She announced herself to the world on her own birthday. She just walked out of it as a runner-up, a fashion icon, and one of the most talked-about women in reality TV. And millions of people still want to know the basics — how old is Olandria, where is she now, and what is she doing in 2026?
Olandria Age: The Fast Facts
Olandria Carthen was born on May 29, 1998. That makes her 27 years old right now in May 2026, with her 28th birthday just days away. She is a Gemini. She was born and raised in Decatur, Alabama, and her full name is Olandria Lashae Carthen.
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Olandria Lashae Carthen |
| Date of Birth | May 29, 1998 |
| Age (May 2026) | 27, turning 28 |
| Star Sign | Gemini |
| Birthplace | Decatur, Alabama |
| Nickname | Bama Barbie |
| Education | Tuskegee University |
| Love Island Season | USA Season 7 (2025) |
| Finish | Runner-up |
| Partner | Nic Vansteenberghe |
| Status (April 2026) | Still together |
Who Is Olandria Carthen?
Olandria Carthen is an American model, influencer, and television personality. She became widely known after appearing on Love Island USA Season 7 in 2025, where she finished as runner-up alongside Nic Vansteenberghe.
Before the villa, she was a sales professional at Otis Elevator Co. and a first-generation college graduate from Tuskegee University. The fame came fast, but the foundation was already there.
Her Background and Nickname
Olandria grew up in Decatur, Alabama — a city most people outside the South could not place on a map. She is the eldest of five siblings, with two younger sisters and three younger brothers. Her Southern roots earned her the nickname “Bama Barbie,” which stuck well after she left Alabama.
She graduated from Tuskegee University with a degree in logistics, materials, and supply chain management. She had initially enrolled in computer science but changed course. After graduating, she moved into corporate sales, working in the elevator industry at Otis Elevator Co.
Why People Search for Olandria’s Age
The search spike around Olandria’s age is not random. Her debut on Love Island USA was announced on May 29, 2025 — her birthday. That timing made her age a talking point from the very first day. Viewers who fell in love with her story immediately started searching for basic facts: how old is she, where is she from, what does she do?
The search interest has not let up since. Olandria kept delivering reasons for people to look her up, from fashion weeks to awards ceremonies to continued relationship updates with Nic.
Love Island USA Season 7: Olandria’s Journey
Love Island USA Season 7 aired in summer 2025 on Peacock. Olandria entered the villa on Day 1 as one of the original islanders. She finished as a runner-up alongside her partner, Nic Vansteenberghe.
Their pairing took time to form. Olandria actually kissed Nic in the blindfold challenge on Day 1 before she initially coupled up with someone else.
She later described the slow burn between them as what made their connection feel real. By the end of the season, the Nicolandria pairing had become a fan phenomenon, described by CNN as “a cultural phenomenon.”
Representation in the Villa
Olandria received significant media attention during the season for what she represented beyond the romance. As a dark-skinned Black woman, she drew attention from viewers who saw her presence — and her success — as meaningful for representation in reality TV.
Publications including CNN highlighted the cultural significance of Nicolandria beyond the love story itself. She also handled difficult moments with composure. The post-season reunion addressed racism allegations that had surfaced online, and her response earned widespread praise from media outlets and fans.
Olandria and Nic Vansteenberghe: Age Difference and Relationship
Olandria is 27, turning 28 in May 2026. Nic Vansteenberghe was born on March 20, 2001. That makes him 25 years old as of 2026. The age gap between them is about three years, with Olandria as the older partner.
As of April 2026, they are confirmed to still be together. They are the last remaining couple from Season 7 of Love Island USA.
What Olandria Has Said About Their Relationship
In a January 2026 interview on the Golden Globes red carpet, Olandria told reporters that she and Nic had chosen to prioritize their individual careers first before leaning fully into the Nicolandria brand. She described it as a deliberate decision, not a sign of distance.
She also shared that she would love to work on a project specifically centered on their relationship together in 2026, in addition to her solo goals in acting and modeling. That kind of transparency about their dynamic has kept fan interest high and helped them avoid the relationship drama that affected other couples from the same season.
Nic’s 2026 Career
While Olandria’s career has leaned heavily into fashion and brand partnerships, Nic has pursued DJing alongside modeling. His track “3AM (Remix)” with Łaszewo reached 2 million Spotify streams as of April 2026, and he has a North American tour scheduled between April and August 2026. He has also appeared on the Today Show and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
Olandria’s Career After Love Island: 2025 to 2026
The pace of Olandria’s career after the villa has been extraordinary. She signed with Digital Brand Architects and then with United Talent Agency for representation across publishing, television, digital media, and more. From there, every few months brought a new milestone.
Fashion and Modeling
Olandria made her runway debut at Sergio Hudson’s Spring/Summer 2026 show during New York Fashion Week in September 2025. She attended shows by Off-White, Alexander Wang, and Theophilio the same week. Vogue featured her following her red carpet debut at the 2025 MTV VMAs.
By January 2026, she had made her Paris Haute Couture Week debut. She attended shows by Valentino and Robert Wun, and was a featured guest at Rahul Mishra’s Spring 2026 couture show in a dress that was later viewed by French President Emmanuel Macron.
In February 2026, she made her Milan Fashion Week debut, completing her debut at three of the four major international fashion weeks in less than six months.
She has also modeled for UGG’s “Fluff Momma” global campaign, Reebok’s Angel Reese 1 campaign, and was the face of Barbie’s “You Can Be Any Barbie” campaign at Coachella.
Awards and Recognition
The awards followed quickly. In October 2025, Olandria won the EBONY Power 100 People’s Choice Award and appeared on the magazine’s Power Issue cover. Ad Age named her one of the top five breakout creators of 2025. She was included in Cosmopolitan’s Z-Stars Class of 2025, named to The Root 100, and included in the Revolt Power List.
In December 2025, she spoke at Harvard Business School on leadership, authenticity, and navigating professional spaces as a Black woman. She received the Women in Business Power and Purpose Award at Harvard’s Undergraduate Women in Business Annual Gala.
She made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut in the magazine’s 2026 issue and walked the red carpet at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards.
Advocacy and Speaking
Olandria has used her platform consistently for causes beyond entertainment. As a first-generation college graduate, she has partnered with Microsoft Copilot to spotlight the history of Tuskegee University and the importance of HBCUs.
She has spoken at multiple conferences including the Her Conference “Butterfly Tour” stop at Texas A&M and ZCON in Los Angeles.
In a March 2026 interview with TheGrio, she said she is in a season of intentional stillness. She described her advice to younger women: embrace where you start, because your first job, your first struggle, your first season — that is where you build the skills you carry everywhere.
Olandria’s Social Media Presence
Olandria’s Instagram account (@olandria) has surpassed 2.3 million followers as of 2026. Her TikTok account (@olandria_carthen) has grown to 1.8 million followers. Her content covers travel, fashion, daily life, and advocacy.
She is intentional about her brand partnerships. Her deals have included Amazon, Visa, Hyundai, Aveeno, Vaseline, Yves Saint Laurent, Sephora, NYX Cosmetics, Agua de Kefir, Kulani Kinis, and Sweetgreen, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Olandria Carthen in 2026?
She is 27, turning 28 on May 29, 2026.
When is Olandria Carthen’s birthday?
May 29, 1998 — the same date Love Island USA Season 7 announced her as a cast member in 2025.
What is the age difference between Olandria and Nic Vansteenberghe?
Olandria is about three years older — she was born May 29, 1998, and Nic was born March 20, 2001.
Are Olandria and Nic still together in 2026?
Yes — as of April 2026, they are confirmed to still be in a relationship.
What is Olandria Carthen doing now in 2026?
She is modeling internationally, attending global fashion weeks, partnering with major brands, and has expressed interest in exploring acting.
Conclusion
Olandria Carthen turned 27 inside a villa that made her famous, and she has spent every month since building something that will last well beyond reality TV. She is a Tuskegee-educated, Alabama-rooted, fashion-week-walking woman who is only getting started at 27. Her story in 2026 is one of the most complete post-Love Island rises on record.
