Hailey Welch, born on July 13, 2002, in North Carolina, USA, is a social media personality and entrepreneur who gained widespread recognition as the “Hawk Tuah Girl” following a viral video in June 2024. As of December 2024, she is 22 years old.
Early Life
Hailey was raised in Belfast, Tennessee, by her paternal grandmother from the age of nine months. Her mother, Jessie Welch, struggled with substance abuse, leading to minimal contact between them. Her father, Mike Welch, worked as a farmhand and maintained occasional presence in her life. This upbringing in a rural setting, surrounded by horse farms, instilled in Hailey a deep appreciation for animals. She has a miniature dog named Ellie and a horse named Remmy Jane.
Career
Prior to her internet fame, Hailey worked at a spring factory in Belfast, Tennessee, manufacturing parts for vending machines. Her life took an unexpected turn during the CMA Fest in Nashville in June 2024. While out with her friend Chelsea Bradford, she participated in a street interview conducted by Tim & Dee TV. When asked, “What’s one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?” Hailey humorously responded, “You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang,” referring to spitting during oral sex. This candid remark, delivered in her Southern accent, quickly went viral, earning her the nickname “Hawk Tuah Girl.”
The viral video catapulted Hailey into the spotlight, leading to numerous opportunities. She partnered with the apparel brand Fathead Threads to create an official line of “Hawk Tuah” hats, which reportedly generated over $65,000 in sales. She also launched a podcast titled “Talk Tuah,” where she discusses various topics with guests. Her Instagram account, @hay_welch, amassed more than 2.6 million followers, allowing her to leverage her online presence for brand partnerships and sponsored content.
Relationships
Hailey has been private about her personal relationships. However, on November 13, 2024, she made her relationship with a man named Pookie public through an Instagram post. Details about their relationship remain limited, as Hailey prefers to keep her personal life out of the public eye.
Real Estate
Information regarding Hailey’s real estate holdings is not publicly available. Given her recent rise to fame and financial success, it’s plausible she has invested in property, but specific details have not been disclosed.
Net Worth
Estimates of Hailey’s net worth vary. Some sources suggest it is around $12.5 million, attributed to merchandise sales, brand partnerships, and social media influence. However, other reports estimate her net worth at approximately $200,000. The exact figure remains uncertain, but her earnings have undoubtedly increased since her viral moment.
Height and Physical Appearance
Hailey stands at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall and weighs around 59 kg (130 lbs). She has blonde hair and brown eyes. Her petite stature and vibrant personality have endeared her to many fans.
Other Interests
Beyond her online persona, Hailey is an animal lover, caring for her dog Ellie and horse Remmy Jane. She has expressed interest in comedy and philanthropy, aiming to use her platform to make a positive impact. Despite the sudden fame, she remains grounded and focused on leveraging her influence for good.
In summary, Hailey Welch’s journey from a factory worker in Tennessee to an internet sensation exemplifies the unpredictable nature of viral fame. Her authenticity and humor have resonated with a broad audience, paving the way for a promising career in social media and beyond.