Olandria quickly went from being a reality TV contestant to someone people across the country started paying attention to. After appearing on Love Island USA season 7, she captured national attention with poise, intelligence, and authenticity. Finishing as runner-up on Love Island USA in 2025 showed viewers that she had staying power beyond the show.
Fans embraced the viral Nicolandria relationship, while brands recognized her influence as a growing Gen Z influencer. A proud Tuskegee University graduate, she blends beauty with purpose, using her platform to advocate for education and representation. Today, she is building a career that blends entertainment, fashion, and advocacy in a way that feels intentional and personal.
Olandria Carthen Overview
Olandria Carthen, born Olandria Lashae Carthen, stepped into national attention through Love Island USA and quickly became more than a reality contestant.
During season 7 of Love Island USA, viewers began seeing her as more than just another contestant. By the finale, she stood as the Love Island USA runner-up 2025, proving her influence extended far beyond the villa.
What drew people to her most was how genuine she seemed on screen. Viewers connected with her calm confidence and emotional intelligence. Media outlets like CNN even labeled the Nicolandria relationship a pop culture phenomenon. She is now considered one of the standout reality TV personalities of 2025 and is steadily making her mark in fashion.
Early Life and Education
Before cameras and couture, Olandria grew up in Alabama with strong family values. As a proud Tuskegee University graduate, she represents academic excellence. She became a First-generation college graduate, majoring in logistics and supply chain management. Earning her degree helped shape the focus and determination she brings to her career today.
Her advocacy runs deep. Olandria speaks proudly as an HBCU advocate, often sharing how her education built her confidence. Through campaigns like the Microsoft Copilot HBCU campaign, she highlights the power of historically Black institutions. Her mix of confidence, intelligence, and style is a big part of why people connect with her.
Breakthrough on Love Island
Her time on Love Island USA became a turning point in her life. Inside the villa, Olandria showed composure under pressure. Her bond with Nicolas Vansteenberghe created the viral Nicolandria relationship. Fans rooted for them daily. Social media engagement soared across platforms.
The show elevated her visibility nationwide. As a growing Gen Z influencer, she used the spotlight wisely. Instead of letting the spotlight fade, she used the attention to open new doors. Rather than fading after the finale, Olandria sharpened her focus and expanded her reach.
Career Growth and Agency Signing With UTA
After the show, Olandria signed with Digital Brand Architects, later securing United Talent Agency (UTA) support. Signing with United Talent Agency was a major step forward in her career. Talent agencies recognized that she had the potential to build a long-term career.
Brand partnerships followed quickly. She collaborated on the NYX Cosmetics Nicolandria lip kit, which sold out within minutes. She secured Brand partnerships with Amazon and Hyundai along with beauty collaborations. The table below highlights her early brand momentum.
| Category | Brand Examples |
|---|---|
| Beauty | NYX, Vaseline |
| Fashion | UGG, Reebok |
| Tech | Microsoft |
| Lifestyle | Amazon, DoorDash |
Her work in the UGG Fluff Momma campaign and Reebok Angel Reese 1 campaign expanded her commercial portfolio.
Olandria Carthen at Paris Couture Week
The fashion industry quickly began taking notice of her. During New York Fashion Week 2025, she made her Fashion Week runway debut walking in the Sergio Hudson Spring Summer 2026 show. Styled by Matthew and Reginald Reisman, She made a strong impression with her confident runway walk and bold styling.
Soon after, she achieved her Paris Haute Couture Week debut, earning praise from W Magazine. She attended the Off-White Spring 2026 show, the Alexander Wang Spring 2026 presentation, and the Theophilio fashion show. Designers such as Rahul Mishra, Valentino, and Robert Wun styled her in standout looks that elevated her presence at the events.
Filmography and Media Appearances
Although known for reality TV, Olandria expanded into broader media spaces. She appeared on red carpets including the MTV Video Music Awards 2025 red carpet and the Golden Globe Awards red carpet. Her elegance drew commentary from Vogue and Glamour.
She attended the CFDA Fashion Awards appearance at the American Museum of Natural History, wearing designs by Brandon Blackwood and Christian Siriano. Her public interviews showcase poise. Observers now speculate about future hosting or acting roles.
Awards, Recognition, and Public Influence
Her growing influence soon began earning public recognition. Olandria became an EBONY People’s Choice Award winner at the EBONY Power 100 Gala. She appeared alongside icons like Tracee Ellis Ross and Beyoncé. She later earned status as a The Root 100 honoree and joined the REVOLT Power List Creators category.
Major publications began featuring her story and highlighting her work. Ad Age named her among the Top breakout creators of 2025. Cosmopolitan selected her for the Cosmopolitan Z-Stars Class of 2025. She also appeared on the Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam cover and the Glamour holiday cover 2025, helping her reach audiences beyond the United States.
Personal Brand, Style & Social Media Presence
Olandria’s style blends Southern grace with high-fashion daring. Whether attending the Glamour Women of the Year Awards or speaking at Harvard Business School, she communicates authenticity. She connects deeply with followers who admire her education advocacy.
She is intentional about what she shares on social media. She posts behind-the-scenes fashion moments and campus visits. During speeches as a Higher education advocacy speaker, she shares encouragement with young women. Because she balances high-fashion moments with honest conversations, her followers continue to support her.
Public Reception, Media Coverage & Related Stories
Major media outlets closely followed her rise in popularity. CNN highlighted the cultural impact of Nicolandria. Ad Age praised her branding intelligence. Fashion critics commended her consistent red carpet evolution.
Her presence at events like the Golden Globe Awards positioned her among elite entertainers such as Denzel Washington and Kendrick Lamar. Meanwhile, appearances alongside figures like Kamala Harris at recognition lists reinforced her image as someone using her platform with purpose.
FAQS
What does Olandria do in real life?
Olandria Carthen is a model, influencer, and television personality, working with major brands and appearing on reality TV.
Is Nic and Olandria still together?
Yes, Olandria and Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe remain in a relationship, famously called the Nicolandria couple by fans.
What is Olandria ethnicity?
Olandria Carthen is African-American, representing diversity in media and fashion.
What part of Alabama is Olandria from?
She was born and raised in Decatur, Alabama, in the northern part of the state.
Who is the richest person from Love Island?
The wealthiest Love Island USA alum varies by earnings, but currently, contestants like Olandria Carthen and top influencers have lucrative brand deals.
I write about the world of luxury, from timeless style to premium living, inspiring readers to embrace elegance in everyday life.
