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I'M ERIKA HERNANDEZ

and I'm figuring it all out as I go.

Sharing my journey of healing, hope, and rebuilding life with purpose after loss.

My Story

I never expected to be here — sharing my story with thousands of people I’ve never met, holding space for grief, love, healing, and hope all at once.

But here we are. And I’m so grateful you found your way here.

On September 2nd, 2023, my world changed forever when my son, Jovan, was taken from us due to gun violence. He was just 18. Vibrant. Creative. Funny. Kind. Losing him shattered me — but in the wreckage, I felt called to share.

I began documenting my grief journey online — not for attention, but as a way to survive. I shared raw moments, quiet breakthroughs, and the real, unfiltered process of healing in hopes of finding even one other person who understood. What I didn’t expect was a community — thousands of people who showed up with love, empathy, and open hearts.

 

Then, everything shifted again.

On March 23rd, 2025, I shared a video on TikTok asking for help to honor Jovan’s 20th birthday with a trip to Universal Studios for his best friends — the boys who had become my bonus kids. What followed changed everything: 9 million views, donations from strangers, and support from brands like Instacart, Spirit Airlines, Airbnb, Instacart, and 

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This is Jovan. My son. My light.

featured in People Magazine, NBC Nightly News, and more. The trip became real. Jovan’s memory was celebrated. And I realized I wasn’t alone. That moment was about so much more than a trip. It showed me the power of storytelling. It proved that even in grief, there’s room for joy, connection, and purpose.

Now, I’m embracing a new chapter — using my voice and platform to remind others that life doesn’t end after loss. I want to help people find purpose in progress — to show that even in the messiest, most painful seasons, we are still worthy of healing, growth, and hope.

I create content that’s honest, warm, and grounded in real life. I speak on finding light after loss, the power of community, and the quiet, everyday ways we honor those we love. I’m currently working on launching a nonprofit in Jovan’s name and writing a children’s book inspired by his real-life experiences.

Whether you’re here because of that one video, my blog, or simply curiosity — I’m so glad you are.

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What I Believe

Healing isn’t linear.

It’s messy, it’s beautiful, and it’s deeply human. Some days you're surviving, others you're smiling through the ache. Both are part of the process.

There’s life after loss.

Even if it doesn’t look like the one you imagined, there's life after loss. Grief changes you, but it doesn’t erase your ability to live, to love, or to dream again.

There’s purpose in pain.

Not by forgetting who we lost, but by choosing to build something meaningful in their honor. I believe in transforming grief into action that spreads love and kindness into the world in spite of our loss.

Stories heal.

When we share our truth, we give others permission to do the same. And in that shared space, healing begins—not alone, but together.

Where Am I Now

Universal Studios wasn’t the end of the story. It was the beginning of a new chapter.

Right now, I’m:
  • Writing a children’s book in Jovan’s memory

  • Building a nonprofit to help young people find their spark through creativity, movement, and mentorship

  • Seeking speaking opportunities to share what I’ve learned about grief, healing, and finding purpose in pain

  • Working with brands who value real-life storytelling and want to show up for real people

And I’m doing all of it with my bonus babies right by my side. They’re not just part of my content — they’re part of my heart. They remind me that joy still exists. That laughter still echoes. That healing doesn’t have to happen in isolation.

This isn’t a perfect journey. It’s messy, evolving, and deeply human. But I’m still here. I’m still healing. I’m still creating. And I’m bringing you with me.

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©2023 by Erika Hernandez

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