Olandria Carthen's 28th Birthday Marks a Year of Unstoppable Rise

Born in Decatur, Alabama, on May 29, 1998, Olandria Lashae Carthen is a first-generation college graduate, a testament to her drive and ambition. She earned her bachelor's degree in logistics, materials, and supply chain management from Tuskegee University in May 2022, after initially pursuing computer science. Before her public ascent, Carthen honed her professional skills as an elevator saleswoman for Otis Elevator Co. in Houston, Texas. Her entry into the public consciousness began precisely one year prior to her 28th birthday, on May 29, 2025, when she was announced as a contestant on the seventh season of Love Island USA, having previously turned down offers for the show in 2023 and 2024.

During her tenure on Love Island USA, Carthen quickly became a fan favorite, celebrated for her unwavering confidence, distinctive style, and Southern charm. She ultimately finished as a runner-up alongside Nic Vansteenberghe, forming a relationship that fans affectionately dubbed "Nicolandria." Their connection garnered significant media attention, with one major news outlet describing it as "a cultural phenomenon." As of May 2026, Carthen and Vansteenberghe remain a couple, having made a conscious decision to reduce their social media presence. Vansteenberghe publicly addressed this choice, explaining it stemmed from a desire to protect the authenticity of their relationship rather than performing it for public consumption.

Following her departure from Love Island USA, Carthen's career trajectory accelerated at an astonishing pace. She first signed with Digital Brand Architects, a move that quickly amplified her digital footprint, and later secured broader representation with United Talent Agency, accumulating millions of followers across various social media platforms. Her burgeoning influence did not go unnoticed by industry leaders. Ad Age recognized her as one of the top five breakout creators of 2025, and she was included in Cosmopolitan's Z-Stars Class of 2025, The Root 100, and the Revolt Power List in the Creators category, solidifying her status as a significant voice in contemporary culture.

Carthen rapidly established herself as a formidable presence in the fashion industry. September 2025 marked her runway debut at the Sergio Hudson Spring/Summer 2026 show during New York Fashion Week, a pivotal moment in her fashion journey. She also graced the red carpet at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards and attended prestigious events such as the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Awards and the Glamour Women of the Year Awards in November 2025. Her distinct style is often credited to her stylists, Matthew and Reginald Reisman. Beyond the runway and red carpet, Carthen has lent her modeling prowess to major campaigns, including UGG's global "Fluff Momma" initiative and Reebok's Angel Reese 1 campaign. In April 2026, she became the face of Barbie's "You Can Be Any Barbie" campaign at Coachella, an event that featured an immersive Barbie-sponsored "Ochella" activation designed to replicate a real-life Dreamhouse experience, perfectly aligning with her "Bama Barbie" persona.

Beyond her entertainment and fashion ventures, Carthen has leveraged her platform for meaningful advocacy and public speaking. She has passionately spoken about the critical importance of higher education and career development, even partnering with Microsoft Copilot to shine a light on the rich history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In October 2025, she championed higher education at the Her Conference "Butterfly Tour" held at Texas A&M University and shared insights on career longevity at ZCON in Los Angeles. Her commitment to her roots saw her return to her alma mater, Tuskegee University, as a special guest for a back-to-school event on August 27, 2025, and again for a homecoming event in October 2025. During these visits, she emphasized the profound role HBCUs play in shaping cultural identity and fostering a sense of belonging.

Reflecting on her pivotal college experience, Carthen shared, "The best five years of my life, literally. A lot of people would ask: Why would you choose to go to an HBCU? I'm like, I have the rest of my life to be a minority. I wanted to see how it felt to be a majority. When I walk around, I wake up… everybody looks like me, you know? The rest of my life, I have that to be a minority but it truly felt good to be a majority." She also candidly spoke about her personal achievement as the first in her family to graduate high school and college, stating, "Figuring out this journey day by day with no guidance has by far been the hardest thing I've done. Mother Tuskegee thank you for breaking me down and building me up into the strong fearless woman that I am today." Her dedication to inspiring others extends to her collaboration with McDonald's for their "First Job Confessional" campaign, launched on March 6, 2026, where she reflected on her foundational early work experiences.

Olandria Carthen's 28th birthday marks not just another year, but the culmination of a truly explosive period of growth and influence. From reality television to the forefront of fashion, beauty, and educational advocacy, she has skillfully built a dynamic brand that resonates deeply within Black culture and beyond. Her journey exemplifies the power of authenticity and strategic vision, positioning her as a figure whose next moves will undoubtedly continue to shape and inspire.