People who evoke genuine emotions within us often leave a remarkable mark on the world. They teach us that making an impact doesn’t always correlate with sheer force or perfection. Sometimes, it’s as simple as mispronouncing a word in front of millions, and suddenly, you’ve inspired others to embrace their humanity just a bit more.
This is Amaya Espinal, who fans lovingly call Amaya Papaya.
If you spent even one summer evening with a glass of wine in one hand and tuned into “Love Island USA,” then you already know her story. While some viewers tuned in for the drama, many found themselves riveted by her charm.
We chose not just the headline maker but someone who brings joy back to society.
Espinal carries an electrifying energy that stays with you, much like a beloved fragrance. On the show, she embraced her speech impediment — along with the now-famous mispronunciations like “gratatuily” and “hyper-bow-lee” — turning them into a powerful statement on confidence. When she and Bryan Arenales made history as the first Latino couple to win, their victory felt like a celebration for the entire Dominican community. She even coined the term “sensitive gangster,” a phrase everyone can appreciate in today’s world.
At Popsugar, we promote the belief that feeling good is essential, not indulgent. It’s a vital form of self-care, the heartbeat of our brand. Everything we do — from storytelling to community building and even our free PS Fit workouts — revolves around this principle. Therefore, when selecting our inaugural Feel-Good Person of the Year, we looked for someone who could inspire joy across societal spheres.
Espinal delivered on that front, reminding audiences weekly that authenticity wields the truest power online. Joy, connection, and genuine representation are what shift culture towards positivity. This cover story not only celebrates her influence but heralds the beginning of many more ‘feel good’ narratives you can expect from Popsugar. My hope is that by diving into her story, you’ll reflect on those who have added light to your own year. Perhaps, it might even inspire you to greet each new day with a fresh perspective.
We’re also excited to announce an “Amaya week” at Popsugar. Our editors will explore the lessons learned from Espinal’s journey, from integrating self-affirmations into our routines to pondering her role as a Dominican American and what it symbolizes beyond reality TV.
Let’s celebrate the uplifting impact of Amaya “Papaya” Espinal. Enjoy the journey.
— Kelsey
P.S. Just to note, Popsugar’s Feel-Good Person of the Year cover story is merely the launch of our Feel Good franchise. This initiative is dedicated to celebrating the people, places, products, and moments that turn pop culture into meaningful narratives — reminding us all that feeling good is an important endeavor. Stay tuned for more updates.
