Olandria Lashae Carthen (born May 29, 1998) is an American model, influencer, public speaker, and television personality best known for her breakout appearance on Love Island USA Season 7 (2025), where she finished as the runner‑up alongside Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe. Her rise from a small Alabama upbringing to a nationally recognized media figure has made her one of the most influential Gen‑Z creators of 2025. Early Life & Education: Carthen was born in Decatur, Alabama, the eldest of six siblings. Raised by a teenage mother, she has spoken openly about the challenges and resilience that shaped her childhood. She attended Decatur High School, where she excelled academically and participated in student leadership and honors programs. She later enrolled at Tuskegee University, initially majoring in computer science before graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. She is a first‑generation college graduate, a point she frequently highlights in her public speaking and brand partnerships. Early Career: Before entering the public eye, Carthen worked in the corporate sector, including roles as a billing specialist and later as an associate sales specialist at Otis Elevator Co., supporting modernization projects and client operations. Her professional background in logistics and sales contributed to her reputation for discipline, communication, and work ethic. Alongside her corporate career, she modeled part‑time and built a growing social media presence focused on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Love Island USA (2025): Carthen entered Love Island USA Season 7 on Day 1 and quickly became one of the season’s most talked‑about contestants. Known for her Southern charm, confidence, and “Bama Barbie” persona, she became a fan favorite and a central figure in the season’s narrative. Her journey included several couplings, but her most significant connection formed with Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe. The pair ultimately finished in second place in the finale, and their relationship — dubbed “Nicolandria” — became a cultural phenomenon, praised by CNN as “a beloved part of reality couple history.” Their chemistry continued off‑screen, with the couple remaining together publicly and collaborating on multiple brand campaigns. Modeling & Brand Partnerships: After her breakout on Love Island USA, Carthen quickly transitioned into a full‑time career as a model and digital creator, signing with Digital Brand Architects (DBA) and later with United Talent Agency (UTA). Her warm on‑camera presence, polished aesthetic, and strong Gen‑Z following made her an in‑demand partner for major brands across fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and tech. She has collaborated with companies such as Kulani Kinis, Sweetgreen, Agua de Kefir, NYX Cosmetics, UGG, Reebok, Amazon, Microsoft, Vaseline, Shea Moisture, EOS, DoorDash, Uber, and Liquid I.V., among many others. Her partnership with NYX — particularly the viral “Nicolandria” lip kit inspired by her relationship with Nic Vansteenberghe — sold out within minutes and cemented her status as a creator with real commercial impact. Carthen’s brand work reflects her blend of authenticity, Southern charm, and polished glamour, making her one of the most sought‑after new faces in the influencer‑modeling space. Fashion Industry Impact: Carthen’s influence expanded beyond social media as she entered the high‑fashion world with surprising speed. Styled by Matthew and Reginald Reisman, she made her runway debut at Sergio Hudson’s Spring/Summer 2026 show during New York Fashion Week, a milestone that signaled her arrival as a legitimate fashion presence. She went on to appear at shows for Off‑White, Alexander Wang, Theophilio, Valentino Haute Couture, Rahul Mishra, and Robert Wun, earning praise from fashion editors for her poise, versatility, and striking camera presence. Publications such as Vogue, Marie Claire, W Magazine, and Glamour highlighted her as one of the standout new personalities of the season, with W Magazine dubbing her “Paris Couture Week’s New Sweetheart.” Her growing presence in couture and ready‑to‑wear circles has positioned her as a rising figure in the intersection of reality TV fame and high fashion. Media Commentary & Cultural Impact: Carthen’s body positivity, beauty standards, and public image have been widely discussed in cultural commentary spaces. A 2025 Substack analysis explored the public fascination with her appearance, the pressures placed on Black women in reality TV, and the discourse surrounding her “natural” body narrative. Public Speaking & Advocacy: Beyond modeling and entertainment, Carthen has emerged as a thoughtful public speaker and advocate, drawing on her experiences as a first‑generation college graduate and HBCU alumna. She frequently speaks about the importance of higher education, representation for Black women, and navigating professional spaces with authenticity. Her talks at institutions such as Texas A&M University, ZCON in Los Angeles, and Harvard Business School have been well‑received, with audiences praising her openness and relatability. Carthen’s collaboration with Microsoft Copilot — in which she highlighted the cultural and historical significance of Tuskegee University — further demonstrated her commitment to using her platform for meaningful storytelling. Her advocacy work blends personal narrative with broader cultural themes, making her a compelling voice for young professionals and students alike. Awards & Recognition: Carthen’s rapid rise in the entertainment and fashion industries has earned her significant recognition. She was honored with the EBONY People’s Choice Award as part of the EBONY Power 100 and was named to Cosmopolitan’s Z‑Stars Class of 2025. She also appeared on The Root 100 list and was included in REVOLT’s Power List in the Creators category. Her influence in beauty and fashion earned her the title of “Beauty of the Year” from Hello Beautiful, and she won the Reader’s Choice award for Content Creator of the Year at the Model of the Year Awards. Carthen has also graced magazine covers, including Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam — her first solo cover — and Glamour, where she appeared alongside Nic Vansteenberghe for a feature celebrating “The Year of Nicolandria.” These accolades reflect both her cultural impact and her growing prominence across multiple industries. Personal Life: Carthen and Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe continued their relationship after Love Island, becoming one of the most followed couples of the season. Their joint brand work and public appearances have solidified them as a standout reality‑TV success story. She continues to build her brand across Instagram, TikTok, and Linktree, sharing fashion, beauty, travel, and lifestyle content. Her x_olandria Instagram account has amassed over 2.3 million followers.