Olandria Carthen — Biography
Olandria Lashae Carthen, born on May 29, 1998, is an American model, influencer, public speaker, and television personality who gained widespread recognition through her significant stint on Love Island USA Season 7 in 2025, where she took the runner-up position alongside Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe. Emerging from a modest upbringing in Alabama, Carthen has become one of the most prominent Gen-Z creators by 2025. As of April 2026, she has accumulated 2.3 million Instagram followers, 1.8 million followers and over 25 million likes on TikTok, and 73.2K subscribers on YouTube.
Born in Decatur, Alabama, Carthen is the eldest of six siblings and was raised by a teenage mother. She has candidly shared her experiences growing up, illustrating the challenges that contributed to her resilience. Carthen excelled at Decatur High School, where she participated in honors and student leadership programs. She later began her college journey at Tuskegee University, starting out in computer science before ultimately earning a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. As a first-generation college graduate, she often emphasizes this milestone during her speaking engagements and partnerships.
Before her rise to fame, Carthen had a corporate career, serving as a billing specialist and then an associate sales specialist at Otis Elevator Co., where she engaged with modernization projects and client operations. Her background in logistics and sales honed her discipline, communication skills, and work ethic. Alongside her corporate job, she began modeling part-time, simultaneously cultivating a social media presence centered around beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.
Carthen entered Love Island USA Season 7 on Day 1 and quickly became a standout contestant, earning fans’ affection with her Southern charm, confidence, and “Bama Barbie” image. Forming a meaningful connection with Nic Vansteenberghe, their partnership—termed “Nicolandria”—captivated audiences, leading them to secure a second-place finish, which was celebrated by CNN as a cherished chapter in reality television history. Their relationship persisted beyond the show, with the couple engaging in collaborative brand projects.
Following her time on Love Island, Carthen shifted her focus to a full-time modeling and digital creator career, signing with Digital Brand Architects (DBA) and later with United Talent Agency (UTA). Her appealing on-camera presence, refined style, and substantial Gen-Z audience made her a sought-after collaborator for a variety of major brands, including Kulani Kinis, Sweetgreen, and NYX Cosmetics. Notably, her partnership with NYX featured a viral “Nicolandria” lip kit, which sold out rapidly and reinforced her influence in the commercial realm. Carthen's brand affiliations reflect her unique blend of authenticity, Southern appeal, and polished elegance.
Carthen’s impact extended into high fashion, where she swiftly made her way into the industry. Styled by Matthew and
Born in Decatur, Alabama, Carthen is the eldest of six siblings and was raised by a teenage mother. She has candidly shared her experiences growing up, illustrating the challenges that contributed to her resilience. Carthen excelled at Decatur High School, where she participated in honors and student leadership programs. She later began her college journey at Tuskegee University, starting out in computer science before ultimately earning a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. As a first-generation college graduate, she often emphasizes this milestone during her speaking engagements and partnerships.
Before her rise to fame, Carthen had a corporate career, serving as a billing specialist and then an associate sales specialist at Otis Elevator Co., where she engaged with modernization projects and client operations. Her background in logistics and sales honed her discipline, communication skills, and work ethic. Alongside her corporate job, she began modeling part-time, simultaneously cultivating a social media presence centered around beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.
Carthen entered Love Island USA Season 7 on Day 1 and quickly became a standout contestant, earning fans’ affection with her Southern charm, confidence, and “Bama Barbie” image. Forming a meaningful connection with Nic Vansteenberghe, their partnership—termed “Nicolandria”—captivated audiences, leading them to secure a second-place finish, which was celebrated by CNN as a cherished chapter in reality television history. Their relationship persisted beyond the show, with the couple engaging in collaborative brand projects.
Following her time on Love Island, Carthen shifted her focus to a full-time modeling and digital creator career, signing with Digital Brand Architects (DBA) and later with United Talent Agency (UTA). Her appealing on-camera presence, refined style, and substantial Gen-Z audience made her a sought-after collaborator for a variety of major brands, including Kulani Kinis, Sweetgreen, and NYX Cosmetics. Notably, her partnership with NYX featured a viral “Nicolandria” lip kit, which sold out rapidly and reinforced her influence in the commercial realm. Carthen's brand affiliations reflect her unique blend of authenticity, Southern appeal, and polished elegance.
Carthen’s impact extended into high fashion, where she swiftly made her way into the industry. Styled by Matthew and
