Erika Hernandez is a branding expert and experiential designer with over 20 years of experience shaping powerful creative narratives. Her life shifted in 2023 after the devastating loss of her son, Jovan, to gun violence. In the raw aftermath of grief, Erika turned to TikTok—not for likes, but for connection. What began as a way to document her healing soon became a lifeline for thousands.

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Through her openness and vulnerability, Erika became a national voice of resilience, helping others navigate life after loss. In March 2025, she went viral after sharing a dream to celebrate what would have been Jovan’s 20th birthday with his best friends. That video reached over 9 million views and sparked a wave of support from strangers and brands, turning heartbreak into a moment of joy, remembrance, and community.

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Now, with a growing platform of over 176K+ combined followers and major features in People Magazine, NBC Nightly News, and more, Erika continues to inspire others to turn pain into purpose—without forgetting who they’ve lost.