In the whirlwind world of internet fame, few stories are as captivating as that of Hailey Welch, affectionately known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl.” From a spontaneous street interview to amassing a significant fortune, Welch’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of viral fame. Boredpanda
The Viral Moment That Sparked It All
In June 2024, during the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Hailey Welch participated in a street interview with Tim & Dee TV. When asked about a bedroom move that drives men crazy, her candid and humorous response, “You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang,” instantly resonated with audiences, catapulting her into internet stardom. ( celebritynetworth ) ( threads.net )
Capitalizing on the Meme
Recognizing the momentum, Welch swiftly transitioned from her job at a bedspring factory to launching a merchandise line featuring her now-famous catchphrase. Within weeks, she reportedly earned over $65,000 from merchandise sales alone . ( neoreach ) ( coinmarketcap )
Diversifying Her Brand
Beyond merchandise, Welch expanded her brand through various avenues:
- Social Media Influence: Her Instagram following soared to over 2.6 million, leading to lucrative brand partnerships, including a notable deal with Sauber F1 .
- Podcast Ventures: She launched the “Talk Tuah” podcast, managed by Jake Paul’s Betr Media Company, featuring interviews with celebrities like Jojo Siwa and Wiz Khalifa.
- Public Appearances: Welch made headlines by joining Zach Bryan on stage during a concert and DJing alongside Shaquille O’Neal.
The Cryptocurrency Controversy
In December 2024, Welch ventured into the cryptocurrency space with the launch of the $Hawk token. Initially achieving a market capitalization of $500 million, the coin’s value plummeted shortly after, leading to allegations of a “rug pull” and subsequent legal challenges .
Estimating Her Net Worth
As of 2025, estimates of Welch’s net worth vary:
- $500,000 Estimate: Some sources, including Celebrity Net Worth, place her net worth at approximately $500,000, factoring in her earnings from merchandise, social media, and public appearances .
- $12.5 Million Estimate: Other reports suggest a net worth of $12.5 million, attributing the higher figure to her diverse income streams and rapid rise to fame .
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Welch continues to engage with her audience and expand her brand. She has announced plans for a documentary titled “DocTuah,” aiming to provide an in-depth look at her journey from viral sensation to internet personality .
Hailey Welch’s story underscores the power of the internet in shaping modern fame and fortune. From a spontaneous moment to building a multifaceted brand, her journey offers insights into the opportunities and pitfalls of viral success.