A single mother of three, Nykia Hamilton, has received overwhelming support after a viral TikTok video showed her working an entire Burger King shift alone. The video, viewed over 134,000 times, captured her cooking, cleaning, and taking orders without help.
Viral TikTok Sparks National Support
The viral clip was filmed in Columbia, South Carolina, where Hamilton works. Viewers were moved by her dedication and resilience. Many people on social media praised her work ethic, calling for her to be rewarded.
Following the attention, Hamilton started a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser has already collected $35,000 out of a $40,000 goal. Donations continue to pour in as more people learn about her story.
Balancing Work and Motherhood
Hamilton is a 25-year-old single mother raising three children while working two jobs. In her GoFundMe description, she shared how tough it is to provide for her family. “I really do everything for my kids,” she wrote. “I wasn’t expecting my life to change how it did.”
In a teary interview with WACH, she admitted, “I be missing out on my kids’ lives and I work a lot. I have to provide for them, but I really don’t have time to spend with them—and it hurts me a lot.”
The Day She Worked Alone
Hamilton explained that one coworker quit mid-shift, leaving her to run the restaurant solo. “I had to do the dishes, do prep, do the floor, do the front counter, drive-thru,” she said. She often works 12-hour shifts, juggling several roles just to keep the restaurant open.
By July 9, when WACH interviewed her, Hamilton had a coworker to help, but staff shortages remain a big problem. “We just don’t have any employees. Nobody wants to work anymore,” she said.
Gratitude Despite Challenges
Despite her struggles, Hamilton is thankful to her manager for giving her the job. “I wouldn’t have no job because I do have a record, and it is hard to find a job with a record,” she shared. “By grace of God, she gave me a job. So that’s the only reason why I stayed for her.”
Burger King responded in a statement saying they are investigating the situation. “It is our policy that all company and franchise-owned restaurants require more than one Team Member per shift,” the statement read.
What Comes Next
The viral support has offered Hamilton hope. She plans to use the funds to better care for her children. Her story has also sparked discussions online about labor conditions and fair pay in fast food jobs.
