
We’ve all seen the video. You know, the one where Hailey Welch, aka the Hawk Tuah Girl, confidently drops the now-infamous line: “You gotta give him that Hawk Tuah and spit on that thang!” The internet lost its collective mind. Within days, she went from a small-town factory worker to a viral sensation, and the rest is meme history. But what happens after the TikToks stop trending and the Twitter threads cool down?
Well, buckle up, because we’re about to take you behind the scenes of Hailey’s wild, post-viral life—and trust me, it’s just as bizarre and entertaining as you’d imagine. Spoiler: It involves a lot more T-shirts, podcasts, and reality TV producers than anyone could have predicted.
From Factory to Fame: A Very Different Day Job
Before she became the internet’s favorite source of confusion, Hailey Welch was just your average factory worker in Belfast, Tennessee. Clock in, wind springs, clock out. It was a routine as predictable as your aunt’s Facebook posts. But that all changed with one unplanned moment of Southern charm and absurdity.
Now, her days look a little different. Instead of winding springs, she’s busy winding up her fans—selling merch, making appearances, and fielding offers for reality TV deals. “It’s a lot to get used to,” Hailey admitted in a recent interview, “One minute I’m just hanging out with Chelsea [her best friend], and the next I’m selling T-shirts to people in Australia!”
For context, MarketWatch reported that Hailey’s Hawk Tuah merch sales hit over $150,000 in the first few months after her video went viral. Not bad for a catchphrase that no one really understands.
The Merch Empire: “Spit on That Thang” Goes Global
Let’s talk about the merch for a second. When life hands you a viral moment, the smart thing to do is slap it on a T-shirt and start counting the dollars. And Hailey? Well, she went all-in on that strategy. From Hawk Tuah mugs to “Spit on That Thang” hoodies, she’s turned her 15 minutes of fame into a full-blown brand.
“I still don’t really get why people want to buy it, but hey, if they love it, who am I to stop them?” Hailey said when asked about her unexpected merch success. And it’s true—people are obsessed.
The latest hit? A limited-edition “Hawk Tuah” fanny pack that sold out within hours of launching. Apparently, nothing says viral icon like a stylish fanny pack with a nonsensical phrase plastered across it.
But it’s not just about the money. Hailey’s merchandise empire has given her something no factory job ever could—freedom. “I don’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. anymore,” she jokes. “Now I just wake up whenever, pack some orders, and go about my day.”
Life in the Spotlight: The Good, the Weird, and the Memes
Hailey’s newfound fame isn’t just about selling T-shirts—it’s about navigating the weird world of internet celebrity. Let’s be clear: there’s no handbook for how to deal with sudden viral fame. One day, you’re a regular person; the next, you’re getting stopped in the grocery store by people asking you to say “Hawk Tuah” for their Instagram story.
“At first, I thought people were joking,” Hailey said. “But no, they really wanted me to say it. I was like, ‘Y’all do realize it doesn’t mean anything, right?’”
But the internet works in mysterious ways, and once you’ve been memed, there’s no going back. Hailey’s social media is flooded with comments from fans quoting her famous line, remixing her video into songs, and creating bizarre fan art. She’s even had people send her custom-made Hawk Tuah jewelry. Yes, really.
According to Pew Research, the lifespan of viral content is usually short, but people who can keep their audiences engaged with fresh, relatable content can ride the wave for much longer. Hailey seems to be doing just that, with her witty, unbothered personality keeping her fanbase hooked. “It’s all pretty funny to me,” she says. “I just try to roll with it.”
The Reality TV Offers: Hawk Tuah on the Small Screen?
What’s the next logical step for a viral star? If you guessed reality TV, you’re right. Hailey’s life has become so surreal that she’s now being approached by reality TV producers hoping to cash in on her bizarre rise to fame.
“I’ve had a few offers,” she said, grinning. “I never thought I’d be on TV, but if people want to watch me do whatever, I guess I’m down.”
And let’s be real—who wouldn’t tune in to watch Hailey navigate her post-viral life? Between the merch empire, the fan interactions, and the wild world of internet fame, she’s a natural fit for the kind of unscripted chaos that makes reality TV so addictive.
According to Variety, viral internet stars have become a hot commodity for reality producers looking to tap into younger audiences. Hailey’s mix of charm, confusion, and Southern sass is exactly what networks are looking for in today’s meme-driven culture.
What Her Family Thinks: From Confused to Proud
Going viral is one thing, but how does your family react when you become the internet’s new favorite meme? For Hailey, it’s been a mix of confusion and pride. Her dad, in particular, is still wrapping his head around the whole thing.
“He’s like, ‘I don’t know what you said, but it sure is making you a lot of money,’” Hailey laughs. “He’s just happy I’m not working at the factory anymore.”
Her grandmother, who’s been one of Hailey’s biggest supporters, doesn’t fully get the internet fame but is delighted to see her granddaughter succeed in such a weird, unexpected way. “She doesn’t know what Hawk Tuah means either, but she loves the T-shirts,” Hailey says.
What’s Next for Hailey?
The question on everyone’s mind is: What’s next for Hailey Welch? She’s already conquered viral fame, launched a successful merch line, and is fielding offers for reality TV. So, what’s left?
“I don’t know,” Hailey admits. “I’m just kind of taking it day by day. Maybe I’ll do a podcast. I like to talk, and apparently, people like to listen to me say random stuff.”
A Hawk Tuah podcast? Honestly, it sounds like the perfect next step in the strange, meme-fueled career of Hailey Welch. And if the internet has taught us anything, it’s that as long as people are still confused and entertained, Hawk Tuah isn’t going anywhere.
Final Thoughts: The Wild Ride of Hawk Tuah
Hailey Welch didn’t ask for fame, and she certainly didn’t expect her off-the-cuff phrase to take over the internet. But now that she’s here, she’s making the most of it—and having a blast while doing it. From factory worker to viral sensation, her life has changed in ways no one could have predicted.
The best part? She’s stayed exactly the same. Still down-to-earth, still laughing at the absurdity of it all, and still ready to roll with whatever comes next. Hawk Tuah may not mean anything, but for Hailey, it means opportunity—and a life far beyond the factory floor.