Olandria Carthen | |
|---|---|
| Born | Olandria Lashae Carthen May 29, 1998 Decatur, Alabama, U.S. |
| Other names | Bama Barbie |
| Alma mater | Tuskegee University |
| Occupation | Television personality · model |
| Years active | 2025–present |
| Known for | Love Island USA Season 7 (runner-up) |
Olandria Lashae Carthen [1] [2] (born May 29, 1998), known by the nickname "Bama Barbie", is an American television personality and model. She gained prominence as a contestant on Season 7 of Love Island (2025), where she finished as a runner-up alongside Nic Vansteenberghe. [3]
Carthen was born and raised in Decatur, Alabama. Her parents had her while they were in the 10th grade, and she is the oldest of six children. She attended Decatur High School before enrolling at Tuskegee University, where she studied Supply Chain Management and became a first-generation college graduate. [4] [5] Prior to her television career, Carthen worked as a sales associate with the Otis Elevator Company. [6]
Carthen entered the villa on Day 1 of Love Island USA Season 7. She was initially paired with Taylor Williams and later coupled with Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe after Casa Amor, forming the popular “Nicolandria” pairing. The couple reached the final and placed second. [7]
Following her success on Love Island, Carthen pursued a modeling career, appearing in multiple campaigns with Vansteenberghe. In August 2025, she signed with Digital Brand Architects (DBA), a management firm owned by United Talent Agency. [8] In August 2025, Carthen and Vansteenberghe featured together in a campaign for Australian swimwear brand Kulani Kinis. The campaign, shot in Greece, showcased the couple modeling a curated collection of prints selected by Vansteenberghe. [9] The duo also appeared in a television advertisement for Agua de Kefir, a water-based kefir beverage. The playful ad featured Carthen lounging poolside while Vansteenberghe served drinks, capturing the couple's chemistry and charm. [10]
In collaboration with NYX Professional Makeup, Carthen and Vansteenberghe launched the "Nicolandria Lip Combo," inspired by Carthen's signature lip look. The product sold out within hours of its release, highlighting the couple's influence in the beauty industry. [11]
She made her New York Fashion Week debut in 2025, walking in a pre-show and later appearing on the runway for designer Sergio Hudson. [12] The same year, she was named Best Dressed at the MTV Video Music Awards. [13]
Carthen also collaborated with Microsoft Copilot and returned to her alma mater, Tuskegee University, for a back-to-school event. [14]
Nicknamed 'Bama Barbie,' Carthen is recognized for her Southern roots, impeccable fashion sense, and vibrant personality that captivated the Love Island audience.
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Love Island USA | Runner-up; season 7 | [16] |