Amaya Espinal On Finding Herself Again—In Love Island and Beyond
Amaya Espinal is a proud Brooklyn native with a soft heart, a fierce spirit, and a story that goes way beyond the spotlight. In this interview, she opens up about growing up in NYC, why she chose to become a nurse, and what it truly meant to stand in her own power when she wasn’t picked during Casa Amor. From heartbreak and healing to learning the difference between love and attention, Amaya shares the lessons that shaped her—along with what’s next for her music and brand.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What part of New York City are you originally from?
I am originally from Brooklyn, New York City, born and raised. I am very proud of my roots, summer days in Flatbush hearing the ice cream trucks, to fall walks in Prospect Park, seeing the leaves change colors. I am a proud New Yorker.
Tell me a lil bit about what it was like growing up in nyc ? And why you chose to study to become a nurse ?
Growing up in NYC was so magical and full of so much diversity. There was always something to do, to see, to learn. One of my favorite memories would be when my grandma would take my cousins to Prospect Park on a hot summer day and getting vanilla ice cream with sprinkles. Or getting our favorite empanadas with jugo de chinola watching a family baseball game. The reason why I decided to become a nurse is my empathy & my passion for caring for people.
TOTAL LOOK: YH STUDIOS
You are a SCORPIO ?!!
Yes I am, Scorpio and very proud. Hard exterior, soft inside, very passionate about things we love & don’t allow other peoples opinions to dictate our confidence nor life choices. Watch out, I might sting lol.
What moment in the villa changed how you saw yourself?
The moment I wasn’t picked during Casa Amor showed me how strong I can be to stand alone in my own solitude and be proud. I felt alone for a split second but being alone reminded me of the power I have being alone. I was enjoying my own company & not allowing not “being picked” to define my self value, how I feel about myself.
JACKET: MATT SARAFA BRA: FLEUR DU MAL UNDERWEAR: FLEUR DU MAL BOOTS: STEVE MADDEN
What did people misunderstand about you while watching the show?”
I would say people misunderstood my love and my passion. I can be intense & that’s what’s makes me pursue what I envision / dream. People also made ignorant comments about my speech impediment, “how can she be a nurse when she can’t even speak properly?”, which showed me I rather be misunderstood than understood by people who aren’t worth my clarity.
After winning season 7, who surprised you the most in a good or bad way?
The amount of supporters I had and the amount of people who saw themselves in me. I want my story to be inspirational & a reminder to never change yourself.
TOP: AKNVAS BOTTOMS: AKVNVAS
Did you ever stay in something longer than you should have… and why?”
Yes. I was in an abusive toxic relationship a couple years ago and lost myself. I became dependent on him and dependent on the relationship. But once I found myself again, I promised myself never to lose her again. To never lose my voice again.
What version of yourself did you have to protect in that environment?
Little Amaya who is whimsical and loves living life.
TOTAL LOOK: YH STUDIOS
What are some of the things you do to make you feel grounded and present?
Journaling saved me so many times. Writing my feelings down, self reflecting, even on the bad moments. I would go through my journal and somehow, someway it reminded me of my strength. “If I got over that situation in the past, I can overcome anything.”
What did Love Island teach you about love vs. attention?”
LOVE ISLAND taught me that sometimes people don’t have the best intentions but all that matters is my intention & I know that it was pure. The reason why I was so vulnerable after the show was because that was my first time dating ANYONE after my ex passed away in December 2024. I took a long pause from dating to heal myself, heal from the abuse and deal with the grief. Going to Fiji was the first time I opened up again, which is why I was so emotional.
TOTAL LOOK: YH STUDIOS
What did you learn about your worth in a place where people are constantly choosing?
That my worth was never tied to being chosen and that being overlooked, not being “picked”, doesn’t make me less valuable.
What are some of the lessons you’ve learned about yourself after the show completed ?
I learned that “damn girl, you have resilience and no one can make you have your crown tilted.” I also learned that sometimes people just won’t like me and that’s okay. I didn’t come into this world to please everyone. As long as my family is taken care of and I’m healthy, that’s all that matters.
JACKET: MATT SARAFA BRA: FLEUR DU MAL UNDERWEAR: FLEUR DU MAL BOOTS: STEVE MADDEN
Tell me a little bit about your collaborations and your nail partnership. We will be seeing more beauty product from you?
All my collabs resonate with me in a deeper way. From Herbal Essence.
Who is some of the people places and things you would love to either collaborate with a partner with in the future?
The world is so beautiful and magical, but two of the places I am dying to visit is Africa and Croatia. Those places calls my name. In regards to future collaboration, Rihanna is definitely someone I would love to meet and work with. Growing up as a Caribbean girlie, seeing her representation, talent and fierce style empowered me.
TOP: AKNVAS BOTTOMS: AKVNVAS
What would you tell the version of you walking into the villa on day one?
You have no idea what is behind that door but just keep having faith. I wouldn’t want to tell too much to give her any spoilers but just enough to keep having faith in herself.
What would you tell your nine-year-old self?
The beauty of life is the mystery and discovering the different parts to yourself, as you navigate this world you’ll learn and grow. True peace isn’t avoiding the storm but learning how to dance in it, which you will do.
TOTAL LOOK: YH STUDIOS
What are some of the project you are looking forward to…. will we be seeing more of you?
My music is my main priority and expanding my brand. Will you be seeing more of me? Hopefully you don’t get sick of how much you will see me and even if you do, take a Zofran and feel better sweetie, hate is a nasty disease.
TOTAL LOOK: YH STUDIOS
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Jose Musa (@byjosemusa)
Assistant Photographer: Alexandra Fisher (@alexandralfisher)
Creative Director: Jerome LaMaar (@jeromelamaar)
Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)
Digital Technician: Josy Graye (@josygraye)
Executive Producer: Louie Diaz (@iamsocialadam)
Hair Stylist: Ursula Stephen (@ursulastephen)
Assistant Hair Stylists: Shoshana Contaste (@shoshana.cheveux) , Tatiana Auborg (@tressesbytatiana)
Makeup Artist: Thynna Wagenblast (@makeupbythynna)
Wardrobe Stylist: Stylist: Tabitha Sanchez (@tabitharsanchez)
Assistant Wardrobe Stylist: Spencer Bronfman (@spencerbronfman)
Location: Blonde Studios (@blondeandconyc)
