Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 13, 2024 1:22 pm GMT
Haliey Welch shot to fame in the blink of an eye, thanks to one cheeky response during a man-on-the-street interview in Nashville. The 21-year-old, now famously dubbed the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” is navigating the chaotic world of viral fame, which came unexpectedly and turned her life upside down. With millions of views on her video and a growing social media presence, Welch has emerged as a recognizable figure while also remaining deeply connected to her small-town roots.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Welch’s rise to internet stardom began in June, when she was asked a provocative question: “What’s one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?” Her off-the-cuff reply, “You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang!” quickly made waves across social media. The video, uploaded by Tim & Dee TV, has since garnered an astounding 18 million views.
“It was hella hectic,” Welch reflected, describing her experience just days after the video went viral. The sudden attention took her by surprise, and she found herself overwhelmed by the influx of messages and notifications.
Adjusting to Fame
Initially, Welch retreated from the spotlight, staying hidden for two weeks. “I didn’t leave the house. I was too embarrassed,” she admitted. Raised by her grandmother in the small town of Belfast, Tennessee, where cow fields are more common than city streets, Welch’s life suddenly transformed from anonymity to notoriety.
Gradually, she shared the story with her grandmother, who found humor in the situation. “That’s where I get my mouth from,” Welch joked, crediting her grandmother for her bold personality and lively spirit.
Carving Out New Opportunities
Now with 2.5 million followers on Instagram, Welch is using her newfound fame to launch various projects and initiatives. She recently left her factory job to pursue more opportunities in entertainment and social media. Her enthusiastic embrace of her public persona has led to a variety of engagements, including appearing alongside well-known figures like country singer Zach Bryan and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.
In addition to her public appearances, Welch has founded Paws Across America, a charitable organization that supports animal welfare. “I didn’t ask for this, but I’m grateful. I want to help others too,” she said, expressing her wish to give back to the community.
Talk Tuah—A Podcast Journey
Welch is also making waves in the podcasting world with her show, “Talk Tuah.” The podcast quickly climbed to No. 3 on Spotify’s Top Comedy Podcast chart. Through engaging interviews and discussions about dating, life experiences, and her rising fame, Welch is establishing herself not only as a social media influencer but as a voice in popular culture.
“Life has changed so much, but I’m still me at heart,” Welch emphasized. Her podcast features a variety of guests and topics, further solidifying her position as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
Caption: Haliey Welch, the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” now hosts her own podcast, “Talk Tuah.”
Finding Balance Between Fame and Home
Despite her skyrocketing fame, Welch has no intentions of leaving her small-town life behind. The quiet charm of Belfast, with a population of just 844, remains an important part of her identity. “That’s my peace of mind,” she said, highlighting her preference for the calm of her hometown over the chaos of Hollywood.
Welch’s commitment to her community is evident in her actions. She frequently shares stories about her life in Belfast and prioritizes staying connected with family and friends.
A Message to Her Fans
As Welch navigates this new chapter of her life, she remains grounded and grateful. Her story serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of fame, but it also illustrates how one moment can alter the trajectory of life dramatically. With her eyes set on new horizons, she aims to use her voice and influence to positively affect others.
“I never wanted all this attention, but I’m going to make the best of it,” Welch said. Her story of going from being an unknown factory worker to a viral star shows just how surprising life can be in today’s digital world. With her podcast, her charity work, and her connection to where she came from, Welch is set on making a positive impact while enjoying her time in the spotlight.
