Hurley attracted national attention in 2011 when she attributed her success in politics to the time she spent working at Hooters, the national restaurant chain. In an article for Hooters magazine, Hurley wrote, "I have taken quite a bit of flack from the public at large during my run for State House in Tennessee for being a Hooters Girl. But I know that without that time in my life I would not be as strong-willed and eager to become successful."