Hailey Welch Net Worth 2025: How the Hawk Tuah Girl Built Her Fortune
That one viral moment transformed her from factory worker to millionaire.
In June 2024, a spontaneous street interview in Nashville’s Broadway district unleashed an internet phenomenon that would forever change the life of a then-unknown 21-year-old named Hailey Welch. Her unfiltered response to a provocative question about bedroom preferences—”You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang”—catapulted her to instant fame, generating millions of views within days and earning her the nickname “Hawk Tuah Girl.” Almost overnight, she transformed from a factory worker earning an hourly wage to a savvy entrepreneur commanding five figures for public appearances. So what is Hailey Welch’s net worth after this meteoric rise, and how has she built her fortune in such a short time?
From Factory Floor to Internet Fame: The Hawk Tuah Origin Story
Humble Beginnings in Small-Town Tennessee
Long before the world knew her name, Hailey Welch lived a remarkably ordinary life in Belfast, Tennessee—a small town with a population of just 844 people, no traffic lights, and “cow fields everywhere” as she would later describe it . Growing up in this rural community, Welch was raised by her paternal grandmother and had experienced a challenging childhood, having mentioned in interviews that she no longer speaks with her mother .
Before her viral explosion, Welch worked the early morning shift at a bedspring factory, where her responsibilities included packing springs into boxes for shipment based on customer orders . She maintained this job even as her video began circulating, initially waking up to find her group chats “blowing up” before heading to work the morning after the interview was posted .
The Viral Explosion That Changed Everything
The now-legendary interview occurred when Welch and a friend approached creators from the YouTube channel Tim & Dee TV during a night out at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville . When asked “What’s one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?” by interviewer DeArius Marlow, Welch delivered her now-famous line with charismatic Southern charm .
The video quickly went viral after being posted to TikTok, with countless accounts reposting it without credit to the original creators . Within days, Welch found herself at the center of an internet storm, with her phrase and likeness being turned into memes, remixes, and unofficial merchandise.
Table: Hailey Welch’s Rapid Rise to Fame
| Date | Key Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| June 11, 2024 | Viral interview recorded | Initial video captured |
| June 12-13, 2024 | Video spreads across platforms | Millions of views within days |
| June 20, 2024 | Official merchandise launched | $65,000+ in sales within weeks |
| June 27, 2024 | Quit factory job | Focused full-time on opportunities |
| June 29, 2024 | Performed with Zach Bryan | First major public appearance |
| Early July 2024 | Signed with The Penthouse | Professional representation |
Building the Hawk Tuah Brand: Income Streams
Merchandise: Cashing In on Viral Fame
Demonstrating sharp business instincts, Welch quickly partnered with Fathead Threads, a Tennessee-based clothing company, to launch official “Hawk Tuah” merchandise just days after her viral moment . The collection featured hats, t-shirts, and other apparel bearing her famous phrase.
The response was overwhelming—within a couple of weeks, she had sold over $65,000 worth of merchandise . The small, family-owned business reported being inundated with orders far beyond their normal capacity, with the owner noting “This is way out of the normal for us. We’re all-hands-on-deck right now” .
Lucrative Appearances and Partnerships
As the Hawk Tuah phenomenon grew, so did Welch’s earning potential for public appearances. Her first professional gig after going viral earned her a reported $30,000 for appearing at the Daer Dayclub at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, to celebrate reaching one million Instagram followers .
She soon began making high-profile appearances, including:
- Joining country star Zach Bryan on stage at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium to perform his song “Revival”
- Partying with Shaquille O’Neal during his DJ set at JBJ’s Nashville
- Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a New York Mets game
- Making television appearances on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Social Media Monetization
With virality came massive social media followings. As of 2025, Welch boasts impressive numbers across platforms:
These platforms have provided multiple revenue streams through branded content, sponsored posts, and partnership deals. One notable collaboration was with Sauber F1, though specific earnings from such deals haven’t been disclosed .
Podcast Venture: “Talk Tuah”
In September 2024, Welch launched her podcast, “Talk Tuah,” initially in partnership with Jake Paul’s media company Betr . The show featured guests like comedian Whitney Cummings, rapper Wiz Khalifa, business mogul Mark Cuban, and JoJo Siwa .
After a three-month hiatus following the cryptocurrency controversy (which we’ll discuss later), Welch relaunched the podcast independently in March 2025 without Betr’s sponsorship, with plans to rebrand it in a more personal, “girlier” style . Her dream guests include Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus .
Net Worth Analysis: Breaking Down the Numbers
What is Hailey Welch’s Net Worth in 2025?
According to multiple sources including Celebrity Net Worth, Haliey Welch has an estimated net worth of $500,000 as of 2025 . This figure represents remarkable financial growth in less than a year, especially considering her previous employment at a factory.
It’s worth noting that some estimates vary—other sources suggest figures between $100,000 and $250,000 , while one outlier mentions $12.5 million , which appears significantly inflated compared to other reports. The $500,000 estimate seems most consistent across reputable sources.
Table: Hailey Welch’s Income Sources Breakdown
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Sales | $65,000+ | Initial weeks of sales; likely continued revenue |
| Public Appearances | $30,000+ per event | First gig at $30,000; potential for higher fees later |
| Social Media | Unknown but substantial | Brand deals and sponsored content |
| Podcast | Unknown | Initial sponsorship; now independent |
| Crypto Promotion | Marketing fee (undisclosed) | One-time payment for $HAWK token promotion |
Net Worth Trajectory: Before and After Fame
The transformation in Welch’s financial situation has been dramatic:
Before Viral Fame:
- Hourly wage at a bedspring factory
- Modest lifestyle in her grandmother’s home in Belfast, Tennessee
- No social media presence or additional income streams
After Viral Fame:
- Estimated net worth of $500,000
- Multiple revenue streams from merchandise, appearances, and content
- Professional representation by The Penthouse management firm
- National recognition and celebrity connections
The Cryptocurrency Controversy: $HAWK Token Scandal
Boom and Bust of the Meme Coin
In December 2024, Welch ventured into the world of cryptocurrency with the launch of $HAWK token on Solana . The meme coin experienced a meteoric rise, reaching a market capitalization of nearly $500 million before plummeting dramatically to around $25 million—a loss of approximately 95% of its value .
The sudden crash led to accusations of a “rug pull” scam (a deceptive practice where developers abandon a project and run away with investors’ funds) from within the crypto community . Prominent cryptocurrency journalist Coffeezilla accused Welch and her team of insider trading and labeled the project an exit scam .
Legal Fallout and Response
The controversy resulted in at least one investor filing a complaint with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission . A lawsuit was also filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against the $HAWK creators for allegedly promoting and selling unregistered cryptocurrency .
Though Welch wasn’t named in the lawsuit, she responded to the litigation, stating that she “take[s] this situation extremely seriously” and pledged to be “fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting” the legal parties involved . She later clarified that she only “got paid a marketing fee” for promoting the $HAWK token and never made a “dime from the coin itself” .
In March 2025, the SEC closed its investigation into Welch, stating that it found no evidence of fraud .
Personal Life and Brand Identity
Relationship and Personal Values
Despite her newfound fame, Welch has maintained aspects of her previous lifestyle, including continuing to live with her grandmother in Nashville . She is in a relationship with Kelby Blackwell (known online as ‘Kelby the Plumber’), whom she confirmed as her boyfriend during an episode of her podcast in late 2024 .
In a display of her personal values, Welch used her platform to support charitable causes, including promoting animal shelter adoption . In one Instagram video, she shopped at PetSmart and donated her purchases to a nearby animal shelter, showcasing a dog named Blondie who had been in the shelter for 130 days . She captioned the video: “If I only have 15 minutes of fame, then I’m going to spend every last minute of it doing the right thing” .
Managing Rumors and Public Perception
With fame came increased public scrutiny and rumors. Welch has used her social media platforms to address and debunk various claims, including:
- Denying she was ever a schoolteacher
- Clarifying that she quit her factory job rather than being fired
- Confirming she turned down an offer from Playboy
- Stating she would not create an OnlyFans account, explaining “I’m not comfortable doing that, ever”
- Denying being an “industry plant” and maintaining that her viral moment was entirely spontaneous
Future Prospects and Career Trajectory
Expanding Media Presence
Looking ahead, Welch has expressed interest in pursuing more acting opportunities following her appearance in Glen Powell’s 2025 television series “Chad Powers” . She continues to grow her media presence through podcasting, brand collaborations, and guest appearances.
In 2025, Welch announced an upcoming documentary titled “DocTuah,” which will chronicle her rapid rise from obscurity to fame . This project represents another revenue stream and opportunity to control her narrative.
Business Ventures and Longevity
Unlike many viral sensations who quickly fade from public attention, Welch has demonstrated notable business acumen in capitalizing on her moment of fame. From merchandise to podcasting to public appearances, she has diversified her income streams beyond the initial viral clip.
Her creation of the company 16 Minutes (a play on Andy Warhol’s “15 minutes of fame” quote) and filing for trademarks for her catchphrase show planning for longer-term brand management .
Sustainability Challenges
The key challenge for Welch will be transitioning from viral meme to sustainable career. Internet fame is notoriously fickle, and maintaining public interest requires continuous content creation and brand evolution. Her ability to navigate the cryptocurrency controversy without lasting damage to her reputation suggests resilience, but the entertainment industry presents ongoing challenges.
Also Read : Fuerza Regida Net Worth
Conclusion: More Than Just a Viral Moment
Hailey Welch’s journey from factory worker to entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $500,000 demonstrates the potent financial power of internet virality in today’s digital age. Yet beyond the impressive numbers, her story reveals a savvy business mindset that recognized opportunity in a spontaneous moment and maximized its potential through merchandise, appearances, and content creation.
While the $HAWK token controversy presented a significant setback, her apparent recovery and continued projects suggest she may have staying power beyond typical internet sensations. As she continues to expand her brand through podcasting, potential acting roles, and business ventures, Welch represents a modern phenomenon: someone who transformed a fleeting viral moment into a sustainable career.
Her net worth reflects not just luck, but the strategic execution of leveraging sudden fame into multiple revenue streams—a blueprint for the digital age where anyone can go viral, but only a few can build lasting success from it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hailey Welch’s net worth in 2025?
Hailey Welch’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $500,000 as of 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth and other sources .
How does Hailey Welch make money?
Welch generates income through multiple streams including: merchandise sales (over $65,000 in initial weeks), public appearances (reportedly $30,000 for her first professional gig), social media brand deals, her podcast “Talk Tuah,” and promotional fees for projects like the $HAWK cryptocurrency .
What is the Hawk Tuah cryptocurrency scandal?
In December 2024, Welch promoted the $HAWK token, which reached a $500 million market cap before crashing to $25 million. Investors accused the creators of a “rug pull” scam, leading to lawsuits and SEC investigations. Welch stated she only received a marketing fee and didn’t profit from the coin itself. The SEC closed its investigation in March 2025, finding no evidence of fraud .
How much did Hailey Welch make from her viral moment?
While her exact total earnings haven’t been disclosed, we know specific components: $65,000+ from initial merchandise sales, at least $30,000 from her first paid appearance, and undisclosed amounts from brand deals, social media, and podcasting. Her estimated net worth of $500,000 suggests significant cumulative earnings from these various ventures .
Is Hailey Welch still popular in 2025?
Yes, Welch maintains substantial popularity with millions of followers across social media platforms and continues to release podcast episodes and make public appearances. Her announcement of an upcoming documentary and expression of interest in acting roles indicate she’s maintaining her public presence .