Erica Mena: The Rise Of A Multitalented Star

What’s the Story Behind Erica Mena’s Net Worth?

Let’s talk about Erica Mena, a name that’s become synonymous with talent and hard work. Erica, a Bronx-born model, singer, actress, and reality TV star, has built a net worth of $1 million. Her journey began in the world of modeling, but it didn’t stop there. Erica gained widespread recognition for her appearances on VH1’s hit reality shows “Love & Hip Hop: New York” (2011–2015; 2019–2020) and “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” (2018; 2020-present). But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Erica’s career is as diverse as her personality.

Beyond reality TV, Erica has dipped her toes into acting, gracing the big screen in films like “Almost Amazing” (2017), “I Got the Hook Up 2” (2019), “Swag Inc.” (2019), and “The Millennial” (2020). She’s also had roles in TV series such as “CSI: Cyber” (2015) and “Master of None” (2017). And let’s not forget her work in music videos for heavyweights like Fat Joe, Chris Brown, and Akon. If that wasn’t enough, Erica published two books in 2013: “Underneath it All” and “Chronicles of a Confirmed Bachelorette,” and even released a single called “Where Do I Go.”

A Look Back at Erica’s Early Days

Erica Mena’s life wasn’t always in the spotlight. Born Erica Jasmin Mena on November 8, 1987, in The Bronx, New York City, her beginnings were far from glamorous. Her mother, Sonia, is Puerto Rican, and her father, Brian, was Dominican. Brian, a drug dealer, pushed Sonia into the world of drugs, leading to Erica being born while her mom was in jail. It’s a tough start, but Erica has always been resilient.

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She opened up about her childhood in a 2014 interview with “Rolling Out,” revealing that she faced sexual abuse as a toddler. Thankfully, her mother eventually got out of jail and made the tough decision to let the state take custody of Erica to ensure her safety. Despite the challenges, Erica found her footing early. At the age of 14, she won MTV’s Jennifer Lopez Look-Alike contest, a moment that set her on the path to fame. She also attended Newburgh Free Academy in New York, where she honed her skills and prepared for the life that awaited her.

Erica’s Career: From Modeling to Media Mogul

Erica’s career is nothing short of inspiring. She’s graced the pages of countless men’s magazines, including “King,” “XXL,” and “Maxim.” Her modeling work isn’t limited to magazine spreads; she’s also been the face of campaigns for major brands like Tommy Hilfiger, L’Oreal, and Roca Wear. In 2009, she appeared on several episodes of E!’s reality show “Kourtney & Kim Take Miami,” working at Dash, a store owned by the Kardashian sisters. It was a stepping stone that helped her gain more visibility.

Erica’s big break came in 2011 when she joined the cast of “Love & Hip Hop: New York” during its second season. The following season, she was promoted to a main cast member, and she’s been a staple of the show ever since, appearing in over 60 episodes. In 2018, she expanded her reach by joining the cast of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.” Her first episode on “Love & Hip Hop: New York” wasn’t without drama—she got into a heated altercation with fellow cast member Kimbella. The incident, involving champagne glasses, led to stricter safety measures on set, including the banning of glasses and metal silverware.

Erica’s career isn’t confined to reality TV. She’s also appeared on spin-offs like “Love & Hip Hop: Check Yourself” (2013–2015) and “Love & Hip Hop: Secrets Unlocked” (2021). In 2017, she took on a new challenge by competing on the horror-themed VH1 reality show “Scared Famous.” It was on this show that she met her future husband, rapper Safaree Samuels, and played for the charity Together We Rise, showcasing her commitment to giving back.

Erica’s Personal Life: Love and Family

Erica’s personal life has been as dramatic as her career. During the third season of “Love & Hip Hop: New York,” viewers got a glimpse into her relationship with her manager, Rich Dollaz. By season four, Erica, who identifies as bisexual, started dating singer Cyn Santana. Their romance didn’t last long, and they split up during season five. Shortly after, Erica became engaged to rapper Bow Wow in 2014, but the engagement was called off in late 2015.

In 2018, Erica found love again when she got engaged to rapper Safaree Samuels on Christmas Eve. They tied the knot on October 7, 2019, and welcomed their first child, daughter Safire, on February 3, 2020. Their family grew with the arrival of son Legend on June 28, 2021. However, life threw them a curveball when Erica filed for divorce from Safaree a month before Legend’s birth. Erica also has a son named King, born on March 1, 2007, with rapper/video director Raul Conde.

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Erica’s Real Estate Ventures

Erica’s ventures extend beyond the entertainment world into real estate. In July 2020, she and Safaree purchased a home in Fayetteville, Georgia, for $848,000. Real estate proved to be a lucrative investment for them. Just two years later, in June 2022, they listed the home for sale at $1.3 million and sold it within a week for the exact asking price. It’s a testament to Erica’s business acumen and her ability to make smart financial decisions.