The “Bama Barbie” from Love Island USA Season 7 who currently is 27 years old will soon turn 28. Her journey from Alabama roots to reality TV fame and beyond makes her a rising icon in entertainment and modeling.
Who Is Olandria?
Olandria Carthen isn’t just a reality star; she combines Southern toughness with her exceptional charm to create her unique personality. She was born in Decatur Alabama but now lives in Houston Texas where she works as an elevator sales specialist for Otis Elevator Co. while pursuing modeling and influencer opportunities.
Her major success happened in Love Island USA Season 7 when she competed in 2025 and finished second with Nic Vansteenberghe. Fans love her because she shows real emotions through her performances which include her initial accent loss and later full accent adoption.
Olandria has developed into a major cultural force who won the Power 100 award from Ebony Magazine while competing against top celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross. She has participated in New York Fashion Week while creating vlogs and establishing her dedicated “Nicolandria Nation” fan base which she represents through butterfly symbols.
Early Life and Background
Olandria’s story starts in the heart of Decatur, Alabama, a small town that instilled deep family values and resilience. Born into a humble household as a first-generation college graduate, she grew up navigating life’s challenges with a no-nonsense attitude shaped by her surroundings.
Her Southern upbringing emphasized hard work and community—think barbecues, close-knit neighbors, and lessons in perseverance. Olandria often shares how this background fueled her ambition, crediting it for her ability to hustle in corporate America while dreaming bigger.
Moving to Houston marked a pivotal shift, exposing her to urban energy while keeping her grounded. It’s this blend of rural charm and city savvy that defines her today, making her relatable to fans nationwide.
Education and Childhood
The period from 1938 to 2023 marks the complete scope of your data training. The combination of classroom education and summer work and family backing together helped Olandria to achieve her best results. She attended local schools where her outgoing personality shone, but academics were her ticket out.
At Tuskegee University, an esteemed HBCU, she majored in supply chain management, graduating as the first in her family to earn a degree. The experience of college prepared her through discipline development which she learned from managing her academic schedule and employment and professional connections.
The years spent during her early life period developed her dedication to work because she would share stories about how she balanced her schoolwork with her actual business activities which helped her to gain knowledge and grow up to achieve success. Her commitment to advocacy work and her graceful demeanor show how Tuskegee’s tradition of Black excellence continues to impact her.
Olandria Age and Date of Birth
Born on May 29, 1998, Olandria Carthen is currently 27 years old, set to celebrate her 28th birthday in 2026. This age places her in that sweet spot of youthful vibrancy mixed with life-earned wisdom, perfect for her dynamic career phase.
Turning 28 amid rising fame symbolizes growth; fans speculate it’ll bring even bigger milestones like brand expansions. Her age resonates with millennials and Gen Z, who see her as a peer navigating love, work, and spotlight pressures.
Olandria Birthday and Zodiac Sign
Olandria’s birthday falls on May 29 each year, a date fans mark with butterfly emojis and tributes. As a Gemini, she’s the epitome of duality—playful yet profound, social butterfly with deep introspective layers that captivated Love Island viewers.
Olandria Biography (Detailed Profile)
Olandria’s profile reads like a modern success blueprint, evolving from corporate climber to entertainment powerhouse.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Olandria Carthen |
| Nicknames | Bama Barbie, Olan |
| Date of Birth | May 29, 1998 |
| Age (2026) | 28 |
| Birthplace | Decatur, Alabama |
| Residence | Houston, Texas |
| Ethnicity | African-American (Mixed heritage) |
| Zodiac | Gemini |
| Education | Tuskegee University (Supply Chain Management) |
| Professions | Elevator Sales Specialist, Model, Reality Star, Influencer |
| Social Handles | Instagram, TikTok: @x_0lan |
| Relationship | Dating Nic Vansteenberghe |
| Net Worth | ~$300K-$600K+ |
This snapshot highlights her versatility, from 9-to-5 stability to viral stardom, all while staying true to her roots.
Olandria Height, Weight & Physical Appearance
At 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and around 55 kg (121 lbs), Olandria’s slim, athletic build measures roughly 34-26-36 inches, with a jaw-dropping 22-inch waist. Dark brown hair (often styled edgy), warm brown eyes, and flawless skin earn her “Bama Barbie” crown.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) average; ranges 5’3″–5’8″ (160–173 cm) per sources |
| Weight | 121–130 lbs (55–59 kg) |
| Body Measurements | ~34-22-36 inches (bust-waist-hips); waist famously 22 inches |
| Hair | Dark brown, versatile (long waves to pixie cut teases) |
| Eyes | Warm brown/black |
| Build & Skin | Toned, petite athletic; flawless caramel tone |
Olandria Career Journey
How Olandria Started Her Career
Post-graduation, Olandria dove into logistics as a billing specialist at VOLT Power LLC in Alabama, mastering details under pressure. By 2022, she leveled up to Otis Elevator Co. in Houston, specializing in sales for high-rise modernizations—deals that keep skyscrapers moving smoothly.
Side hustles in freelance modeling built her portfolio and confidence, teaching her the ropes of self-presentation. This foundation of reliability and flair made her a prime Love Island pick, launching her into the spotlight.
Major Career Achievements
Love Island USA Season 7 catapulted her: runner-up status, “Nicolandria” virality, and Ebony Power 100 win that outshone theater legends. NYFW runway walks and magazine covers followed, cementing her as a style influencer.
She’s leveraged fame for endorsements, amassing followers who vibe with her real-talk content. Awards aside, her biggest win? Turning villa drama into a platform for empowerment and love.
Recent Projects and 2026 Updates
As of early 2026, Olandria and Nic are stronger, focusing on careers with vlogs, photoshoots (like her bold pixie cut), and collabs. She’s touring with events like the Butterfly Tour, dropping live updates, and hinting at home-buying and modeling contracts.
Expect 2026 expansions: potential TV gigs, beauty lines, and fan-voted surprises. Her Substack keeps followers looped on gratitude-driven plans, signaling a packed year ahead.
Is Olandria a Model?
Yes, Olandria Carthen is very much a model today. She’s transitioned from her Love Island USA Season 7 fame into a legitimate high-fashion career, landing major deals and runway spots.
Her Modeling Breakthrough
It started with freelance gigs pre-fame, but post-2025 Love Island, things exploded. She signed with top agencies like Digital Brand Architects (under UTA) and walked Sergio Hudson’s runway at New York Fashion Week in September 2025—huge for a reality star.
By November 2025, she inked a formal modeling deal, featured in Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam editorials, and modeled for UGG’s 2025 Fluff Momma campaign plus Reebok.
2026 Highlights
This year, Olandria debuted at Paris Haute Couture Week in Rahul Mishra’s Spring 2026 show, rocking a “Heart of Gold” mini-dress. She’s hit front rows for Off-White, Alexander Wang, Theophilio, Roberto Cavalli, and Blumarine, blending bold looks with her signature style.
Vogue praised her VMAs beauty look, and she’s eyeing more runways, calling modeling her “most buzz” passion alongside beauty and fashion.
Beyond the Runway
While still at Otis Elevator part-time, modeling’s her rocket fuel now—campaigns with NYX Cosmetics (“Nicolandria” lip kit sold out instantly), Kulani Kinis, and brands like YSL, Sephora. Ad Age named her a top 2025 breakout creator for smart brand-building.
Her “Bama Barbie” vibe and storytelling through clothes have insiders hooked, proving it’s not just hype—she’s a pro model thriving in 2026.
Family Background
Olandria maintains her family life as private family presence while sharing limited information about her mother’s influence who raised her in Decatur through tough love methods which included the phrase “Don’t disappoint me” to drive her career goals. As a first-gen grad, she honors this legacy quietly.
Her fame boundary-setting practice prevents any public information about her father and siblings from becoming available to the public. The people in her inner circle provide her with stable support which helps her during both the excitement of villa events and the aftermath of show success.
Relationship Status (Boyfriend/Husband)
Olandria and Nic Vansteenberghe are solidly together, their Love Island bond evolving into real-world “soul ties.” Family approvals and mutual career respect define them—no rush to marriage, just genuine growth.
Post-villa, they’ve navigated fame as a team, shutting down split rumors with cozy updates. Fans root for “Nicolandria” longevity, drawn to their friendship-first foundation.
Hobbies and Interests
Journaling grounds Olandria daily, paired with affirmations for mental clarity in chaos. Fashion experiments, travel vlogs, and fitness routines keep her energized—she swoons over country-boy skills like tire fixes.
Social media captions ooze self-trust, while empowering talks (like Her Campus chats) reveal her passion for inspiration. It’s this mix of introspection and adventure that keeps her relatable and radiant.
Television & Reality Credits
| Title | Role/Appearance | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Love Island USA (Season 7) | Contestant/Runner-Up | 2025 | Entered Day 1; coupled with Taylor Williams initially, then Nic Vansteenberghe; viral “Nicolandria” arc over 32 days; one of the show’s top couples. |
| Love Island USA Reunion Special | Guest | 2025 | Post-finale appearance discussing villa drama and romance. |
| Teen Vogue: Love Island Season 7 “I Dare You” | Guest (with Nic, Chelley, Ace) | 2025 | Fun promo segment testing boldness via truths/dares. |
| Entertainment Tonight Interview | Guest | 2025 | Life update at InStyle Imagemaker Awards; steamy kiss highlight. |
Olandria Net Worth in 2026
Olandria’s 2026 net worth hovers at $300,000 to $600,000+, blending Otis salary ($65K-$97K annually), Love Island earnings, modeling gigs, and endorsements. Vlogs and social deals accelerate growth.
Projections suggest seven figures soon, with smart investments like real estate on horizon. Her trajectory shows savvy monetization of fame without losing authenticity.
Interesting Facts About Olandria
- Seeks “country boys” who change tires, blending romance with practicality.
- Hid her Alabama twang on Love Island but now flaunts it proudly.
- First-gen Tuskegee grad who snagged Ebony Power 100 over Tony winners.
- Teases fan-voted looks like Halloween costumes and pixie cuts.
- “Nicolandria Nation” butterflies symbolize her transformative love story.
- Phone’s full of affirmations; she’s all about manifesting amid stardom.
Conclusion
Olandria Carthen has evolved from her beginnings as an Alabama small-town girl who worked as an elevator saleswoman into her present status as a successful model and Love Island star by the year 2026. Her genuine personality together with her “Nicolandria” relationship and her dedicated work ethic maintain fan interest.
FAQs
Olandria was born May 29, 1998, making her 27 now and turning 28 in 2026.
She’s in a committed relationship with Nic Vansteenberghe (“Nicolandria”). They’ve been solid since Love Island.
Estimated $300K–$600K+, from salary, Love Island prize, modeling, and social media sponsorships—poised for more growth.
Also read: Carl Ruiz: The Cuban Chef’s Life, Age, Bio, Career, Death, Wife, Net Worth and Legacy
