Nykia Hamilton, a single mom of three, went viral for running a Burger King store alone in Columbia, South Carolina. Weeks after a TikTok video captured her managing orders single-handedly, Nykia announced her shock termination. The decision came after she was repeatedly late to work due to her responsibilities as a mom of three. Despite the setback, the community has rallied behind her, pushing her GoFundMe past the $100,000 mark to support her family.
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Here’s What Initially Happened
Back in June, a customer at the Burger King on Broad River Road in Columbia, South Carolina, pulled out their phone and captured the now-viral video. Nykia was by herself, working a 12-hour shift. The video showed her hustling between the drive-thru, front counter, kitchen, and cleaning duties, doing the work of an entire crew. Nykia explained to WACH Fox 57 that she was left alone after a coworker quit mid-shift, and no one else was available to step in.
“One of my employees just quit on me, and they didn’t have anyone else to come in, so I had to work by myself and close by myself,” she said. The clip, posted by TikTok user Dejlatae, racked up over 200,000 views. She shared how the long hours meant missing out on time with her children, saying, “I be missing out on my kids’ lives when I work so much… it hurts me a lot.”
@dejlatae #columbiasc #bk #foryoupage #tiktok #food #burgerking #burger
Nykia Says She’s Been Fired
Then, on August 8, Nykia dropped an update in a tearful TikTok video. Sitting in her car, she revealed that Burger King had fired her over “attendance issues” tied to her being late for shifts. Nykia, clearly emotional, explained that her lateness stemmed from also juggling her responsibilities as a mother.
“Bruh, [Burger King] fired me because I’ve been late because of my kids. My kids come first. Y’all don’t pay for no babysitter, or nothing,” she said.
The emotional toll was obvious as she opened up about her personal struggles, stating, “I’m trying to keep pushing for my kids, but I cannot do this s*** no more.” Nykia says she was grateful for the job, crediting her manager for giving her a chance. However, Burger King’s franchise owner made the call to let her go.
A company spokesperson reportedly confirmed this to The Independent. Franchisees handle terminations, the company stated. They also admitted that no team member should work a shift alone, confirming their multi-staff policy wasn’t followed at Nykia’s location.
@kianolabel The devil won i don’t care no more I can’t do this no more just leave me alone #burgerkingmom #fyp #fyp #singlemomof3
GoFundMe Surpasses $100K
“I am a 25-year-old single mom of 3 who works 2 jobs. I just went viral for working on TikTok. If you wanna contribute, it’s ok. Thank y’all for the support. I wasn’t expecting my life to change how it did.”
Initially set at $60,000, the goal was raised as donations poured in. As of Friday, August 22, the fundraiser has surpassed $110,000, with hundreds of donors stepping up to help Nykia and her kids. The outpouring of support comes as Nykia navigates life after her firing.
@kianolabel Thank yall for blessing me so I had to bless my momma I paid her rent up for 2 months I love you ma#singlemomlife #fyp #ladyfromburgerking #momfromburgerking #burgerking #momfromburgerking
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What Do You Think Roomies?
