you around at all! really nice to check back in :) i've been enjoying the shorts youve been uploading

[@incameranet]

Welcome back! I'm excited about your art practice, wallpapers, and interior design work. A few years ago you posted about your standard and bracket shelving installation over your desk and it gave me the courage to pick up a drill and affix to my walls the modular shelves of my dreams.

[@mehlover]

I missed you and glad you're back! I watched you through my looong journey through college. Thanks to you, I unlearned a lot of bigoted beliefs and strive to learn more and become a better person. It's good to take care of yourself and take a break. And considering how bad social media companies are with "handling harassment," it's not surprising to see you take a break from here. I was super happy when I saw you on Superstore. Glad to have you back!

[@cRAVEtrance]

It is SO wonderful to see you! :D

[@cRAVEtrance]

And also, the last five years have treated you well from the looks of it. LOOK AT YOU, YOU'RE GOW-JUS and VIBRANT! :D

[@chescaleigh]

Aw thank you!! I definitely feel the most ME at this stage of life. It’s a real blessing

[@rugofbugs]

We're glad to have you back, and cutting your hair can be soooo freeing. Glad to see you're doing well ❤

[@Elly.Trevisan]

Welcome back!! 🤗

[@every2sdays]

Thanks for sharing and coming back.

[@skateryan]

Welcome back! I've learned so much from you over the years, and I loved you on Superstore! I'm looking forward to what you create going forward. :D

[@smugandsmarmy]

Wow!! Hello and welcome back!! ♥️

[@csupernature]

Lovely to see you again, I jumped to TikTok to follow your inspirational journey. Continue to be GREAT and KIND!

[@TyroneMarcell]

Been a fan. Still a fan! Welcome back 😁

[@sicilyamarismcraven]

Hey! Welcome back to youtube! I always loved your work on this platform even decoded, so it's sad to hear that they didn't work extra hard to protect you when you were getting harassment. Maybe instead of some of that formal well-researched stuff you used to do (even tho I absolutely loved it) you can talk more about your creative process for some of these different projects you've worked on. And how you've changed as an artist over the years. I know it's really personal too, what is the process of divorce like would be a really interesting video as well. Definitely knowing that it's very personal to everybody who has gone thru something like that.

[@kellifritsche1]

Yay! ❤ so great to hear from you

[@Christelyn1]

Hi Chesca! So glad to see you back. Would love to reconnect again sometime.

[@nuggetschicken8961]

Stayed subscribed 💕 glad to have you back on KZbin

[@wokeaf1242]

Welcome back. You've been missed but I totally understand. However your voice is very much needed, especially these days. Good luck with everything.

[@KristenJeffers]

I wanted to just add on here that I'm so proud of every pivot and decision and new project and reclamation. Right now, I'm deciding what my next act is going to be after looking back at my own 20+ years online and being tired of not getting supported in the way I need. Spoiler alert, it's probably going to be 80% cloth and 20% cities, but whatever it is, we all get to be happy and I'm working towards what that looks like for me.

[@JKevinCarrier]

Welcome back! Sounds like you have lots of cool projects in the pipeline, looking forward to hearing more about all of them.

[@Itoshimi]

I’ve never seen any of your videos and I don’t know why I got recommended this but I’ll still subscribe! Always support black women

[@AuntyCleo]

Welcome back 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

[@TheMechanicalHound]

Welcome back! Thanks for being honest about your online and real life experience

[@LooshyLu]

so glad you took time to heal, sis! and you're looking good!

[@AnnMarieSampson]

So glad you popped up on my timeline again. Welcome back!

[@msjayeparker]

WOW SIS!! Miss ya! Happy to see you! ❤️❤️❤️🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@ebonni555123]

So happy to see you again ❤️ I met you during your book signing on my birthday!

[@serenity6831]

Holy moly, welcome back!

[@donnavee7748]

Welcome back.🎉

[@through-the-looking-glasses]

I loved your videos back in the day! Excited for you to be back!

[@MellifloDoubleO]

Happy to see your face, and exciting for what this new chapter will bring!

[@sassysb3000]

Omg….. yay 😃. Welcome back 💕

[@emb3863]

Im not one for interacting a lot on social media but ive been following you for nearly 10 years at this point, i loved your MTV show so much too, and im glad to see you back on here and happy, i have seen you around on ig but it's different

[@MsAndrea]

I feel like I have followed your entire journey. I loved everything you did. Welcome back.

[@vintageincolor]

I remember that show. It was back when we as a culture were not at all racially sensitive or educated on race relations etc. certainly we weren’t as socially conscious or aware as we are now. I remember loving your content as a little black girl navigating a hateful, racist platform full of misogynoir (a word I didn’t have to describe the vitriol I was seeing and feeling at the time) and seeing such a beautiful talented blacknwoman doing things I wanted to do without even realizing it (and am now doing) you were the light in a very dark time for me on the internet at the time. You were like my big sister and inspiration. I remember the racism and misogynoir you were on the end of on those comments. At the time I made the conscious effort to withdraw for my own safety. But I’m happy for your growth and return. Thank you for being vulnerable and honest. Missed you! ❤

[@myvids718]

Love your hair like that! So elegant and chic!