What impact did the Hawk Tuah meme have on Haliey Welch's career

In the ever-evolving world of internet fame, few figures have ascended as quickly—and unexpectedly—as Haliey Welch, better known online as the “Hawk Tuah Girl.” In mid-2024, Welch shot to viral fame following her humorous and unfiltered response in a man-on-the-street TikTok interview. 

Her phrase “hawk tuah,” an onomatopoeia mimicking a spit sound in the context of oral sex, instantly became a meme and a pop culture staple. 

This article explores what impact the Hawk Tuah meme had on Haliey Welch's career, her transformation from factory worker to media figure, and the broader implications of her sudden rise to internet stardom.

From Factory Floor to Front Page: Viral Breakout

Before becoming the Hawk Tuah Girl, Haliey Welch lived a relatively private life in Tennessee, working in a bedspring factory. 

Born on July 13, 2002, Welch was unknown outside her community until a candid TikTok clip in June 2024 rocketed her into the digital spotlight. When asked about a move that drives men crazy in bed, Welch’s comical and bold answer—“you gotta give ‘em that hawk tuah”—turned her into an overnight internet icon.

The hawk tuah girl meaning immediately resonated with meme culture. Her soundbite was remixed, quoted, and used in countless videos, making her a top trending topic across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Read also: What is Hawk Tuah Crypto? Is $HAWK Legit or a Scam?

Leveraging the Meme: Branding Success

Despite initial hesitation, Welch quickly recognized the power of her newfound fame. She launched social media accounts and amassed millions of followers: over 2.5 million on Instagram and 1.8 million on TikTok by early 2025. 

Rather than run from the meme, she leaned into it, building a persona that was both self-aware and unapologetically Southern.

Her followers embraced her authenticity, and Welch began posting regularly, collaborating with other influencers, and forming a strong fan base. Her catchphrase wasn’t just a moment—it was a brand.

Business Ventures and Media Expansion

Welch capitalized on her fame with impressive speed and business acumen. Her Hawk Tuah-themed merchandise, including hats, shirts, and novelty items, reportedly generated over $65,000 in just a few weeks.

She established her own company, registered trademarks, and began making paid appearances. Notably, she threw the first pitch at a New York Mets game, shared the stage with Zach Bryan, and later launched the popular “Talk Tuah” podcast under Jake Paul’s media company Betr—quickly ranking in Spotify’s top five daily podcasts.

Welch even released an AI-powered dating app called “Pookie Tools,” featuring tools for conversation starters and fashion advice.

Professional Representation and Media Legitimacy

To navigate the entertainment world, Welch signed with The Penthouse, a media management company, marking a transition from internet curiosity to professionally guided media figure. This partnership allowed her to explore structured opportunities, from podcasting to brand collaborations and beyond.

With strategic guidance, Welch has transformed her persona into a sustainable platform—something few viral stars achieve.

The Memecoin Controversy

Not everything in Welch’s post-viral journey has been smooth. In late 2024, she launched the Hawk Tuah memecoin on the Solana blockchain. 

The coin reached a $500 million market cap before crashing by 95%, triggering widespread criticism and accusations of insider trading.

Crypto influencers like Coffeezilla denounced the launch as chaotic and irresponsible. Although Welch denied wrongdoing, the backlash forced her into a brief social media hiatus. 

While she later returned and addressed the controversy, the incident highlighted the volatility of internet fame when mixed with high-risk ventures.

Read also: Hawk Tuah Rug Chronology and Lawsuit

Lasting Cultural Impact

Despite controversy, Welch has firmly embedded herself in pop culture. Many see her as a uniquely Southern, Gen Z media figure—some even compare her to a modern-day Dolly Parton, known for wit, charm, and a magnetic persona. Her phrase has been used in Halloween costumes, remix videos, and parody skits.

Welch’s influence demonstrates the power of relatability and humor in shaping online narratives. The meme may have started as a joke, but it became a cultural touchstone—and a turning point in her life.

Conclusion

The Hawk Tuah meme did more than generate laughs—it launched Haliey Welch from anonymity to celebrity. 

With clever branding, a supportive fanbase, and bold ventures into media and merchandise, Welch has redefined what it means to turn a viral moment into a career. 

While the road hasn’t been without its missteps, her journey remains a powerful example of how internet culture can upend lives—and create unexpected stars.

FAQ

Who is the Hawk Tuah girl real name?

The real name of the Hawk Tuah Girl is Haliey Welch, a 22-year-old woman from Tennessee who became famous after a viral TikTok video in 2024.

What does “hawk tuah” mean?

“Hawk tuah” is an onomatopoeic expression mimicking the sound of spitting. In the viral video, it was used humorously to describe an exaggerated form of oral sex, sparking widespread meme culture.

What is Haliey Welch doing now?

Haliey Welch is now a full-time internet personality, entrepreneur, and podcaster. She hosts the Talk Tuah podcast and has launched merchandise and digital apps.

Did Haliey Welch face backlash?

Yes, Welch faced backlash after the launch of her Hawk Tuah cryptocurrency, which lost most of its value quickly and led to accusations of mismanagement and insider control.