Though she didn’t know the phenomenon she would bring at the time, JaNa Craig’s presence on Love Island season six was a transformative moment for herself and for women to see themselves in the ups and downs of dating. When she entered the Love Island villa as an ambitious and vibrant contestant, her charm and genuineness immediately captured the viewers’ attention. “I was the type of girl where I know what I want in life,” she tells GU.
The 27-year-old’s entrance marked the beginning of what would become a modern fairytale, not just in terms of the romantic entanglements that followed but in her personal growth and resilience. Her time on the show delivered a new narrative for Black women, showing they could be vulnerable and strong in dating. Even before the show, she navigated the dating scene, remaining clear on her boundaries and remembering to put herself first. Her story resonated with many as she embodied a relatable sense of hope and determination.
Craig’s romantic path was initially filled with reality TV’s typical ups and downs. She faced the complexities of navigating new relationships and the inevitable heartaches that came with them. While challenging, these experiences showcased her resilience and ability to handle adversity gracefully. As a viewer, watching her journey helped Zillennials understand what it means to advocate for yourself in the dating realm, even in the most uncomfortable moments.
That became inevitably clear during the infamous episode of JaNa in the bottom three, and instead of being sent home, her fellow islander Andrea Carmona ended up being voted off. “It seems like they [edited] it way more appropriate than it was [because] it was one of the worst days ever,” she tells GU. “At one point when we thought it was going to be the girls versus boys physically [laughs], it was insane.”
That night caused a frenzy not only in the house but also on the Twitterverse. Though it seemed entertaining and dramatic, it opened up a larger conversation about Black women having to stand their ground and showcase why they have to fight even harder for what they deserve even though they shouldn’t have to.
Craig recalled the moment she and fellow islander and winner of season six, Serena Page, encouraged each other to continue to hold on to prove the naysayers wrong. “I love it when someone underestimates me,” Craig says. Because once they get to know me and see what I can bring to the table, they’re even more surprised because they thought I wasn’t poppin’.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 14: (L-R) JaNa Craig, Serena Page and Leah Kateb attend the “Love Island USA: The Reunion” photo call at Chelsea Studios on August 14, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)
Though the night ended with her questioning the state of her romantic love life, her meaning of platonic love amplified when the women in the villa wanted JaNa to have a fair shot at love. “The fact that they genuinely wanted to see me happy meant the world to me,” she says.
Each setback and triumph added depth to her story, making her fairytale story even more worthwhile to watch. The turning point in her journey came with her blossoming relationship with Kenny Rodriguez, who became a central figure in Craig’s Love Island story. She starts smiling and does the infamous “Kenny” voice when she reminisces about him entering her life at the right time. Their connection was initially met with skepticism. “I was really nervous because it was going so well, and I didn’t want to jinx it,” she tells GU. Still, as the relationship developed, it became clear that their bond was special.
Though their relationship was tested thanks to Casa Amor, the couple defied expectations. “It was the test I didn’t know we needed, and I was grateful that he brought [Catherine Marshall] back because it made us stronger,” Craig says. Their story was a testament to the idea that love, while often elusive, can be found in the most unexpected places and can flourish when both individuals are open and honest with each other.
Despite the couple’s “KaNa” fandom being at an all-time high, the true love story that inspired us is the journey of Craig’s growth and fight to achieve her happy ending, even if it made her uncomfortable. Her ability to remain true to herself despite the pressures of the show serves as a beacon of hope for those who may be discouraged by the challenges of modern dating. “Stepping out of your comfort zone makes you flourish in life,” she says. “I would remind my sisters to love themselves, know their worth, and add tax because we are the sh-t. I hate that people underestimate us, but the jokes on [them].”
Since being outside the villa and feeling the fan love in person, Craig has been reflecting on her impact. “The amount of beautiful Black girls that come up to me like, ‘Thank you for being our platform [and] for using your beautiful voice,’ That’s when I[knew] I did good because that was the most accomplishing feeling ever,” she says.
As the Love Island reunion airs tonight, viewers will undoubtedly be on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the final revelations and reflections from the cast. “I don’t engage in any ignorance, and I know a lot of people are like JaNa don’t forget this and this, but I’m like, baby, that’s not my worth my time,” she tells GU.
Though she plans to remained unbothered she’s still taking her firm energy from the villa to reunion stage to protect herself and her faves. “Just don’t come with my man and or my sisters, PPG and Liv (Olivia Walker)” she says. “Hopefully people are wise enough to know I’m not the one or the two, and hopefully they’ll think twice before they open up their mouths.”
With her undeniable confidence her impact transcends the confines of the Love Island villa, extending into our daily lives and social media timelines. She describes this journey as a rollercoaster ride that she doesn’t know when it will end, but she doesn’t plan on disconnecting anytime soon.
Even after the reunion wraps up, her presence is set to remain a fixture in our digital landscape. as ended. “The new era of JaNa is going to be a lot of talking [laughs],” she says. “I’m going to do anything that makes me happy, and you’re gonna see me everywhere that you’re gonna be sick of me [laughs] this is only the beginning.”
About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.