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Haliey Welch |
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Haliey Welch
Date of Birth: 2002-07-12
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Some influencers plan their rise for years. Others stumble into fame in a matter of seconds. That’s exactly what happened with Haliey Welch, the Tennessee native whose hilarious and unfiltered “Hawk Tuah” sidewalk interview clip took over the internet in 2024. What started as a joke quickly became a cultural moment and a career launchpad.
A year later, Haliey isn’t just a viral meme. She’s a growing brand, a podcast host, and an online personality with real staying power. But her journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing there have been brand deals, controversies, and a fair share of criticism. Still, she’s proven she’s more than a one-hit-wonder.
Let’s dive into the story of Haliey Welch, better known as the Hawk Tuah Girl, and how she’s building her space in the influencer world.
Early Life and Background of Haliey Welch
Before her viral fame, Haliey Welch lived a low-key life. Born and raised in Tennessee, she was working in a factory job when the internet suddenly discovered her.
Unlike influencers who come from modeling or entertainment, Haliey’s charm was exactly the opposite: she was raw, real, and refreshingly normal. That’s what people loved about her from the start. The sidewalk interview where she delivered her now-famous line “You gotta hawk tuah on it!” wasn't planned. It was just her being herself, and that authenticity struck a chord with millions.
Birth Information:
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Full Name: Haliey Welch
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Nickname: Hawk Tuah Girl
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Birthplace: Tennessee, USA
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Occupation (Now): Influencer, podcast host, brand partner
Best Known For:
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The viral “Hawk Tuah” meme
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Her quick rise from factory worker to internet celebrity
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Candid, relatable personality
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Hosting her own lifestyle and commentary podcast
Haliey Welch's Physical Appearance
Haliey Welch has a naturally approachable look that fits perfectly with her brand. She’s not a super-polished influencer trying to sell perfection she’s real, confident, and proud of her roots.
She has a slim and athletic figure that reflects her working-class background.
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Height: Approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
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Weight: Around 60 kg (132 lbs)
Her casual, country-girl vibe often includes denim, tank tops, and no-fuss hairstyles. But don’t mistake her look for a lack of style Haliey knows how to turn heads with her signature mix of sass and Southern charm.
Career and Achievements of Haliey Welch
What happened after the “Hawk Tuah” clip went viral in 2024 is the real story.
Viral Video Fame
The original clip circulated wildly across TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even made its way onto national news. It was memed, remixed, and repeated until the phrase "hawk tuah" became a household term online.
Suddenly, everyone wanted to know: Who is the Hawk Tuah girl?
Podcast Launch
Rather than just ride the meme wave, Haliey launched a podcast, giving fans a deeper look into her life and personality. It features casual conversations, guest interviews, and her signature unfiltered commentary. The podcast has helped her show she's not just a moment she’s a voice.
Brand Collaborations
Haliey has partnered with:
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Lifestyle and streetwear brands
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Snack and beverage companies targeting Gen Z
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A now-controversial crypto token, which caused backlash after it crashed shortly after launch
While not all partnerships have gone smoothly, she’s proven she can drive major attention and spark conversation good or bad.
Lifestyle and Interests
Haliey’s content reflects her Southern upbringing and love for humor, freedom, and keeping things real.
What she shares:
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Candid moments with friends and family
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Behind-the-scenes podcast clips
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Fashion hauls, mostly affordable and down-to-earth
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Her take on viral news or trends
She’s not curating perfection; she’s telling it like it is. That’s a huge part of why her followers trust her and come back for more.
And while she’s dipped a toe into the celebrity lifestyle, she still posts like someone who could be your neighbor talking about work, relationships, and what it’s like to go viral when you never planned to.
Social Media Presence
Haliey Welch has built a strong following across platforms thanks to her viral fame but she’s sustained it by continuing to deliver content that feels authentic and relatable.
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Instagram: @haliey_welch
Shares personal photos, podcast teasers, and collabs. -
TikTok: @hawktuahgirl
Where it all started. Still posting funny takes and responses to fan comments. -
YouTube: Home to her podcast and longer-form content.
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Podcast Platforms: Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Her fans are mostly Gen Z and young millennials who appreciate raw, real-life storytelling with a comedic edge.
The Controversy: Crypto and Backlash
Not everything’s been perfect for Haliey.
In 2025, she endorsed a crypto token project that quickly collapsed after its launch. Many fans were disappointed, claiming it was a pump-and-dump scheme. Haliey responded on her podcast, explaining that she trusted the project at the time but regretted not doing more research.
While she lost some followers, she gained respect for openly addressing the issue something many influencers avoid. It's clear she's learning as she grows, and she’s not afraid to admit when she gets it wrong.
Final Thoughts: Why Haliey Welch Is More Than a Meme
What makes Haliey Welch unique is her authentic rise. She didn’t chase fame. Fame found her. And she’s done what few viral sensations manage to do turn a fleeting moment into a foundation.
From the factory floor to a podcasting mic, Haliey’s journey reflects the power of personality in today’s influencer space. She’s relatable, funny, and still figuring things out and that’s exactly why people love her.