How Hailey Welch, the 'Hawk Tuah' Girl, Turned Viral Fame into $65K in Sales

Hailey Welch, the 'Hawk Tuah' girl, posing with her viral merchandise.

From Viral Sensation to Business Success

Have you heard about the "Hawk Tuah" girl? If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat! Hailey Welch, the woman behind the viral phrase "Hawk Tuah," has not only entertained millions but also transformed her internet fame into a booming business. Let's dive into her incredible journey and how she sold over $65,000 worth of merchandise through Fathead Threads.

The Moment That Started It All

Hailey Welch became an overnight sensation on June 11 during an interview with Tim & Dee TV. Describing a playful move in bed, she coined the phrase: “You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang.” The hilarious clip spread like wildfire across social media, catching the eyes of big personalities like Joe Rogan, Howard Stern, and Bryce Harper. Suddenly, everyone was talking about the "Hawk Tuah" girl!

Turning Fame into Fortune

Recognizing the buzz, Jason Poteete of Fathead Threads, a Tennessee-based embroidery and apparel brand, saw an opportunity. He reached out to Hailey to help her capitalize on her viral fame. Poteete, a longtime friend of Welch, wanted to ensure she benefited from her sudden internet stardom. “She hasn’t gotten a dime from the first viral video,” he told Rolling Stone. “I just wanted her to get some profit off of this deal.”

Exclusive Merchandise with Fathead Threads

Fathead Threads quickly became the exclusive vendor of Hailey's officially licensed "Hawk Tuah" merchandise. They launched a line of “Hawk Tuah ’24” hats, available in 14 colors for $32.78 each. The response was overwhelming—signed versions priced at $50 sold out almost instantly. Poteete estimates that the shop has sold over 2,000 hats, grossing at least $65,000. “This is way out of the normal for us,” he noted, describing Fathead Threads as a small, family-owned business now operating at full capacity to meet the demand.

Managing Fame and Privacy

While Hailey's phrase brought her fame and fortune, it also brought unwanted attention. Overwhelmed by her sudden rise to fame, Welch asked Poteete to keep her personal details private and avoid featuring her face on the merchandise. “She’s probably one of the most well-known people in the world at this point, but I don’t know if she’s embraced it,” Poteete said.

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite the challenges, Poteete remains optimistic about Welch’s future. “It could be a blessing or a curse,” he said. “I think she’ll do fine in the end.” He praised Welch’s bubbly and unpredictable personality, which has captivated so many. “She has a bubbly personality. She can be somewhat risqué. You never know what she’s gonna say. I just think the world needed a laugh, and she provided that.”

Join the Trend

Hailey Welch’s "Hawk Tuah" story is a remarkable example of how a viral moment can turn into a successful business venture. Her journey from a funny interview clip to selling thousands of hats is nothing short of inspiring. If you want to join the trend, check out the latest "Hawk Tuah" merch on Fathead Threads and be part of the fun!


What do you think of Hailey Welch’s viral fame and her success with merchandise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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