Nenita’s Story and her “Why”
Read our founder’s personal journey and the “why” that continues to guide the mission of The Nenita Foundation.
WHY KRYSTAL SHARES HER STORY
“Never Forgetting The Little Girl Within”
— Krystal Fernandez, Founder of The Nenita Foundation
Krystal’s decision to share her story is rooted in a lifetime shaped by complex experiences, deep trauma, and profound resilience. From an early age, she witnessed circumstances no child should have to navigate—exposing her to instability, fear, and emotional hardship through an innocent lens.
Through years of healing, education, and professional guidance, Krystal came to understand the lasting impact of domestic abuse and family dysfunction—not only on individuals, but on generations. With the support of mental health professionals, faith, and her own commitment to breaking the cycle, she transformed her lived experiences into purpose.
Today, Krystal shares her story with intention. Her goal is not to revisit pain, but to create awareness, foster understanding, and help others find pathways out of trauma and toward healing.
Where It All Began…
Krystal Fernandez was born in Colombia, South America before moving to Florida at the age of two.
She was the apple of her father’s eye, and he affectionately called her Nenita — meaning ”little girl” in Spanish.
Enduring Hardship Throughout Childhood
Family Instability
Unfortunately, her mother did not receive the same love, affection, or attention. This resulted in a strained relationship, one fueled by jealousy, and ultimately rejection by her mother.
Krystal’s parents would eventually divorce which would serve to escalate her mother’s hostility and abusive nature toward her.
Following her parents’ divorce, Krystal experienced significant instability, including relocation to another state, periods of homelessness, and experiencing the foster care system. During this time, she was exposed to traumatic environments that deeply impacted her emotional and mental well-being.
With the support of her father, Krystal began working with a psychologist — a relationship that would become a guiding light in her healing journey for the next 30 years. Eventually, her father gained custody, and spoiled her with many pleasures of life, including private schools, a beautiful home, and unconditional love.
The Loss That Stopped Time
At the age of fourteen, Krystal’s life changed again, forever. During a gathering at their home, Krystal heard a gunshot and discovered her father had been killed. Krystal was heartbroken as her biggest supporter and caregiver was gone. In Krystal’s mind, time stood still. The loss of her father left a permanent imprint on her life. She was frozen in time as Nenita.
Following his death, Krystal returned to an unhealthy environment living with her mother and, struggling with unresolved trauma, found herself pregnant at seventeen. Upon learning of this, she was disowned by her mother and left homeless and penniless, facing adulthood with no support system and a child on the way.
Traumatized once again, Krystal met with her psychologist and realized that this life altering situation was to serve as motivation.
Finding Her Purpose
Rather than surrendering to her circumstances, Krystal made the decision to survive — and ultimately to rise. With determination, vision, and resilience, she rebuilt her life, drawing strength from faith and self-belief. Visualizing what she wanted, Krystal went out and got it!
Using her social skills and innate creative ability, Krystal established a successful career in the cosmetic industry, becoming one of New York City’s most sought-after makeup artists. During her journey, Krystal deepened her relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit. Finding peace, purpose, and guidance through her faith, Krystal began to share the Word… especially through her favorite scripture Psalm 23. Krystal clearly recognizes that prior to having her close connection with her Lord and Savior, He has always been her beacon of light. He has always loved her and protected her regardless of the dangers that she was subjected to.
Never Forgetting The Little Girl Within
As her healing unfolded, Krystal recognized that her story carried a greater purpose. Listening to her voice within, Krystal promised and committed herself to paying it forward — to become the support she once needed and assist the less fortunate “Nenitas” around the world.
Krystal will continue to share more of her personal journey through future writing and speaking engagements, with the hope of educating, inspiring, and empowering others.
Our founder, Krystal, speaking about the upcoming release of her debut book on the television show broadcast Hoy Día.
Creating a Place of Love & Safety For Those In Need
Founding The Nenita Foundation
Today, as a mother of two Nenita’s and a grandmother of six, Krystal founded The Nenita Foundation to develop a platform that provides mentorship, education, emotional support, and safe spaces for children and individuals who have experienced trauma, displacement, and instability. Through the Nenita Foundation, Krystal seeks to bring healing by replacing pain with compassion, fear with trust, and hardship with hope.
The Nenita Foundation is committed to empowering socially, economically, and mentally disadvantaged communities by serving as a trusted resource and safe haven for those in need.
Making A Difference
Krystal invites communities, professionals, and organizations to come together in service of those who need it most. Join Krystal and The Nenita Foundation in their mission to provide solutions, unconditional love, and a safe haven for those who are traumatized, displaced, or without direction. Together, we can create opportunities to enhance the quality of life for our struggling youth.
Krystal believes that Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens Iron,” applies to her ministry and wants to remind all Nenitas, “I’ve got you!”
Krystal’s mantra and mission statement is that “No child should be without food, love, or a place to call home.”