One significant avenue for her earnings has been a merchandise line created in collaboration with Fathead Threads, a family-owned business based in Marshall County, Tennessee. The company, run by Jason Poteete, who has known Hailey for years, started selling Hawk Tuah hats. According to a Rolling Stone article, over 2,000 hats have been sold, generating at least $65,000 in revenue. While the exact profit split remains undisclosed, Hailey claimed on the podcast “Plan Bri Uncut” that she received half of the proceeds, amounting to at least $32,500 before taxes.
Hailey has also been approached with unconventional business opportunities, such as an offer of $600 to spit in a jar and sell it. She declined this particular venture but continues to explore various ways to monetize her viral fame.
What Has the Hawk Tuah Girl Said About Being a Meme?
Initially, Hailey kept a low profile following her viral moment. However, she eventually embraced her internet fame, appearing on podcasts and interviews to share her side of the story. On “Plan Bri Uncut,” Hailey clarified several rumors and expressed her family’s supportive and amused reaction to her sudden fame. Contrary to some reports, her father is not a preacher, and her family finds her viral moment hilarious. “They know how I am,” Hailey said. “You can never tell what comes out of my mouth. It’s a hit or miss what comes out of my mouth.”
Hailey also explained that her response during the Tim & Dee TV interview was partly intended as a joke. “Because you’re gonna come up to me with a microphone and ask me something like that?” she said. “I’m gonna hawk tuah and spit on it, you know?”
The Cultural Impact of the Hawk Tuah Girl
Hailey Welch’s journey from a night out at the CMA Fest to becoming the Hawk Tuah Girl is a quintessential example of how the internet can transform ordinary moments into cultural phenomena. Her story is a blend of humor, spontaneity, and the magic of viral content. Hailey’s ability to laugh at herself and embrace her newfound identity has turned her into more than just a meme; she is a symbol of how unpredictability and authenticity can resonate with a global audience.
As Hailey continues to navigate her unexpected fame, her story serves as a reminder of the power of the internet to shape modern culture. What started as a playful answer in a street interview has blossomed into a career and a cultural touchstone, showing that sometimes, all it takes is a moment of candidness to capture the world’s attention.
