Erica Jasmin Mena, born on November 8, 1987, in the Bronx, New York, is a multifaceted American entertainer known for her presence in modeling, reality television, acting, and authorship.
Of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, Mena grew up in a challenging environment marked by her parents’ struggles—her father, Brian Mena, was involved in drug dealing, and her mother, Sonia Mena, served time in prison shortly after Erica’s birth, even giving birth to her while incarcerated.
This turbulent childhood shaped her resilience and fiery personality, which would later define her public image.
Despite not completing formal schooling due to family hardships, Mena channeled her experiences into a thriving career, emerging as a video vixen, singer, and entrepreneur.
Openly bisexual, Mena has navigated high-profile relationships, including engagements to rapper Bow Wow and reality star Cyn Santana, while building a brand centered on empowerment, fashion, and unapologetic self-expression.
Siblings
Erica has three siblings, including her brother, Edwin Mena Jr., whom they share the family’s Bronx roots, though he keeps a low profile away from the spotlight.
Her sister Milani Mena, like Erica, embodies the resilience forged in their challenging upbringing, offering quiet support during high-profile moments such as Erica’s reality TV arcs where family reconciliation themes surfaced.
Completing the sibling trio is Lisa Mena, Erica’s older sister by about 15 years, who stepped into a maternal role during their mother’s incarceration.
Lisa has ventured into entertainment herself, pursuing modeling, music, and acting while forging her own path in New York’s fashion scene.
Career
Mena’s professional journey began in her mid-teens when, at 14, she won an MTV Jennifer Lopez look-alike contest, catapulting her into modeling and music video appearances that defined her early “video vixen” persona.
She quickly became a sought-after face in hip-hop, gracing videos for artists like Chris Brown in “Yo (Excuse Me Miss),” Akon in “I’m So Paid,” Fabolous, and Fat Joe, which honed her on-camera charisma and led to features in urban magazines as a cover girl.
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Transitioning to reality television in 2009, Mena appeared as a feisty Dash boutique employee on E!’s “Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami,” but her breakout came in 2011 with VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: New York,” where she joined as a supporting cast member in season two before becoming a main star in seasons three through five.
Portrayed as an aspiring singer with a penchant for drama, her arcs explored music pursuits, turbulent romances, and personal growth, making her an anti-heroic protagonist who captivated audiences with raw authenticity.
After a hiatus, she returned for the show’s tenth and final season in 2021, mending past feuds, including with ex Cyn Santana.
In 2018, Mena expanded to “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” for season seven, delving into Atlanta’s music scene, though her tenure ended controversially in 2023 following a racial slur incident with co-star Spice, leading to her firing from the franchise after over a decade.
Undeterred, she pivoted to acting with roles in films like “The Stepmother 3” (2024), the sci-fi thriller “Run” (2025 premiere), “The Millennial” (2020), and the series “HUSH” on ALLBLK, showcasing her range beyond reality TV.
As an entrepreneur, Mena launched her cosmetics line Lady J Cosmetics in 2013 and founded Winter Hill Press in 2007 to champion new authors, reflecting her commitment to creative industries.
Accolades
Mena has been celebrated for her trailblazing role in urban modeling and reality TV, often hailed in media outlets as a “triple-threat” for her seamless shifts across modeling, acting, and business ventures, as noted in profiles from Rolling Out and IMDb.
Her autobiographies, “Chronicles of a Confirmed Bachelorette” (2013) and “Underneath It All” (2016), received praise for their candid explorations of single motherhood and resilience, positioning her as an inspirational voice for women navigating adversity.
Mena’s entrepreneurial feats, including founding Winter Hill Press—a platform uplifting emerging authors—and her Lady J Cosmetics line, have been spotlighted in industry discussions for empowering diverse creators, contributing to her estimated $2 million net worth by 2025.
Appearances at high-profile events like the BET Awards and Hip-Hop Awards underscore her enduring relevance, where she’s lauded for red-carpet style and unfiltered authenticity.
Though no major Emmy or Grammy nods grace her resume, her influence on hip-hop culture—through iconic video cameos and reality TV’s evolution—is an unspoken accolade, with fans and peers alike crediting her for redefining bold femininity in media.
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